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Mila returned to the table to meet Noah and I trading jokes back and forth.

She sat down, smiling radiantly. "What are you two talking about?" She teased, glancing between the two of us.

"You're not gonna believe this." Noah leaned back, a smug smile on his face. "Nico's personal attorney is Michael Lincoln."

Mila's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Wait, 'the' Michael Lincoln?" She asked, glancing at me, impressed. "I heard that Lincoln doesn't take on a lot of clients. That's impressive."

I shrugged casually. "Well, it's not that big of a deal."

"In here, it kinda is." Mila grinned. "He's a member of the club, you know."

"Really?" It was my brow's turn to shoot up. I glanced at Noah who nodded to show it was true.

"Yeah. You didn't mention that you knew him." She gave me a playful nudge with her elbow. "Holding out on me?"

I chuckled. "Didn't seem important at the time."

If I had known, I definitely would have mentioned it.

Mila glanced at her watch before gasping theatrically. "Wow. Time does move when you're having fun." She turned to me. "It's almost time for your interview. You ready?"

I nodded, confidence flooding my body. "I'm ready."

Even if I wasn't ready, I would've said I was. Fake it till you make it wasn't just a mantra. It actually does work.

Mila stood and motioned for me to follow her. "Come on, I'll walk you there."

We left the lounge and began walking to the interview room, walking past a few abstract paintings.

"So, what do you think of Noah?" Mila asked curiously.

I shrugged. "He's… nice, I guess."

"Yeah, he is." Mila chuckled. "He was the one who actually got me in. I met him at one of my shoots and we hit it off. He recommended me for membership."

My brows rose. Was he that much of a good samaritan or was he another guy with an unrequited crush? 

"The board was actually planning to reject my application but Noah stepped in, making them accept me for PR or something like that."

I blinked. "Is he really that influential enough to influence the board's decision?"

"Of course." Mila nodded. "He's the only son of Abraham Patterson, owner of Golden Oil."

Ah. Now, I understand. Golden Oil was one of the bigger oil companies, involved in mining of oil and the production of petroleum products.

With a family with a networth in the billions, I could see how he'd be influential.

The Pine Press Country Club had only a handful of billionaires. It was a gathering place for the elite but it wasn't like billionaires were as available as grass.

We finally got to the door of the interview where there was an older gentleman with a clipboard. "Mr. Voss?" He asked, scanning my face.

"Yes." I answered. There was no way I would've been able to apply for membership without my last name.

I had told Mila and in the process, clarified that I was just distantly related to the Voss family.

"Right this way." The man smiled. "They're ready for you."

I glanced at Mila, who gave me a reassuring nod before I stepped inside. 

The room was decorated in that bland way rich people decorated things that somehow made it somehow not bland. More rich people sorcery.

There was a long table and seated at it were three interviewers, two men and one woman, all of them in their fifties.

They were dressed impeccably and sat with the kind of confidence that came from being at the top for years.

I had met people like this. With them, flattery would get you anywhere.

The man who had led me in gestured for me to sit, and I took my seat at the head of the table. 

The interviewers greeted me with polite smiles, assessing me as if they were already formulating their opinions about me. Just as I expected.

They all introduced themselves before the woman began.

"Welcome to Pine Press Country Club, Mr. Voss. We appreciate you taking the time today for this interview."

"Thank you for having me." I replied with a smile, maintaining eye contact. "It's an honor just to be here."

The older of the two men nodded, folding his hands on the table. "The Pine Press Country Club is very selective with its members, as I'm sure you know. We would like to hear a little about your background. Tell us about yourself, Mr. Voss."

I smiled, projecting confidence while keeping it all humble.

"I've spent the last several years building my presence in the investment world, focusing mainly on real estate and consumer goods."

It doesn't matter if they search and find nothing. They'll probably never search. When the person recommending me is Noah Patterson, I've got a little bit of credibility.

"I believe in creating value wherever possible, and that philosophy has guided me in both my professional and personal life."

It does sound like something you'll post on LinkedIn but it does work on these types.

The second man, who had been watching quietly, nodded. "Interesting. Your last name, Voss, is somewhat familiar. Are you related to Logan Voss, the billionaire?"

I had been expecting this question and I smiled humbly. "Yes sir. We're distant relatives." I met their eyes confidently.

Being distant relatives meant I wasn't so close that they'd be asking me about Voss matters but I also couldn't deny being related to Voss. That's an advantage in matters like this.

"I see." The woman jotted something down on the paper in front of her, her eyes flicking back to me. "And what made you interested in joining Pine Press?"

I leaned forward slightly, displaying enthusiasm but not too much of it. "Pine Press is a community of the best minds in business, art, and innovation. I'm interested in learning from the people here, expanding my network, and contributing to the ongoing success of the club."

The older man raised an eyebrow, pleased with my answer. "That's a strong perspective." He said. "Tell us, Mr. Voss, what kind of ventures are you currently involved in?"

I saw my opportunity and took it. 

"At the moment, I'm working closely with my legal team on a significant real estate deal. My attorney, Michael Lincoln, has been quite instrumental in getting things in order."

The mention of Lincoln's name had the effect I was hoping for. The interviewers exchanged loaded glances. Noah was right. Lincoln's name did carry some weight around here.

"Michael Lincoln?" The older man asked. "He's not someone who takes on clients lightly. That speaks volumes about you, Mr. Voss."

I gave a small nod, acknowledging the compliment. "I've been fortunate to have his expertise on my side."

From that moment onward, the atmosphere in the room shifted to one of approval.

The conversation was more relaxed and by the end of the interview, the three of them were smiling, even joking with me. It was as if I was a member of the club already.

"Well, Mr. Voss," the woman said, standing up as the interview came to a close, "we'll be making our final decision soon, but based on today's conversation, I'd say you have a strong case for membership."

The second man nodded, standing as well. "It's been a pleasure meeting you, Nico."

"The pleasure's been mine." I replied, standing and shaking their hands, one by one.

And just as I stepped out of the room, it appeared in front of me.

[Ding!] 

[Stamp Holder detected!]