Lunch came and went with a buzz of excitement as the house contestants handed in their carefully crafted lists of items to buy with their newly awarded budget.
The living room was filled with laughter, chatter, and lighthearted debates about what to prioritize—luxury snacks, gadgets, or simple comforts.
For a brief moment, the weight of the competition seemed to lift, replaced by camaraderie and shared dreams of indulgence.
But as the sun dipped below the horizon, the atmosphere shifted.
The usual background noise quieted down, replaced by a tense anticipation.
All eyes were drawn to the large TV screen in the center of the room as it flickered to life.
A stark, ominous message appeared in bold letters:
"Chains of Trust."
The contestants leaned in closer, the weight of the words sinking in.