Chapter One: The Invitation

September 2007, New York 

Richard Underhill sat in his office with his focus on the stock market. 

It looked good, and much of his investment grew slowly and steadily each day. But Richard had learned to have ice in his stomach over the years since it was easy to sell when the market dropped in fear of losing money, but very often, it would be temporary, and it would rise and pay out later on. Richard logged off the computer and decided to quit for the day and call his friend, Parker, and grab a drink instead in the beautiful weather outside. 

Richard closed down his office, which he rented in an enormous sky scrape on the thirty-eighth floor of a company that rented out storage space and offices for small companies and one man's company as for himself. Richard Underhill was the CEO of his business, R. Underhill Incorporated Company, aka RUIC! 

And he had just reached one of his life goals: closing a hundred million dollars, and he had done it all by himself while trusting his ability. And now, he would begin to chase after his life dream, becoming a billionaire before thirty. 

A possible goal he saw was approachable, and he knew he had to work hard since nothing came for free. 

"If it isn't the wolf of Wallstreet calling," Parker greeted on the phone, and Richard rolled his eyes, "Don't compare me to those men; you know I do my tradings clean and smart." 

"Yeah, I like your annoying reaction too much not to do it," Parker laughed at the other end, "Yeah, yeah! But are you busy? Or do you wanna grab a drink somewhere?" Richard continued as he passed through the entrance and out on the busy streets of New York. 

"Yeah, sure. Where?" Parker asks, 

"Meet me at the drunken sailor in thirty minutes?" Richard replies, 

"Sure. But you're paying!" Parker shouts as he hangs up the call. 

Richard sighed and took a left down the main street. 

Parker Williams, the guy with no filter and an outgoing attitude, had been Richard's friend for the past two years. The two men met at a sports event for a baseball team, The Red Bulls, and soon argued about the latest game and whether the last burn was clean. 

And they have been arguing ever since. Parker was a baseball fanatic, and Richard was a Red Bull supporter. 

Richard arrived outside the bar and lit a cigarette while waiting for Parker's arrival. 

"Hey! Underhill!" Richard turned around and saw Mr. Smith emerges from the bar. 

"Mr. Smith. It's great to see you," Richard saluted, and the two men shook hands. 

"I read the interview in the newspaper this morning. Quite impressive," 

"Oh, I forgot it was released today. Yes, I am very proud of the achievements I made." Richard responds and straightens his six-foot-two-tall body. 

"Yes, as you should be, boy. Not everyone is as clean as you've stayed these years. I think it was a wise move to start up your own business and not emerge with someone," Mr. Smith said while frowning. Richard nods, 

"Thank you. I think so, too," Mr. Smith looked around him and then leaned in beside Richard, 

"But beware, Richard. With great success comes many temptations and a lot of greediness. And enemies." Mr. Smith gave Richard a severe gaze before he walked down the street and waved nonchalantly with his back turned. 

Richard took a deep puff from his cigarette and wondered what Mr. Smith had meant by saying that. 

"Yo! What's up, my brother!" Parker shouted in Richard's ear as he jumped on his back. Richard winched at the sudden commotion, and Parker laughed as he freed Richard and stole the cigarette. 

"You got to stop doing that, Parker or you're gonna give me a heart attack one day," Richard whistled and glanced at his friend. Parker rolled his brown eyes while he scrubbed a brown-haired sling on his forehead. 

"Please. I bet the risk is higher when smoking these, "Parker responds and waves the cigarette across from Richard before stepping on it. Parker was a handsome man with a six-foot height and an average body. He was the type who trained so he could eat junk food without worrying about gaining weight. He was working in a real estate company where he would win employment of the month every month. Parker could convince anyone to buy anything of himself with his charisma and self-esteem. 

The two men went inside the bar and continued until they reached the back, where the outdoor bar was. 

It was a busy afternoon, with many people gathering for the rays of the autumn sun. 

"Welcome, Mr. Underhill; having you here is always a pleasure. Join me, and I'll take you to your usual table." Clifford, the bar manager, brought the two men to one of the tables, which overlooks the whole space. 

"Thanks, Clifford. We'll have a regular order, and you can add two daily specials on them," Richard said, and Parker smiled while doing this," Of course, Mr. Underhill, " 

"Please, Clifford, we have far exceeded the formalities; call me Richard." 

