Chapter 41 – Still Standing
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AFTER ONE WEEK
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Matchday 2: Crystal Palace vs Manchester United
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The moment Nathan stepped out of the team bus, he felt it.
Selhurst Park was tight. Old-school. No towering megastructure. No polished, glass-clad arena hum. Just a compact, snarling stadium with fans almost leaning over the pitch. The air reeked of fried onions, sweat, and hostility.
And it was loud already.
"Oi, Perry!""Back to the academy, mate!""Should've stayed in your dad's shadow!"
Nathan didn't flinch.
He just adjusted his jacket, gave a quick nod to a steward, and headed into the tunnel.
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Before the Match
"New stars aren't welcome here," Valverde murmured, leaning in as they changed into their kits. His Spanish accent curled around the words
Nathan tied his laces tighter, then glanced up with that calm, razor-edge smile.
"They'll be clapping by the end."
Valverde raised a brow. "Confident."
"Conviction," Nathan corrected, standing. "Let's make it loud."
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