Capítulo 21: I Know What You're Doing
The McLaren Senna purred like a pleased lover beneath me as I pulled into the parking lot of the Pine Press Country Club.
It had been two weeks since I submitted my application, and now, here I was, on the final step to entering the exclusive world I had been aiming for.
The parking lot was like a showroom. I glanced around, spotting cars that made even my Senna look average.
There were Bugattis, Rolls-Royces, and Aston Martins lining the spaces, each one more extravagant than the last.
It was as if the guys using this space were playing a game of who has the cooler and most expensive car.
In any other place, the Senna would be a head turner, but here? It was just another vehicle in the lineup.
I stepped out of the car like the ordinary guy that I was, straightening my jacket. Today was the day of my membership evaluation interview and I'd dressed my best in business casual.
Casual enough for the casual guys and business enough for the uptight folks.
As I walked up to the entrance of the club, I saw Mila waiting by the grand double doors.
Her face lit up the moment she saw me, and she waved excitedly. I smiled and walked up to her.
"Nico!" She greeted, pulling me into a warm, and friendly, hug. "You're finally here."
"Had to make sure I wasn't dreaming this whole thing up." I replied with a smirk.
"Well, it's not a dream." She said, releasing me and gesturing toward the entrance. "Come on. They're expecting you."
I followed her through the doors and I was instantly mesmerized. I've never seen a place scream wealth like this before.
Marble floors, glowing chandeliers, and an air of exclusivity that you could practically taste. And did I mention the chandeliers? I'll never understand the wealthy and their love for chandeliers.
Even the air here smelled expensive.
We approached the reception desk, where a smartly dressed attendant looked up from his computer. Mila smiled at him. "This is Nico Voss, here for a guest pass."
The attendant's fingers flew over the keyboard for a moment before he nodded, printing out a pass and handing it to me. "Welcome, Mr. Voss. You've been confirmed on the guest list. Enjoy your time at Pine Press."
I took the pass, flashing the man a quick smile, and followed Mila into the club.
We passed through corridors lined with tasteful art, and soon, we entered a lounge that looked like something out of a billionaire's fantasy.
I honestly don't have the words to explain it.
All I could articulate was the sweeping view of the rolling golf course that one could see from their leather seats that looked like a collector's item.
The crowd inside was equally impressive. The ladies and gentlemen sipped on their expensive wines, discussing whatever it is people who didn't have to worry about money discuss.
"Come on." Mila said, tugging me gently by the arm. "I want you to meet someone."
She led me to a seating area by the massive windows where a man was lounging with a drink in hand.
He had the face normally associated with royalty. Chiseled jaw, high cheekbones and a suit that was definitely custom tailored.
He sat with the kind of confidence that told me everything I needed to know before Mila even introduced him.
"Noah, this is Nico. Nico, meet Noah Patterson."
Noah stood up, extending his hand with a warm smile. "Nico, I've heard a lot about you."
I shook his hand, matching his smile. "All good things, I hope."
"Of course." Noah replied, gesturing for us to sit like he owned the place.
"Mila's told me about the work you've been doing, and I have to admit, I was impressed enough to fast-track your application. Normally, new applicants sit on a waiting list for months, sometimes years."
I nodded, even though there was nothing to nod about. "I can't thank you enough for that. It does mean a lot."
Noah waved it off, as if fast tracking another millionaire's application was just another Tuesday for him. "Don't mention it. Mila asked for a favor and I was happy to help."
We ordered drinks and the conversation flowed.
"So," Noah smiled, "How are you feeling about your interview? Nervous?"
I smiled, shaking my head. "Not really. I'm looking forward to it, actually."
Noah raised an eyebrow. "Confident. I like that."
Mila beamed beside me, clearly happy that Noah seemed to approve. Then, her eyes widened as she spotted a friend across the room, excusing herself to go say hello.
The moment she left, Noah changed.
His friendly smile disappeared faster than a can of beer at a frat party.
His eyes were cold as he leaned forward.
"Let's cut the bullshit, Nico." He said, his voice low. "I know exactly what you're doing."
I blinked in surprise. Where had the previous Noah gone? Did Mila just introduce me to a psychopath?
"I'm not sure what you mean." I said in genuine confusion.
Noah's eyes narrowed as he stared at me.
"You're using Mila to climb the social ladder. You think I don't see it?"
My heart skipped a beat at that moment but of course, I didn't allow it to show. Can this guy read minds?
"The only reason I helped fast track your application is because I don't want to be the guy responsible when you pull out your ten million dollars from her brand and leave her high and dry."
I would never do that as it would only damage my reputation but this guy was smart. He quickly puzzled out what I wanted from Mila. This was not good.
"Noah, I don't know where you're getting this idea from." I said, playing the part of the concerned friend. "I'm serious about helping Mila with her brand. My investment isn't some kind of scam, you know."
"Really? Then why is it I've never heard of you before?"
I had nothing to say to that?
"You show up out of nowhere, throwing money around like you're some big player, but I've seen this kind of thing before. Guys like you, opportunists, always looking for a way in."
I kept my cool, even as my mind was working a mile a minute, trying to figure out a way out of this situation.
As if the heavens were on my side, my phone began to ring.
I glanced at the caller ID. It was Michael Lincoln.
I saw Noah's eyes widen as he saw the name on the screen.
"Wait… is that the Michael Lincoln?" He asked in surprise, his suspicion gone.
I nodded, giving him a small smile. "It is."
Noah leaned back in his chair in surprise. "Is he… your lawyer?"
Was Lincoln some kind of bigshot? I definitely could use this. It better be him and not some other famous attorney called Michael Lincoln.
Instead of answering Noah, I picked the call, putting it on speakerphone.
"Nico." Lincoln said in his familiar baritone. "I've sent over the final documents on the Cooper Real Estate. Everything's in order, so give me a call if you have any questions."
"Thanks, Michael." I said with a grin. "I'll take a look at them later today."
"Very well." Lincoln hung up as if he didn't notice me calling him by his first name. Grinning inside, I slipped the phone into my pocket, meeting Noah's now impressed gaze.
Noah cleared his throat, recalibrating his thoughts. "If Lincoln's your lawyer, that changes things."
I shrugged, playing it off as if it was no big deal. "Well, he's good at what he does."
Noah shook his head, smiling apologetically. "Look, Nico, I'm sorry for jumping to conclusions. Lincoln's one of the most respected lawyers around, especially in this circle."
My brows rose. Was my lawyer really that high profile?
"Mention him in your interview with the board, and I can guarantee you'll be a member of the club in no time."
I gave him a small smile, even as I was stopping myself from sighing in relief. "Thanks, Noah. I appreciate the advice."
I don't know who's in charge of coincidences in heaven but whoever it is, I'd like to give them a big thank you.
They'd just pulled me out of a dicey situation and gave me the final weapon for my interview.
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