Clifford nodded: "All right, Richard, I'll place your order immediately." 

Clifford hastened away, and Parker laughed. 

"He's been all over you since he learned you were rich. It's funny how money changes the image of someone. Before the word spread about you a year ago, no one even cared when we went out for a drink or a meal," Richard shrugged, "I know, it's crazy." 

"So, I might have a new place for you to buy. I know you dislike Manhattan residents. But believe me, Richie, this is a top-notch penthouse, but it's not snobbish the way you usually degrade them. 

Danish design, which means there are many good quality wooden interiors. This comprises three bathrooms, two bedrooms, an office, an open kitchen, and a living room. And best of all is the balcony with an infinity pool and an outdoor spa. In addition, a gazebo can also be used for an office. The entrance has high surveillance, and there are only 20 residents in the building. The garage is on the ground floor; the lift is private and between the two." 

Richard nods: That sounds like a place I could imagine living in. Where is it?" "King's Street, but at the top, so you don't have the complex traffic passing outside." Richard nods approvingly, "Book me in for showing as soon as it is available." 

Parker smiles, "Yes, will do. I can keep it out of the marketplace because I know who owns it." Richard smirked, "Do that. If it is how I imagine it, I will buy it. How was your date the other day, Park?" 

Richard then asks, leaning back in his chair, "It was okay. The girl was cute and all, but I didn't get the vibe, you know. She was quiet most of the time, and I had difficulty making her talk. 

"Oh, it must be an odd experience since you can get most people out of their shells," Parker frowns, "Yes. That's why I'm a little stunned at how things turned out. But the worst part is she texted me before I arrived and told me I was too talkative and self-absorbed. Can you believe that? She sat most of the night quietly, so of course, I had to talk about something. And I like myself, hence why I talked about myself!" 

Richard burst out laughing, and Parker appeared bewildered. 

"What? What is so funny?" Richard gathered up and shook his head, 

"Oh, Parker. Did you even ask her anything during your self preach? Or did you babble on like you can while laughing at your jokes, which you most likely pulled; all of them!" Parker rolled his eyes but remained quiet. 

"So, I guess you did, huh? But she's interested. Otherwise, she would not criticize you, allowing you to rerun. So give it another go and see if she's more open the second time." Parker shrugged, "Yeah, I might do that." 

Richard returned home after dinner and promptly entered through his apartment door. The apartment had two bedrooms and two bathrooms with an open-plan kitchen and lounge with a balcony. It was an earthly place with many wooden interiors and earthy colors: large windows and a fireplace in the living room. 

Richard was going for a shower when someone knocked on the door. A bit surprised but curious, Richard entered the hallway and turned on the camera to see who was outside. A woman appeared on the screen, wearing a black mask covering her eyes and long, wavy blond hair. She was wearing black and had red lipstick on one full lip. Richard notices that she is carrying a black box in her hands. 

"Hello? May I help you?" Richard asks, opening the door. 

"Mr. Underhill?" The woman asks; Richard nods his head. 

"Speaking?" 

"Mr. Underhill, on behalf of Mr. Verlice, I would like to give you this personal invitation and gift." The woman reached Richard the box, "It is in the best interest to not speak of this, nor ignore this one-time opportunity. In case of rejection, you will receive no more offers. Chose wisely, Mr. Underhill, "The woman hurries down the hallway, and a stunned Richard stands left with a black box dressed in velvet. 

Richard closed the door and entered the kitchen to place the box on the counter. 

He opens the lid and sees a piece of red silken cloth on something with a letter. Richard grabbed the letter and opened it right away; 

Best, Richard Underhill. This letter is a unique invitation to join our world-class secret gentleman club, Aphrodite. 

This invite is a rare opportunity to become a new member, so make the right choice. The club is top of the range and very limited to society. 

We promise you the most elegant and beautiful women you'll ever see, unlimited connections at the top of social networking, and world-class entertainment. 

No phones/cameras are allowed inside. 

What happens inside Aphrodite remains in Aphrodite. We must respect the code of silence. 

A face mask must be worn throughout the stay. 

Membership is a one-time payment for a gold card, active for a lifetime for only $1 million. 

Other services are available while you are at the club for a fee. 

We expect your decision to be made within twenty-four hours, 

Best regards, Mr. Verlice