The reality competition series Million Dollar Secret wrapped up its inaugural season with an engaging finale that aired on April 9, 2025, on Netflix. Set at the luxurious estate known as The Stag, this gripping show brought together 12 contestants who lived in close quarters while vying for a hidden million-dollar prize. The primary challenge was to avoid elimination while simultaneously keeping the identity of the secret millionaire under wraps.
In an exciting conclusion, Cara emerged victorious in the final episode. Following her triumphant win, she shared insights about her time on the show in an interview with Netflix’s Tudum.
“I’m such a gamer. I grew up watching The Challenge, Big Brother, and Survivor, so I always dreamed about being on a show like this. I’ve studied these shows and always wondered, ‘What would I do if I was there?'”
During the interview, Cara reflected on her pivotal choices throughout the competition, including a crucial box swap with fellow contestant Corey. She detailed her experiences while filming, her daily routine as the game unfolded, and the challenges of returning home while keeping her win a secret.
Inside the Game: Cara’s Strategy and Relationships
Cara emphasized that her gameplay was primarily centered around mental strategies. She made it a point to forge genuine connections with nearly all her fellow contestants. “I aligned with almost every single person in the house,” Cara disclosed, highlighting her intent to foster a caring and supportive environment.
“I aligned with almost every single person in the house,” she added.
Despite the competitive atmosphere, Cara aimed to blend into the background rather than overtly exhibit her gaming prowess, reminiscent of the popular group game Werewolf.
“You can’t say you’re a gamer, because that’s the first person that’s going home,” she recalled.
While Cara was discreet about her strategic mindset, she remained keenly observant and actively engaged in discussions. Her strongest asset throughout the competition was her intuition, a skill she has relied on since childhood. She maintained a focus on mental resilience, especially during high-pressure moments, such as her final box swap decision. Trusting her instincts ultimately led her to victory.
Post-Competition Life: The Challenge of Secrecy
Following her win, Cara returned to her job at In-N-Out without anyone knowing she had been filming. “When the show came out, [my co-workers] were like, ‘When did you go?'”she said, highlighting the secrecy she managed to maintain.
Even when asked directly about her victory, she skillfully avoided revealing the results. Reflecting on her time in the competition, Cara described her daily routine, which began with calm moments of reflection before entering the inevitable chaos of the game.
“I would get ready and have a calm start to my day, because I knew the chaos was following shortly after,” she explained.
Unlike other contestants, who emphasized physical challenges, Cara chose to forego such tasks. She prioritized understanding her competitors and honing her mental approach. After filming concluded, she experienced extreme mental fatigue, admitting that she “slept for three days straight” to recuperate.
Her triumphant moment—opening the box to reveal the million-dollar prize—was a scenario she had envisioned throughout the day. “This is it. It is happening,” she recalled, noting the emotional phone call with her husband that left them both in tears upon sharing the news of her victory.
For those intrigued by this captivating competition, all episodes of Million Dollar Secret are currently available for streaming on Netflix.