Rise Of Michael Jordan

Chapter 10

I didn’t speak for a long while, the silence stretching between us until Seraphina’s voice broke in, smooth but laced with curiosity.

“Captain Kael… are you still there?”

I drew in a breath, steadying myself. “Yes, I’m here. Tell the President not to worry. If this is about Mia, then he has nothing to fear. I’ll make sure nothing happens to her.”

There was a pause, then her voice softened with rare sincerity. “Thank you, Kael.”

But before she could end the call, I added, “I also have something to ask you, Miss Seraphina.”

Her tone lifted, amused. “You’re free to go on. Ask anything you want.”

“It’s about the Delacroix contract,” I said firmly. “I believe that company can execute it. If it can be granted… it would mean a lot.”

She didn’t hesitate. “That will not be a problem. I’ll propose it to the board myself, and I’ll make sure they sign the contract with them.”

A rush of gratitude surged through me. “Thank you. Thank you so much.”

The line clicked off.

For the first time in days, I felt something like relief. At least one of my worries had been lessened. If I could secure that contract for my brother, his position in the family would rise—no one would dare look down on him again. This was more than just business; it was redemption for him.

And the task I’d been given wasn’t impossible. In truth, it was sweet. I’d already been growing close to Mia, her room was right in front of mine. All I had to do was keep watch, safeguard her. Protecting her was simpler than any battlefield mission.

I reached the dorm quickly, my thoughts already planning out the days ahead. Out of instinct, I turned toward Mia’s room, wanting to check if she was asleep.

That’s when I noticed it.

Her door. Ajar.

My eyes narrowed. The frame splintered, the lock bent. It had been forced.

I shoved it open, my senses firing on edge. The room was chaos—drawers overturned, sheets pulled to the floor, a lamp broken in half. Signs of a struggle, sharp and violent.

“Mia…” I muttered under my breath, my pulse spiking. She’d been taken. Kidnapped.

I bolted out of the room and down the hall, pulling out my phone with practiced speed. My fingers flew across the screen, dialing Seraphina.

She answered instantly. “Kael?”

“I think Mia’s been kidnapped,” I snapped, already pacing toward the exit. “Her room’s trashed. She’s gone.”

There was silence for only a beat, then Seraphina’s voice sharpened. “Give me a minute. I’ll find her location.”

The call dropped.

I strode out into the night, my fists clenching, eyes scanning the street. Every second counted.

The phone rang again. I snatched it up.

“Kael,” Seraphina’s voice returned, cool but urgent. “Go to The Black Orchid Club. That’s where she is.”

__________________________

Mia’s muffled cry pulled at the walls of the Black Orchid. Tied to a chair, ropes biting into her wrists, she thrashed against the restraints. Sweat ran down her temple as the guards—two heavy-built men with dead eyes—mocked her struggle.

“Don’t stress yourself, girl,” one sneered. “You think you can break that rope? You’ll only lose your hands.”

“Who the f**k are you?” Mia spat, her voice rough but defiant.

Before they could reply, the door creaked, then burst open.

A man swaggered in, blue jeans hanging low, a heavy black jacket weighing on his frame. Black sunglasses covered his eyes though the room was dim, and four glinting rings adorned his thick fingers. His name spread through the underworld like poison—**Kane “Four Rings” Veylor**. The loan shark.

“Well, well,” Kane drawled, grinning wide enough to show his gold tooth. “Who do we have here? Ohh… the scammer who borrows money and doesn’t want to pay it back.”

He stalked toward Mia, each step heavy with menace. His hand shot out, fingers curling around her neck, twisting just enough to make her choke on the pain.

Mia winced, her voice breaking but proud. “I… I made a promise! I said I’d return the ten grand! I just need—just need a little time—”

Her plea was cut short by the vicious crack of his palm across her cheek. The rings split her lip.

“You *dare* talk back to me after duping me of that much?” Kane snarled. “There’s no turning back from the promises you made. You know the rules. Fail to pay… and I sell you off. Lucky for you—someone’s already ready to buy.”

