Players Make Their Picks for the Week

The lights roll warm across the stage again, Claire’s fingers teasing out a sprightly jazz progression on the electro-keyboard—less orgasmic chaos, more showtime swagger. Rhett paces forward with a grin that says trouble.

“Alright, alright—sit up, perk up, pull your pants back up if you must—it’s Week Nine, baby, and you know what that means.”

The great wall-screen behind him lights up with a fresh banner: PICK PHASE – WEEK 9 – NEW CYCLE, NEW CHAOS

Rhett lifts one brow. “Four lovely ladies of the College Spread deck hit the screen earlier. They’re not just sexy—oh no, they’re strategic. And this week, our contestants are drafting their plays like the horny tacticians we’ve trained them to be.”

He steps to the center of the stage and gestures grandly toward the line of seated contestants.

“This week, we’re going from youngest to oldest, which means the baby-faced disruptor goes first. Fresher, I know you’re still glowing from Rebekah putting your balls on a scoring deadline, so let’s see if you’re gonna meet that goal.”

The wall screen flicks to the four cards from the draw, swirling before landing in a neat row:

10♥ Kiara Martinez, Q♦ Dr. Isabella Aragon, 7♣ Kennedy Brooks, A♦ Dr. Mireille DuPont

Rhett raises an eyebrow. “So, Mr. Impossible, what’ll it be? A cheerleader? A cutthroat economist? A Kennedy? Or a dean who sips champagne like it’s blood?”

The Protagonist taps his tablet with deliberate calm. The screen flashes: Q♦ – Dr. Isabella Aragon

The audience hums with tension.

Rhett whistles. “Well now, that’s a bold move. Picking up the Queen of Diamonds when your hand already holds 8♦, 9♦, 10♦, and J♦? You’re not going for a flush—hell no. You’re one success away from a Diamond Royal Flush.”

He leans forward, eyes gleaming. “One of the hardest hands to score in the game and this would be your second straight flush so far. You went low in your last straight flush, now you’re aiming high. Damn.”

You don’t answer—you just nod once, calm and focused.

Rhett blinks. “Alright, alright. No reserve move this week—you’ve got your slots full—but that pick is a declaration. You’re playing for glory.”

He turns down the line, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “Next up… well, technically Dr. Ravensmoor again, seeing as our boy Milo hasn’t made his own decision since, what, Week Four?”

The camera pans to Selene, seated beside Milo, fingers steepled. Milo slouches, looking exhausted, artfully unkempt, and very possibly edging toward Stockholm Syndrome.

Rhett smirks. “Selene, your servant awaits.”

She taps once, calm and ruthless. The screen flashes: 7♣ – Kennedy Brooks

Rhett chuckles. “A third seven could be in Milo’s hand at the end of the week, which together would give him a full house. This is a Lady I’m relatively sure Selene will DEMAND he scores with or there will be trouble. Because as we all know, he’s had no trouble from the mistress of his soul so far, right?”

Selene’s voice purrs, just loud enough: “Remember, Rhett, he labelled me as the ‘Wicked Witch’ on his messenger. I’d HATE to disappoint him!”

Milo sighs like a man with no hope and very little blood left in his head.

The camera swings to Cassie, already smirking, tablet at the ready.

“Now, Queen Cassie,” Rhett says, “with just the 9 of spades held, you’ve got options and a loaded bonus this cycle. Which means your pick’s about more than points—it’s about message.”

Cassie doesn’t hesitate. She taps. The screen flashes: A♦ – Dr. Mireille DuPont

Rhett lets out a mock gasp. “Snatching the Ace off the table! Cold-blooded move. You’ve just swiped half the cards remaining in the deck for Graham to complete an Ace-heavy full house. That’s sabotage with style.”

Cassie shrugs. “The boardroom is her bedroom. How could I resist?”

“And your reserve slot’s open,” Rhett notes. “Any extra precautions?”

She taps again. The screen now shows: A♣ – RESERVED

The crowd murmurs. Rhett whistles. “And there it is, if Graham wants to complete his full house it will have to be with a trio of fives and while that is still a huge score, the points from a 5 pale in comparison to the 100 points base of an ace–”

Cassie grins, “Actually, there’s more to it than that. We all say Dr. Amin reject Professor Rourke at the start of this show, but she and I have… history. Very SPICY history going right back to my championship run. Money isn’t the ONLY capital someone can call on, Mr. West!”

Rhett grins wide. “Damn, girl. You’re not just a cam queen. You’re a chess grandmaster in thigh-highs.”

Cassie winks.

Finally, the camera lands on Graham—stoic, sharp-dressed, and visibly annoyed.

Rhett gives him a sympathetic chuckle. “Oh, Graham. Our favorite tax-dodging sugar daddy. You just got cockblocked by our queen. You might be buying victories, but perhaps you forgot sex sells. There is just one Lady left on the board for you this week.”

Graham doesn't flinch. Instead, he taps his tablet, and the screen reads: 10♥ – Kiara Martinez

“And it’s our cheerleader.” Rhett says. “Doesn’t help your full house, but hey, for a single score, a 10 is still a nice base.”

Graham replies smoothly, “She’s spirited. And spirited women are… motivating.”

Rhett tilts his head. “And your reserve slot?”

Without ceremony, Graham hits the button. The screen lights up: 5♣ – RESERVED

The audience ripples with understanding.

“Of course,” Rhett nods. “You’ve still got A♠, A♥, 5♠, and 5♦ in your hand. Grab the 5♣, and boom—Aces full of fives. A full house fit for a boardroom brawler.”

Graham simply smiles.

Rhett turns to the camera, the lights flashing crimson and gold behind him. “And with that, our picks are locked, our reserves are sealed, and the Ladies of the College Spread await their dates. That just leaves us with one more step before the challenges themselves can be started. Do any of our players wish to use their power play?”

Claire hits a sharp, seductive chord as the lights dim toward the next phase.