John Smith played along, and Vivian's husband, understanding the situation, cooperated without needing any more cues. "This is Wendy Lawson, Vivian's college classmate—a truly gifted woman and a piano teacher," Vivian introduced. John Smith chuckled softly and said, "So, it's Miss Lawson." His expression carried a subtle smile as he extended his hand in a gentlemanly manner.
Around them, the men of prestigious backgrounds all gave meaningful looks, some even showing envy. They could easily tell that this beautiful Miss Lawson had her eyes on John Smith. One of them teased, "Lawyer Smith has really hit the jackpot!"
Wendy Lawson, feeling bashful and unaccustomed to being the center of such attention, couldn't help the blush that crept across her face. Trying to act as poised as possible, she reached out her hand. Her soft, delicate palm was held briefly by John Smith before he let go, his lips still curled in a charming, almost seductive smile.
"Miss Lawson, would you care for a game?" he asked, and without waiting for a reply, he headed straight toward the golf course, leaving little room for her to decline. Wendy had no choice but to follow along.
Behind them, Owen Brown gripped his golf club tightly, his face darkened with obvious displeasure.
John Smith, however, seemed to be in an excellent mood. Even when Wendy Lawson confessed that she didn't know how to play, he wasn't bothered. "I'll teach you," he said. His tone made it clear to everyone around what his true intentions were. As a result, the looks from those observing became even more suggestive.
Wendy Lawson wasn't naive. John Smith's apparent interest in her signaled just one thing—he didn't like Owen Brown. Wendy stood in front of John Smith, allowing him to wrap his arms around her from behind. She was wearing sporty shorts, which left much of her pale, smooth legs exposed, and those legs were now pressed tightly against him. She could feel the heat radiating from his body.
Wendy Lawson's face was burning with embarrassment. "Miss Lawson, focus," John Smith whispered in her ear, his breath warm, the words so close they sounded like something lovers might murmur to each other. Wendy Lawson froze for a moment.
John Smith had already grasped her hand, guiding it as he swung the golf club. Around them, applause erupted, and the compliments came in quick succession. "Lawyer Smith and Miss Lawson make a great team!" "It's all thanks to Lawyer Smith's great teaching!" "With another swing, Lawyer Smith will get it in the hole!"
The men, used to talking like this, didn't find anything strange about their remarks. Wendy Lawson, however, couldn't help the faint flush that continued to spread across her face. John Smith leaned closer, his breath tickling her ear as he chuckled, "Miss Lawson, how about another swing?" He displayed his remarkable skill once more, sending the ball straight into the hole with a single stroke. The applause grew even louder, and John Smith stood tall, his handsome face glowing with confidence and energy.
Wendy Lawson's heart gave an involuntary flutter. Today, although she had set out to seduce him, she found herself completely at his mercy. She had a strong feeling that if John Smith ever decided to flirt in earnest, ninety-five percent of women would not be able to resist. The only reason he didn't usually bother with such things was likely because a man of his status wouldn't lower himself for just anyone.
Wendy Lawson remained in his arms as they played several more rounds, each time with John guiding her hands and movements, making the game seem effortless. By the time they reached a break, Wendy was seated next to John Smith. He didn't say much to her during the break, focusing mainly on discussing business matters with others. Occasionally, legal issues came up in conversation, but Wendy was eager to stay on his good side. She handed him drinks and fetched towels for him, and John Smith accepted all of it without hesitation, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
Vivian, observing from the sidelines, felt that something was definitely brewing between them. She pulled Wendy aside into the restroom for a private conversation. "I never thought Lawyer Smith could be so subtly flirty! I've seen him at other gatherings, and he's always been so proper and serious," Vivian remarked with some surprise.
Vivian, however, couldn't help but worry. She feared that Wendy might be playing with fire and get burned. With John Smith's status, it was unlikely he would ever marry Wendy Lawson, especially with Owen Brown still in the picture between them.
Wendy, understanding Vivian's concerns, smiled faintly and replied in a quiet voice, "It's just a physical thing at most. I'm not so naive as to expect anything more." With that, Vivian felt relieved, trusting Wendy to keep her head.
Just as they were about to leave the restroom, Owen Brown suddenly barged in. Without warning, he pushed Wendy roughly against the wall, his expression dark and stormy. Vivian, alarmed, immediately reached out to pull him back. "Owen Brown, what are you trying to do?" she demanded. But Owen brushed her off easily, shoving her aside and locking the door behind him.
Outside, Vivian pounded on the door with all her might, her voice seething with anger but still hushed so as not to attract too much attention. "Owen Brown, you b*st*rd! What kind of man bullies a woman?" she hissed. But such childish accusations didn't bother Owen at all. If he weren't capable of being so ruthless, would he have been able to leave Wendy so coldly, and then go on to completely destroy her life without hesitation?