As if on cue, the door opened again. A man waddled in, belly first, his silk shirt straining over his gut. Sweat beaded his forehead even though he hadn’t climbed a stair. He was known in the city for his cruelty wrapped in wealth—**Erwin Callas**, younger brother to the former Mayor.

“Mr. Callas!” Kane spread his arms wide in mock respect. “Welcome, welcome. Here’s the girl I told you about.”

Erwin’s eyes gleamed the moment they landed on Mia. He licked his lips, turning to his guard. “Doesn’t she look beautiful? A fine little gem.”

The guard chuckled low. “Yes, sir. She’s an epitome.”

Erwin stepped closer, his eyes not leaving Mia’s chest. His voice dropped oily low. “Such a waste to keep you tied, sweetheart. Why don’t you—”

“Don’t you *dare* touch me!” Mia snapped, her voice cracking but fierce.

The slap came so fast it cracked the air. Kane’s rings caught her cheek again. “How *dare* you talk like that to my customer? Do you know who this man is? Show respect!”

Mia’s chin trembled, blood on her lip, but she didn’t cower. “And do you know who I am? You’ll regret this when you find out who I am!”

Her words drew nothing but roaring laughter from Erwin. He doubled over, holding his gut. “Who the hell are you supposed to be, girl? Do you not know who *I* am? This city runs under my name!”

Their banter ended in cruelty. Erwin’s grin twisted as he leaned forward and with one tug, tore open Mia’s bra. The room filled with the sharp sound of fabric ripping, her chest exposed to their hungry eyes.

And that’s when I made my entrance.

Glass shattered above them as I burst through the ceiling window. The men staggered back in shock, eyes wide. Dust and fragments hit the floor as I landed crouched, my boots cracking the wooden tiles.

I rose slow, deliberate, my gaze cutting across the five of them.

“Sorry about the property damage,” I said, my voice low, dangerous.

My eyes locked instantly with Mia’s. Her breath hitched. “Kael…” she whispered, her voice trembling with both fear and relief.

Erwin’s face twisted. “And who the hell is this?!”

I didn’t look at him. My gaze remained fixed on Mia’s torn clothes, her humiliation blazing in my chest like fire. My jaw clenched. “Who the hell tore Mia’s clothes?”

One of the guards puffed his chest, stepping forward. “I did. Who the hell are y—”

My hand lashed out before his sentence finished. The slap cracked like thunder. His body lifted, flipped backward, slammed head-first into the ground. The sound of his skull hitting concrete silenced the room. Blood pooled instantly. Everyone looked shocked, a guard gently went ahead to check him out.

"He's dead."

The others froze, horror etched into their faces.

Erwin’s eyes widened, he stumbled backward like a coward. His lips trembled as he stammered, “G-guards! What are you waiting for? Deal with him! Kill him!”

Four men in black uniforms stepped forward, their blades glinting under the dim light. They charged at me without hesitation, perhaps thinking I’d be an easy kill.

They couldn’t have been more wrong.

The first swung his sword at my head—I ducked, catching his wrist mid-air, and slammed my elbow into his jaw with enough force to send him crashing into the wall. The second guard lunged from behind, but I spun, driving my fist straight into his gut. He wheezed, folding like paper, before I kicked him hard in the chest. His body flew across the floor.

The third and fourth attacked at once—one from the left, one from the right. My blood thrummed, sharp and steady. I caught the left one by the collar, used his weight against him, and flung him into his comrade. They both tumbled onto the ground in a heap, groaning in pain.

Within seconds, the room fell silent. Every guard was writhing on the floor. None dared to rise again.

I dusted off my hands slowly, my eyes piercing into Erwin and Kane. They froze where they stood. Cowards.

“I’ll make this simple,” I said, my voice calm but dangerous. I pointed toward Mia, tied to the chair, her eyes wide with fear and hope. “I’m taking her with me. And if there’s anyone here who thinks otherwise…” I let my gaze sweep the room. “…step forward and challenge me now.”

No one moved. Not even Kane.

I strode over to Mia, my hands careful as I untied the ropes cutting into her wrists. She blinked rapidly, her lips parting in disbelief as she rose shakily to her feet. The moment she touched my arm, she leaned into me like her strength had finally given out. I steadied her instantly.

