BILLION DOLLAR SHOT

Chapter 6 – Snakes in Suits

Two Days Later – Private Titania Training Facility Andre stood in front of a reinforced glass wall, his wrist tightly wrapped, titanium gloves gleaming under the gym lights. Every movement was calculated. Efficient. Silent.

Coach watched from a corner, nodding. But Clive? Clive was making a call. “He’s adapting too fast. That injury should’ve rattled him.” A voice on the other end replied, calm but sharp. “It didn’t.”

Clive’s eyes narrowed. “Then it’s time we introduce... a different kind of test.” Meanwhile – A Meeting Room Overlooking Downtown Madrid

Teanna sat with two men in dark suits. One was tall and stiff. The other shorter, with a grin that never reached his eyes. “Do you still have access to his personal space?” one asked. Teanna hesitated. “Not anymore. He doesn’t trust me.”

“Then regain it,” said the other. “You’re beautiful. And he’s still a man. Make him remember why he ever loved you.”

“I already tried. He shut the door in my face.” The shorter one leaned in. “Then get creative. Because if Corbin doesn’t fall... we’ll make sure he crashes.”

Titania Headquarters – Executive Lounge Clive sat with Titania’s director and a representative from a powerful European sports conglomerate. “The kid is hot right now,” the director said. “We need to own him before he realizes his value.”

“He hasn’t signed a permanent brand or media deal yet,” said Clive. “And his agent is his mother. That’s leverage.” The man across from them smiled. “Good. Because the bidding war begins in five days. And every company wants a piece of him. Including those who don’t play fair.”

Andre’s Apartment – That Night His mother’s voice echoed through the speaker. “You’re doing amazing, baby. But don’t let them buy your soul.”

“I won’t.”

“Promise me something.”

“Anything.”

“If anything ever happens… all the rights, deals, endorsements they stay in my name. You understand?” Andre paused. Then nodded. “I understand.”

She whispered, “They’ll try to break you. You make sure they can’t touch what matters.”

Elsewhere – Reznov’s Luxury Penthouse The place reeked of alcohol, ego, and rage. A flat screen replayed Andre’s highlights. Again. And again. And again.

Reznov hurled a glass across the room. Stefan picked up the phone. “We need to hit him harder.” Reznov, jaw clenched, simply said: “He doesn’t break like others.”

“Then we stop playing fair.” Back at the Club – Andre’s First Press Conference Flashbulbs. Reporters. Journalists elbowing for a better spot.

Andre stepped up to the mic. Calm. Clean cut. No chains. No flash. Just raw presence. “Mr. Corbin,” one reporter barked, “some say you’re just a viral fluke. What do you say to that?” He smiled slightly. “I say viral doesn’t last three games in a row.” Laughter. Applause.

Another reporter: “Your ex-girlfriend Teanna has been spotted in Madrid. Any chance of reconciliation?”

Andre’s smile faded. “I’m married to the grind now. And it’s loyal.” Mic drop moment. But as he walked away from the stand, a familiar figure stepped out of the shadows:

Teanna. “Can we talk?” she asked, voice soft.

He didn’t stop walking. “I already said everything I needed to.”

Her smile disappeared.

“I’m pregnant.”

Andre froze.

Later That Night – Rooftop Scene He stood on the rooftop, staring at the stars. Clive approached quietly.

 “She’s lying,” Clive said. “We did a background check. She’s working with a PR firm backed by your rival’s sponsors.”

Andre didn’t turn around. “I figured.”

“So what now?”

Andre looked over the edge, eyes sharp. “Now?” he said. “Now I let them keep playing games…” He turned. “…so I can beat them at all of them.”