The Game

Chapter 3: Before We Begin

The contestants stepped forward, their eyes fixed on Louis Pierre Beaufort, the man behind "The Game" as he welcomed them with a warm smile, His charismatic presence put some of them at ease, while others couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered in the air.

"Welcome, everyone, to my humble abode," Louis Pierre Beaufort greeted, his voice echoing in the grand foyer of the mansion. "I trust you all had a pleasant journey here and enjoyed the top of the line rides I arranged."

Some of the contestants nodded in response, while others remained silent, their minds already racing with questions and doubts.

"Now, before we begin, I'd like to take a moment to congratulate each of you for being selected to participate in this exclusive one time event" Louis continued, his gaze sweeping over the group "You have all shown the qualities that I believe will make for an exciting and memorable competition between all of you and I surely hope that nobody will disappoint."

The contestants exchanged glances, some with a sense of pride at being recognized, while others wondered what exactly Louis saw in them.

"Now, if you'll all follow me," Louis gestured toward the dining area of the mansion, "we're about to have a grand feast before we begin the game, there should be something for everybody here."

As the contestants followed Louis into the dining area, anticipation hung thick in the air, mingling with the aroma of tantalizing dishes that filled the room, The grandeur of the mansion and the opulence of the setup was nothing short of amazing, each one of them were taking it all in.

Louis guided them to their seats with grace, his demeanor welcoming yet enigmatic, adding to the mystique of the evening, The contestants minds were buzzing with questions about the game that was ahead of them.

Seated around the table, they found themselves surrounded by an array of culinary delights, each dish more exquisite than the last. From succulent roasts to delicate pastries, the feast promised to be a feast for the senses.

"Please, indulge yourselves," Louis urged, his smile warm as he gestured toward the spread before them "For tonight, we dine like royalty, and then the real challenges begin."

Steven was the first to speak up being very brash with his tone
"It must be nice to be rich enough to waste all this food regularly huh?"

Mr. Beaufort just smiled
"Well if you win, maybe you'll be able to do the same."

Lexa spoke up next
"This is honestly just normal for me, my father is as rich as anyone else, I just want my own fortune so I can indulge myself without him having any say."

Joe interrupted politely
"Well if I say myself I'm very grateful for this opportunity and great food Mr. Beaufort."

Mr. Beaufort smiled again
"Thank you, it's so entertaining how different people from different backgrounds appreciate different things don't you think."

Brain laughed
"Hey I'm just glad we get some free grub yo, I'm gonna be eating like this every night after I'm rich! Get on my good side and I might even share some of my wealth." He said while winking at Lexa who showed discomfort over the comment.

Kelsey spoke up
"Well maybe we shouldn't hit on our other contestants please, but I agree with what Joe said earlier, thank you for this opportunity and meal."

With that Mr. Beaufort announced he was leaving the room to prepare the first game while they enjoy their food.

Dimitri sat drinking glass after glass of the free wine getting quite intoxicated in the process.

Joe and Kelsey talked some exchanging words.

Lexa, Rachel, Gary, Kris and Shawna didn't speak any during the dinner.

Brain and Steven talked to each other both saying how they would be the one to become rich and win it all.

As the dinner passed and the contestants got their fill of food.

Mr. Beaufort came back and coughed to clear his throat before speaking aloud

"Everyone, I hope you enjoyed our dinner and got to enjoy everything you wanted to try, because we are about to go to the living room soon to begin The Game, and I know that being the true reason you're all here, none of you want to miss it surely."

In the opulent living room of the mansion, the contestants gathered, their eyes fixed on Louis Pierre Beaufort as he stood before them, an aura of authority emanating from his poised demeanor.

"Contestants," Mr. Beaufort began, his voice commanding attention as he addressed the group, "before we commence with the first challenge of The Game, I have an offer to present to you."

A ripple of curiosity swept through the room as the contestants exchanged glances, anticipation building with each passing moment.

"One of you," Mr. Beaufort continued, his gaze sweeping over the assembled group, "has the opportunity to leave this competition early and walk away with a prize of $10,000."

Gasps and murmurs of surprise filled the air as the contestants processed the unexpected offer, their minds racing with possibilities.

Steven wasted no time in seizing the opportunity, his hand shooting up as he volunteered to take the money and leave "I'll take the money and go!"

Rachel couldn't help but chuckle at Steven's sudden eagerness, and speak for the first time since her arrival, her amusement was evident as she teased him about his earlier bravado "I thought you were going to win it all, you talked a lot."

Brain, always quick to jump on any opportunity to talk, chimed in with his own comments "Yeah bro, you're just handing me the whole win now."

Steven shushed both of them
"Look I'm helping you all and saving my own time by taking the easy money."

Mr. Beaufort remained composed amidst the commotion, He clarified the terms of the offer "Very well, but I must clarify, you can be the first player to leave the game and we will grant you $10,000 but first you must still win a game to be able, otherwise you leave first with no money if you lose."

Steven's frustration boiled over as he confronted Mr. Beaufort about the perceived unfairness of the situation, "Hey! that wasn't the deal! I was supposed to just walk out the door with $10 grand!"

Mr Beaufort smiled and responded
"No I said the first player to leave the game, would have a chance to win $10,000."

Steven with his anger issues imploded
"Fuck this! I don't need any of your rich money if it includes having to deal with your stupid bullshit!"
As he stormed off towards the exit.

Mr. Beaufort, undeterred by Steven's outburst, extended an even more enticing offer "I mean sure, but you did come here to play and win the game did you not? And I'll do you one better since I guess, I wasn't clear enough if you win the game I have set up for you, I'll give you $25,000 instead."

Steven's attention was immediately captured by the prospect of a bigger prize, as he turned back, "Okay what's your game French boy."

Dimitri spoke up obviously drunk
"Wait why does he get $25,000 just for quitting?!"

Steven yelled at Dimitri
"Hey! Don't you try to ruin my chance you big Russian doofus, just because I was smart enough to take the offer."

Mr Beaufort interrupted
"Please everyone here has a chance to win riches, no need to fight, this is purely an example to show how we will participate in the game."

As the other contestants watched on, Mr. Beaufort's offer served as a stark reminder of the high stakes of The Game, setting the stage for the first challenge.