The Billionaires Circle

Betse stood before the gates of the grandiose Belmont Mansion, her heart pounding in her chest. Charles stood beside her, watching her with a mix of concern and disapproval.

His eyes flickered with worry as he asked, "are you sure about this, Betse? You don't have to go through with it."

Betse took a deep breath, her eyes fixed on the distant glow of the mansion's light. "I've worked so hard, Charles," her voice was determined. "I've spent years living a good and perfect life, and where has it gotten me? Nowhere. I need this chance. I need to break into the elite circle, and this is the only way to do it."

"But at what cost, Betse?" Charles implored, his brow furrowing. "Is compromising your integrity really worth it?"

Betse hesitated, her resolve momentarily shaken by his words. She thought about her family, drowning in debt, and the burden she carried to lift them out of poverty.

"I've spent my life trying to secure a future for my family, Charles. If this is what it takes, then so be it."

"As a member of your family, I don't support this decision."

"And who said you have a say in this? Because you're my brother?" A rhetorical question from Betse.

"I'm trying to save you from the humiliation. You don't know these people. They're different from you and I," Charles explained.

"Yes, you're right but they're nothing special, just people like us. Look around us, the only difference between us and them is that they shine and we don't. Aside from that, we're not so different."

Charles folded his hand in silence, knowing that whatever he said won't stop her. Her mind was made up.

She continued, "this is an opportunity I must seize. Just like everyone in that mansion did. No one was born with diamonds."

"Since I can't stop you, goodluck!"

Betse poked him with her finger, "that's what you should have said from the start. But thank you, I'll need it."

"But can't you just change your mind?" Charles was persistent but that didn't push Betse away from her decision.

Standing firm on her decision, Betse straightened her shoulder, adjusting the neckline of her expensively rented designer dress which she had scraped to the depths of her savings to get. With a deep breath, she stepped forward, her heels clicking against the pavement as she moved towards the mansion.

"I'll see you at home."

"Don't do anything stupid. Your charms are natural so just be you."

Approaching the entrance, her pulse quickened. The doorman, dressed impeccably in a black suit, eyed her skeptically. Betse summoned her most confident smile, handing him the invitation she had forged, praying he wouldn’t see through her ruse.

"Welcome, Miss," the doorman said, his tone was a fusion of suspicion and courtesy, allowing her to enter into the world of extravagance beyond the gates of the Belmont Mansion.

Inside the mansion was a display of wealth and ridiculous outlay of meticulously placed art, expensive art. Crystal chandeliers adorned the ceilings, casting a dazzling array of light across the marble floors. The air and atmosphere was thick with the scent of expensive perfumes and the murmur of elite conversations.

She grabbed a glass of wine from one the event waiters. As the charity event unfolded, the crowd of self serving philanthropists weaved through the crowd, their smiles as bright as the stars, making contributions that would pave the way for a brighter tomorrow. Auction paddles waved in the air, each gesture a promise to support causes greater than themselves.

Betse scanned the crowd, her eyes finally landing on Kini Belmont. He stood across the room, his presence commanding attention. With a newfound confidence, she made her way towards him, her steps purposeful, her smile seductive.

Kini, who was engrossed in a conversation with a group of influential guests, glanced in her direction. Their eyes met, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still.

Betse approached him, her voice smooth as silk. "Mr Belmont, what a pleasure it is to meet you. I've heard so much about your renowned art collection."

Kini, captivated by her charm, offered a charming smile in return. "The pleasure is mine, Miss...?"

"Betse," she replied, her gaze unwavering. "Betse Walters"