The upscale bar was abuzz with energy, laughter, and music. In a private room, Linda sat surrounded by ladies from distinguished families, celebrating her engagement to Brian Rowland. However, her mind was elsewhere, her thoughts were on the bet she had made with Hilda.
Her room buzzed with anticipation for the handover of the promised property deed, the highlight of her recent success. Yet, as the night dragged on, Hilda was nowhere to be seen leaving Linda restless. With her eyes fixed on the door, each time the door opens so does her hopes get lifted, expecting to see Hilda but only to be dashed when it wasn't Hilda.
After a long wait finally, Hilda walked in, her usual arrogance evident in her stride. She exchanged pleasantries with the group except Linda, who she spared no glance at, but Linda wasted no time getting to the point.
"Hilda," Linda began her voice firm, " I have been waiting for you. We agreed to meet here by 6 pm, but here you are by 8 pm. Let's just settle this. I'm ready so let's just do the transfer of ownership now"
Hilda gave a nonchalant smile and said mischievously. "Don't worry, Linda. It's all going to be handled tonight. Just enjoy the evening as one of the owners of Sun City estate."
As the night wore on, Linda's patience wore thin. The laughter and clinking glasses did little to ease her growing irritation. Just as she was about to push Hilda further, Hilda suggested moving the conversation to a more private location.
"Let's head somewhere quieter," Hilda proposed. "We can finalize the transfer without any distractions."
Linda hesitated. "Why not here? Everyone present when the bet was made is here."
Hilda smirked. " And so would everyone here want a deal for being a witness, How about a quieter corner in the bar?"
Reluctantly, Linda agreed. They moved to a secluded corner, where Hilda produced an envelope. Linda's heart raced with anticipation as Hilda handed it over, her eyes gleaming with barely concealed amusement.
"Here it is," Hilda said, almost mockingly. "Your property deed is already in your name."
Linda opened the envelope, expecting to see the luxury estate they had bet on. Instead, her eyes widened in disbelief as she read the details. The property was a small, dilapidated building in a run-down area—nothing like the prime estate in Sun City they had agreed on.
"What is this?" Linda demanded, her voice sharp. "This isn't the property we bet on. You promised me the estate in Sun City, not this old worthless estate that has no value."
Hilda shrugged casually, a smirk still playing on her lips. "Deals change, Linda. You should be happy you got anything at all. After all, you're about to marry into the Rowland family. Isn't that enough of a win for you? or do you think you are worthy to own a property in my family estate?"
Linda's temper flared. "And what made you think I am not worth owning a property under your family estate? You made a bet, and you're not following through. What will our social circle think when they find out you are trying to cheat me over something we agreed on?"
Hilda's eyes narrowed slightly, but she kept her calm. "Take the deed or leave it. I know plenty of people who would appreciate it."
Fury boiled inside Linda. She had overheard a conversation earlier in the day about how the area where the property was located was losing its value rapidly. Hilda had scammed her. But rather than escalate the situation in front of everyone, Linda swallowed her anger.
"Fine," she said through clenched teeth. "I'm sure the Rowland family will make up for this loss."
As Hilda turned back to the party, Linda's mind raced. The engagement to Brian had been more of a power play for her, a way to secure her position in society and prove she was better than her sister, Lisa. But this betrayal from Hilda was something she couldn't let go. She pulled out her phone and called Mrs. Priscilla, Brian's mother.
"Mrs. Priscilla, I think we need to talk about a change of plans," Linda said curtly.
"Change of plans? What are you talking about?" Mrs. Priscilla replied, her tone guarded.
"I don't think I can give you any of the agreed shares again, " Linda explained.
"Are you joking with me? Was this what we agreed on?" Mrs. Priscilla questioned
"Same way, I made a bet with Hilda, and she did what was different from the agreement. She promised me a property in Sun City and staked it against my shares. I won, but she gave me a worthless property instead."
"That's between you and her, it has nothing to do with me, Don't think am a pushover"
"I was thinking of calling off the engagement or telling Brian and everyone who wishes to listen that you know how Brian and Lisa's engagement was called off. I have nothing much to lose unlike you, who have a lot to lose"
Mrs. Priscilla's voice grew cold. "Are you threatening me? The Daniels family isn't in a position to make enemies, Linda. Don't be foolish. You have a lot more to lose if you call off this engagement."
Before Linda could respond, Mrs. Priscilla hung up, leaving her fuming.
Back at her apartment, Linda sat on the couch, staring at the property deed in her hands. The realization of being conned by Hilda gnawed at her, but there was a bigger game to play. While her initial goal had been to snatch Brian away from Lisa, Linda now saw an opportunity to leverage her engagement for more than just a title. She didn't care about Brian; he was merely a stepping stone to power, wealth, and prestige.
"I'll find a way to win," Linda thought, a cold determination settling over her. "No matter what it takes."
Linda's eyes burned with ambition as she plotted her next move.