I looked back at Erwin one last time. “I’ll let this settle… for now. But if you ever try anything funny with Mia again—” I leaned forward, my voice a growl, “—I won’t hesitate to come back and kill you on the spot.”

Their silence was the sweetest answer.

With Mia by my side, I walked out of that cursed room. She glanced at me, astonishment written all over her face as though she couldn’t believe I was really there.

We stepped into the night, the cold air brushing against our skin. I never let go of her hand, and neither did she. Even as we walked down the street, people turned to look at us, but I didn’t care.

When we reached the terminal, though, my eyes fell on her clothes. Her blouse was still half-open, revealing more than it should. My jaw tightened.

“Mia,” I muttered, stopping us. She looked up at me curiously. I gestured at her chest. “Cover yourself. Button up.”

She glanced down and gasped softly, her cheeks flushing red. She caught me still looking at her—her gaze lingered on me, questioning, soft, unreadable. It was then I realized I was still holding her hand.

Damn it.

“I—sorry,” I said quickly, pulling my hand away. Her skin had been warm against mine, almost too natural. She didn’t reply, only looked at me a moment longer before turning away to fix her blouse.

After she was done buttoning up, she finally asked, “So… how are we going to get home?”

That’s when it hit me—I had stormed into that club without thinking twice. My wallet, my money… everything was still back at the house.

I scratched my head awkwardly. “Uh… I kind of forgot to bring my wallet.”

She blinked at me, her mouth falling open. “What? You mean to tell me… after all that—after storming in like some hero—you don’t even have money to get us back?”

Her shock made me want to laugh and groan at the same time.

Before I could explain, she turned, and started to walk ahead in frustration.

“Wait—Mia!” I rushed after her, catching her hand before she could move too fast. She stumbled slightly, and I steadied her. “Don’t rush like that. You might trip.”

She exhaled sharply but didn’t pull her hand away this time. Her voice lowered, softer. “There’s something I wanted to ask you, Kael…”

“What is it?”

Her eyes met mine, searching, almost vulnerable. “I keep wondering… how did you even find me? How did you know I was kidnapped?”

I took a slow step forward, wanting to explain to her.

But before the words could leave my mouth, a sharp crack split the air.

Bang!

The bullet tore into the spot I had been standing not even a heartbeat ago.

Mia screamed, her voice slicing through the night.

Sniper! I knew instantly.

“Shhh,” I hissed, my hand shooting up to cover her trembling lips. Her scream could be the difference between life and death right now. My pulse thundered in my ears as I grabbed her wrist and dragged her with me. We sprinted low, my eyes scanning for cover until I spotted the car park just ahead.

We dove behind one of the vehicles just as another bullet slammed into the metal nearby, the deafening clang echoing through the silence. Sparks flew. Mia was shaking, her breaths uneven, nearly choking on her panic.

“Keep quiet,” I whispered firmly, my body pressed close to hers to shield her. “You’ll bring him straight to us.”

Her wide, terrified eyes met mine. I could feel the tremor in her shoulders. For a moment, silence fell, broken only by the sound of distant traffic and my racing heartbeat. No more shots. Whoever was out there… they were waiting or probably scanning for us.

“Do you have anything on you?” I whispered, keeping my voice low, my eyes darting around for options.

She fumbled with her bag, her hands clumsy with fear, then pulled out a small compact glass mirror—the kind she used for her makeup touch-ups. She looked at me like she wasn’t sure if this would help.

“It’ll do,” I muttered, taking it gently from her hand.

I angled the glass carefully just enough to catch the faintest glimmers of movement without exposing myself. My breathing slowed as I searched, scanning the rooftops and shadows. The trick was to let the mirror catch what the naked eye couldn’t.

Then—there. A faint reflection. A gloved hand, steady, holding something long and deadly.

My chest tightened. Got you.

But just as the light bounced perfectly, illuminating the sniper’s hand, another shot rang out—this one faster, sharper.

The mirror exploded in my hand. Shards scattered against my knuckles, cutting them, as I instantly dropped the ruined glass to the ground. The impact stung, but I didn’t flinch. I could locate where the killer was hiding.

“Found you.”