It was like a switch flipped.
Energy surged through the house, replacing anxiety with adrenaline.
Within minutes, someone had wheeled out the house bar cart, and another contestant connected an fm station to the speaker system.
The living room transformed into a makeshift club.
The lights were dimmed. Colored LED bulbs—meant for special house events—flashed and spun, throwing streaks of blue and purple across the walls.
Loud, pulsing music filled the space, and soon, laughter and the clinking of glasses joined the mix.
Even the more reserved contestants started loosening up.
Alcohol flowed freely—wine, beer, even hard liquor that had been hoarded from previous rewards. Inhibitions melted.
The earlier nervousness was replaced by dancing, jokes, and unexpected flirtations.
Ross was in his element.
He moved smoothly through the crowd, drink in hand, greeting people like a celebrity at his own party.
