Chapter 7 A Game of Chance

Claire couldn't believe her ears. These guys were unbelievable, they were willing to lose such an amount on just an ordinary dance.

It was bizarre even for people of such caliber so she was taken aback by Ryan's response. If this was how they spent carelessly, Claire began to wonder how exactly rich people stayed rich.

"No, that wouldn't get enough people interested. I say we go bigger, let's do five hundred thousand instead," Ryan replied.

Mason smiled mischievously again and Claire wondered why. To him, It seemed he was going to win.

However, Claire was getting tired and wasn't sure how long she would last if she continued dancing at such a high level.

"I accept your challenge. However, I'm bored of this song. Ask the DJ to change it, and also set up everything before we dance. You're trending so we should get the minimum required number of viewers within seconds," Mason said.

"On it, said Ryan," walking away to where the DJ was and explaining everything to him. The DJ was surprised by the request at a wedding but agreed as refusing Ryan was never an option

"You seem a bit worried dear," said Mason, offering Claire his handkerchief to wipe away the sweat that had begun forming on her forehead once more.

"Thank you, I'm fine," said Claire, rejecting the handkerchief, indicating she had hers. Claire could never use a man's handkerchief and certainly not the handkerchief of Mason of all people in this world.

"Why don't we place a little bet of ours? Since there are two people involved in this dance, I think the betting should go both ways," asked Bethany mischievously.

Claire couldn't agree to this, even though she had no intention of losing, she didn't see betting as a womanly thing to do and only considered it something stupid enough for men to engage in.

"Yeah, totally, said Mason, feeling more excited at the prospect of getting more money involved.

"Sorry, I'm going to have to refuse your offer," said Claire, knowing that it felt weird even coming from her.

It reminded Claire of the time she worked at the bar as she was sure she had said that to Mason and other perverted clients more than once.

It seemed that the pauper life wasn't prepared to leave her.

On the other hand, Bethany was confused. She knew Josie's family were also wealthy so she wondered why Josie was refusing to bet.

Could It be that they were secretly getting bankrupt or was Claire that scared of losing? Bethany decides to not assume and simply asks her reason why.

"But why?" asked Bethany.

"I don't bet, not once have I engaged in such an act. I consider it a bad habit, no offense intended," replied Claire.

"None was taken," said Bethany.

"You know what, I think this is a sign from God to take my betting to the next level. Bethany, I wouldn't want you to miss out so why don't we also place a bet as well," asked Mason, with a mischievous smile on his face.

Claire couldn't believe her ears, Mason was being a complete idiot. Although winning would be very great for him, losing would be too fatal as he would lose a lot without gaining anything.

Claire had often heard that the rich loved taking risks. However, this was just too much. However it would be, time would tell at the end of it all, only two outcomes were possible.

Claire wondered whether to refute her statement and offer Bethany the bet again. Even though she didn't have a lot of money, she could still ask Josie's father for it since he was rich.

No matter what happened, she was sure he would pay it as he knew he was not ready to ruin his reputation.

On the other hand, Claire had already said that it was bad manners and didn't want to be viewed as someone willing to break her principles at any given time.

Claire sighed, knowing that she would have to make a lot of unpleasant decisions to protect Claire's identity

Bethany smiled, happy she had gotten another chance at betting again. At the same time, she was impressed by how much risk Mason was willing to take.

"Fine, how much are we staking then," asked Bethany with a corny smile.

"Since you're a girl, I'll have to be a gentleman and take it easy on you. We can go for three hundred if that's okay by you," replied Mason.

Oh, come on. You know there's only one way this game is enjoyed and that is by going all in. I say we do six hundred," replied Bethany to Claire's bewilderment.

"Deal," said Mason.

Soon after, Ryan returned with a smile on his face, and with the aura he exuded, one could tell that everything had been set up and it was only a matter of time now.

Claire suddenly received a notification on her phone. It was an invitation from YouTube and Twitter to view the dance live and there was another link attached to where the voting would be held.

"So, with that smile on your face, I'm assuming everything is set up now, right?" asked Mason.

"Yeah, it is. I see you still have great intuitive skills but I'm sad I'm the one who's going to show you that even that doesn't work every time as it is not going to help you in this war," Ryan replied.

"Well, you're right. Many times, I have won a war by simply feeling intuitively that there is a greater winning chance for me. Guess what? I bet with Bethany as well," said Mason.

"Of course, you did, you idiot," replied Ryan.

"Haha, jealous I'm taking even more risk than you?" asked Mason with a smile.

"Of course not, you douchebag," replied Ryan.

Immediately after, the lights changed color and Ryan told them it was their cue to get in position as the competition was about to begin.

"Good luck," said Bethany.

"Thanks but I won't need it, replied Ryan.