THE RISE OF JAKE MILLER

chapter nine

Chapter 9

The night had finally come. Katy’s birthday party was the hottest event on campus. Held in a luxurious mansion on the edge of the city, everyone who was someone—or wanted to be someone—was there.

Flashy cars lined the long driveway. A red carpet stretched all the way to the entrance and everyone present wore expensive suits and glittering gowns.

All eyes turned as a particular gold Lamborghini screeched into the driveway. The doors lifted up like wings, and out stepped Arthur in a gold suit with black lapels, flanked by Melissa in a glittering silver dress that shimmered like ice. Her hair was curled to perfection. Behind them trailed Nathan, Daisy, Samantha, and the usual crew of spoiled bullies, all dressed to kill. Their arrival became the talk of the show.

Arthur walked confidently with his chin up, as if the party was held just for him. He greeted people like a celebrity. Melissa held his arm, smirking as though she were already queen of the night.

Everyone wanted to know what they were wearing, where they’d gotten their designer looks, and how Arthur managed to afford such a car.

Then the atmosphere changed. Because almost immediately, another car pulled into the driveway. It was a matte-black Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut. Only ten existed in the country and each one cost more than three million dollars.

Jake Miller stepped out of the black car, one he had recently bought but hadn’t even shown off yet. He wore a custom-fitted midnight black suit, paired with a black nightshade that covered his face. The cuffs of his shirt were encrusted with diamond-studded cufflinks shaped like panther heads. On his wrist was a diamond Graff Hallucination wrist watch, a timepiece worth more than some people’s entire life savings.

The moment he stepped into the hall, everyone was stunned.

“Who is that?”

“He looks like a movie star.”

“Wait, is that… Jake Miller?!”

“No way… that’s not the delivery guy Jake… is it?”

Even Katy, who had just been taking selfies with friends, turned around and nearly dropped her phone.

“What the hell…”

People gasped when they realized it was truly him. The same Jake they used to mock and bully now looked like a mysterious billionaire.

Jake walked the red carpet slowly to meet Katy and presented his gift. “Happy birthday, Katy.”

“Thank you! You made it,” she said with a smile, walking over in a flowing red gown. “Wow, Jake. You look so nice.”

“You’re looking beautiful yourself,” Jake said, nodding politely.

“You have no idea how many people are staring at you right now,” Katy whispered, leaning closely. “But don’t worry, I like making the crowd jealous.”

Jake smiled faintly, but he stayed calm. He knew the game was just beginning. The party continued with music, drinks, and dancing. Everyone was having a good time.

Melissa spotted Jake almost immediately and her face twisted, but she quickly adjusted it into a fake smile. She grabbed Arthur’s arm tightly.

“Looks like your ex is still pretending to be rich,” Arthur sneered as he watched Jake speaking with Katy.

“I bet he borrowed that car and rented that suit,” Melissa added with a jealous scoff.

Arthur smirked again, suddenly regaining his confidence. “Hey, Jake,” he said loud enough for everyone to hear. “How dare you come here with a fake diamond Graff Hallucination wrist watch?”

A few people laughed mockingly. “I knew it, his diamonds are fake.”

“No way he can afford that stuff!”

“He probably just stole everything to show off.”

“Maybe someone should bring out a diamond tester,” someone joked.

That was a big mistake because a rich influencer in the crowd took it seriously and walked up holding a real diamond tester.

“Hey, boy! Come over here let’s confirm if you are wearing original or fake,” he said, pointing the device at Jake.

Jake turned calmly to face the influencer holding the diamond tester, his expression was calm beneath the shadow of his mask. “Let's make a bet.”

Arthur folded his arms smugly and gave a nod of encouragement to the tester. “Go on,” he said, smirking with malicious glee. “What do you propose?”

Jake unbuttoned the cuff of his sleeve and exposed the shiny Graff Hallucination on his wrist. He turned to Arthur with a slight tilt of his head, and said. “If this watch turns out to be fake, I’ll get on my knees right here, bow before you, and let you slap me however many times you want.” Jake continued. “But if it turns out to be real,” he added, taking a step closer until they were nearly nose to nose, “you’ll be the one to kneel and bow before me in front of everyone here and you’ll slap yourself how many times I want.”

The crowd erupted in gasps, and even some of Arthur’s friends looked around nervously.

“Go ahead. Test it.” Arthur agreed.