Three days later, Malik received a phone call.
He was sitting in his apartment when his phone rang.
Unknown number.
He almost ignored it.
Then answered.
"Hello?"
A man's voice came through.
"Mr. Amari?"
"Yes."
"This is the sporting director of a club in the second division."
Malik sat upright.
"I'd like to discuss an opportunity."
Malik said nothing.
The man continued.
"We've been following your work at Miraflores."
Malik looked toward the window.
The city was quiet.
The same city that had once barely noticed him.
Now another club wanted him.
"I appreciate the call."
"We'd like you to come for an interview."
Malik hesitated.
Then asked:
"Why me?"
The answer came immediately.
"Because you took a team everyone expected to collapse and made them believe they could win."
The call ended shortly afterward.
Malik placed the phone down.
For several minutes, he didn't move.
Then another notification appeared.
Another club.
Another message.
Another interest.
He stared at the screen.
And for the first time, he understood what Elena had meant.
People were coming for him.
That evening, Malik returned to the training ground.
Raúl was still there.
So was Adrian.
Mateo was finishing extra shooting.
Malik watched them quietly.
Raúl noticed him.
"You look worried."
Malik smiled.
"Do I?"
"Yes."
Raúl walked toward him.
"What happened?"
Malik looked at the pitch.
"Nothing."
Raúl studied him.
Then nodded.
"Whatever it is…"
He looked at the players.
"Don't forget who you are."
Malik smiled.
"I won't."
But as he walked away, his phone vibrated again.
Another offer.
This one from a club with more money.
Better facilities.
Better players.
A much bigger salary.
Malik stared at the message.
Then looked back at Miraflores.
For the first time since becoming their manager…
he had a decision to make.
And whatever he chose would determine what came next.