The Deal

Elena froze. Every word that came out of Vittorio's mouth was an absolute command. And even though it meant challenging her authority as the club's highest figure, she couldn't do anything. "May I ask why?"

"Are you suddenly interested in our business, dear?" Vittorio's tone turned hostile. He had made one thing clear from the beginning: no women were to be involved in illegal affairs.

"W-well, this is the club I manage. And when someone suddenly tells us to deliberately lose, as the person in charge, I have to know the reason."

"Tsk, tsk, tsk." Vittorio pulled out a cigar, and one of his men lit it for him. He blew smoke in Elena's face. "Look at this little girl. Talking as if she's suddenly an adult with real responsibility, but doesn't even know what we're discussing."

Vittorio shrugged. "Alright, if you insist, it's simple. Your team's positive streak has caused the odds to fluctuate. The current odds against Spezia are 1.50 to 3.00."

Elena's eyes widened. "1.50 for…"

"Yes, for Aeterna."

Even though Elena wasn't much of a gambler, let alone into football betting, she knew how to read odds.

Before betting opens, bookmakers set odds that determine the payout for winners. The odds are influenced by various factors, including the probability of a team winning. The team expected to win usually has lower odds.

For example, in a match between Manchester United and Borussia Monchengladbach, Manchester United, being a dominant club in recent years, would have much higher chances of winning. This could be represented as:

0.50 for Manchester United to win,

6.0 for Borussia Monchengladbach to win,

3.00 for a draw.

The same applies to the bet between Spezia and Aeterna. Spezia, the underdog, has higher odds, outlined as follows:

1.50 for Aeterna to win,

3.00 for Spezia to win,

1.00 for a draw.

This means if someone bets on Aeterna winning, they would get 1.5 times their money if Aeterna wins. If they bet on Spezia, they would earn 3 times their wager if Spezia wins. And if they bet on a draw, they would get back their money.

The 1.50 odds were the lowest Aeterna had ever received. Their previous lowest was 3.00. Aeterna had always been viewed as a weak team by bookmakers, often receiving odds above 10.

"It's an easy task, right? It's just a friendly match, and you won't lose anything. You agree, don't you, dear?"

Elena nodded weakly. "Yes, Papa."

"But I don't agree."

'That voice...'

Elena instinctively slapped her forehead as she saw Rashid stepping out of the car.

"And who are you?" Vittorio asked, clearly annoyed. He wasn't the type to tolerate interruptions.

"I'm Rashid Alfaro, Aeterna's new head coach. I don't know what kind of hold you have over Ms. Marino, but I won't allow any cheating. We've built a strong foundation these past few weeks, and I won't let someone like you destroy our momentum."

Vittorio sneered. "Whatever nonsense you're talking about doesn't matter. The outcome won't change."

"Not even with this?" Rashid pulled out his phone and played back the conversation between Elena and Vittorio. "Next time, you might want to speak more quietly in a more private place."

"And? What are you going to do with that? Give it to the media? I have nothing to fear. No one would dare make it public."

"That might be true in Italy." Rashid smiled faintly. "But I have some friends in UEFA. Ever since the Calciopoli scandal, they've been keeping a close eye on Italy, and they'd be more than happy to get solid evidence to take down one of the key players."

Rashid had done his research. When he first heard the name Marino, it sparked a memory. A quick search on the internet confirmed his suspicions.

The Marino family was a traditional Italian family deeply involved in both legal and illegal gambling. In the '90s, recognizing the potential in football, they made shrewd investments.

Not in lower leagues, but directly in Serie A, where world-class stars played and global attention was focused.

Their involvement was exposed in the Calciopoli scandal, forever tarnishing the reputation of Italian football.

"You're bluffing." Vittorio's face darkened.

"You can check my resume if you'd like. Or you could just ask Ms. Marino what kind of person I am."

Vittorio chuckled. "You've got guts, Mr. Alfaro. I'll give you that. But…" At that moment, several burly men stepped out of the car, looking like enforcers. "Nobody said you'd be leaving here with something that important, did they?"

"And no one said I only have one copy." Rashid shrugged. "So, instead of ending this with unnecessary bloodshed, how about I make you an offer?"

Vittorio remained silent, sizing Rashid up. Rashid knew the situation was dangerous, and every second mattered.

"We will beat Spezia, I guarantee it. If we lose, you can do whatever you want with me."

Vittorio paused, his expression softening. It seemed he felt in control again, ready to turn the situation to his advantage. "And if you win?"

"You already know what I'm asking for." Rashid took a deep breath and made his demand. "No more interference of any kind. I want you to hand over full control of the club to Ms. Marino."