Chapter 3: The Joker Card

In McConnell's Estate, all people respected and valued each other. If tension arose, they would look up to Leon and hear out his council. For years, Carl had sought his advice whenever something happened in the company. Nothing escapes Carl's watchful eyes, and Leon knew he could handle the company's affairs without fail. 

Carl's daily meeting with Leon was composed of the latest update on the project Leon had started four years ago, the company's condition, and of course, what happened last night outside the hotel. 

"I'm looking into it, father. You don't have to worry, and the victim is safe with me."

"That's good to hear, son. Right, how's Sol?"

"He settled in all right. He still can't hold his alcohol and his current manager is very strict, and Sol fears her." Carl smirked as Leon's face brightened up. 

Looking very pleased, Leon wanted to see this new manager, but with his long history of disagreement with his son, he couldn't risk ruining his match. So, he could only wait for the right time.

"I can arrange a meet-up if you want to see her." 

Leon raised his hand and looked into Carl's determined eyes, and he instantly shook his head and stood. 

Leon was known to be a proud man, strict and direct. His relationship with his son had pushed him to be more private when it comes to his emotions. And since Diana's death, he had never seen a smile, except Sol's debut match five years ago. 

Leon stood, and Carl understood his father's wishes more than anyone else. So he didn't push the idea and left time to heal the wounds.

Carl hurriedly left the estate and went over to the hotel where the league's draw was held. He went into the hotel and saw Sabrina at the corner end of the hall, with her eyes crossed and listening deliberately to the discussion. 

***

Afternoon, Sol lazily cozied up on the couch with his sluggish body and with a rebounding headache to add. He wanted to go out and do some laps, but he was reminded by Sabrina's beastly warning not to go out, so he couldn't do anything but to laze around. 

Bruno Mars's playlist played in the background when Sabrina went back with papers in her hand. She placed the stack of documents on the table and gave him a folder. 

He opened it with his eyebrow raised. He studied the document and was puzzled. 

"I'm going to do a commercial?" He asked. "For penis socks?"

"Just be grateful for what is given. Plus, they gave us a huge down payment."

Sol was speechless and dumbfounded as he gave Sabrina a deadly stare. He was willing to do anything except for this lame commercial for condoms. He had no wife, much more a girlfriend, [except if Sabrina's willing to do it with him.] 

"You'll do the photoshoot tomorrow before the coach arrives, and you'll have a full training session starting Thursday. You have a night of pleasure but do not play too hard."

Sabrina was giving instructions as Sol continued to check on the stack until he saw a familiar card slipped into one of his documents. 

It was a Joker card. 

"What's this?" Asking suspiciously. 

"Right, you are familiar with the King's Game, right? Well, you are the unlucky one. Somehow something significant about that card. You'll be facing each fighter in the league."

Sol looked at her. His eyes were in clear disbelief of what he had just heard from her mouth. The event was a month-long competition that meant every Friday. He had a "Do or Die" match. If she weren't joking, then this would be a shit show. 

"What happened in the draw, Sab?" His question was as heavy as his dark eyes. 

"Nothing in particular." She immediately lied. 

Feeling guilty, Sabrina sighed and told him the truth. When Sabrina arrived in the conference room, she noticed something odd. Not the event was strange, but the person next to her looked dangerous and filthy.

He smelled cigars and gin and blood. She couldn't explain, but she felt that person was bad news. His face looked sullen and as if he wanted to kill someone. 

"Mr. Salazar, the draw is about to begin." her assistant said and looked at the man standing with his annoyed face.

"Get me the list. That bastard must pay for stealing my prey." He coldly instructed. 

The man bowed and went over the organizers and returned with a paper. Sabrina wanted to see the list but had to stop before she got implicated in the situation. And by the looks of this man, he wasn't just any ordinary man. 

***

Sabrina had a different feeling about the King's Game, as if Sol was set up to be the prey of this league. So she thought about it and remembered that the McConnell Family started and funded this event. What happened behind the scenes was way more complicated than she thought. 

She turned on the TV, and it was all over the news! A rich entrepreneur, Salazar Martin, was the new highest investor of the league. The sudden changes of the game were probably a result of this man's interest, and God only knew what those were.

She immediately called Carl that evening;

[Yes, I heard what happened at the conference. I'm sorry I wasn't able to be there on time, but since your player had the Joker card. I'll further check what's going on but for now, let's go with the flow first.]

[Thanks, Carl. But will Sol be okay with this setup? I think it's too unfair for him.]

[It is. I'll make sure nothing outrageous happens. But believe in him. Sol's tough he'll make it through. I'll call you once I hear from the organizers as to why the setup had been changed.]

Sabrina ended the call, and she knew that this wasn't just any simple change. The man in the black suit still bothered her gravely. If Sol had to fight this match, he should be prepared for whatever obstacle.