Chapter 124

Johnson mused that while this young woman claimed golfing expertise, women typically lacked the strength for effective shots. Reaching the green was uncertain; even then, eight or nine strokes seemed likely. Still, losing a little money for a smile was worthwhile.

Thalia smiled faintly. “I’m happy to join you for dinner, but betting money is rather dull. Let’s wager something else.”

“What did you have in mind, Miss Winters?”

“If I can get a ball onto the green within ten strokes, you’ll sign a one-year legal advisory contract and a case representation agreement with our firm. For each stroke under ten, add another year to the contract. One stroke, and you sign a ten-year contract; all of Caresol Group’s legal matters during those ten years must be handled by us. How does that sound?”

Johnson chuckled, thinking this young woman was clever—not interested in a paltry sum, but planning something more ambitious. A company as large as Caresol Group generated enough legal cases annually to sustain their entire firm for a year. He had underestimated her.

Johnson turned to the head partner with an amused smile. “Where did you find Miss Winters? She’s remarkably dedicated, always thinking of the firm’s interests. I’m half tempted to poach her for our legal department.”

The head partner laughed. “Very funny, Mr. Johnson.”

Finding the situation entertaining, Johnson smiled in agreement. “Since Miss Winters has proposed using contracts as stakes, let’s proceed that way. Whatever makes her happy.”

Thalia smiled sweetly. “Excellent.”

A caddy handed her a club, which she experimentally swung.

Johnson, somewhat fawningly, remarked with a smile, “Very good! Miss Winters clearly has natural talent.”

Thalia curved her lips into a smile without replying. She positioned herself, took careful aim, and said, “Mr. Johnson, I hope you’re prepared.”

Before Johnson could fully comprehend, Thalia executed a smooth, expert swing. The ball arced perfectly through the air, landing firmly on the green. Johnson stared in astonishment. She had reached the green in a single stroke.

The head partner applauded. “Brilliant!”

Thalia walked to the green and elegantly putted the ball into the hole, her smile radiant. “Mr. Johnson, one stroke to reach the green. As agreed, your company will sign a ten-year representation agreement and legal advisory contract with our firm.”

Johnson recovered his composure and applauded. “Well done! What a surprise! Miss Winters, you’re quite the golfer—your technique looks even more refined than mine. You said you merely ‘knew a bit’—you were being far too modest.”

Thalia smiled demurely. “You’re too kind, Mr. Johnson.”

The head partner grinned. A ten-year contract! He had brought Thalia along merely to entertain Johnson before discussing contracts. Never had he expected her to secure a ten-year contract with Caresol Group in a single stroke! In all his years, he’d never landed such a significant deal so quickly. He felt humbled.

Meanwhile, Alexander nudged Asher, gesturing toward the scene. “Your ex-girlfriend is quite impressive—one stroke to the green. Those movements could rival a professional’s.”

Asher turned, his eyes reflecting pride and fondness. “Thalia won the National Junior Championship in secondary school.”

“Well, well,” Alexander’s eyes narrowed knowingly. “Look at that pride in your eyes. Like a parent whose child just won an award.”

Asher’s expression softened. “She is my girl, after all.”

Alexander casually remarked, “Wonder what those two blokes are saying that’s making them all laugh so happily.”

The tender affection in Asher’s expression instantly vanished. He handed his club to the caddy and strode purposefully toward them.

“Oi, where are you going?” Alexander followed.

Asher’s expression cooled; his tone was emotionless. “To discuss business.”

“Business?” Alexander was puzzled. “With whom?”

Glancing up at the three cheerful figures in the distance, Alexander immediately understood. Asher was jealous and looking to create a diversion to keep the older men from hovering around Thalia.

Chapter 124

How could he possibly stand by and watch? Alexander inwardly laughed—someone had finally reached their limit after holding back for so long.

Asher stopped directly in front of Thalia, his shadow falling over her. Thalia stood in his shadow, looking up at him. He was wearing a dark gray sports outfit, maintaining his typically cool demeanor. Why has he returned? Thalia wondered.

Johnson was also confused. The CEO of Blackwood Industries was normally difficult to meet, and even when encountered, typically dismissive. Why had he approached them twice today to initiate conversation? Had something strange happened?

Asher stood with his hands in his pockets, affecting casualness, his tone deliberately nonchalant. “Mr. Johnson, I recall you mentioning a potential collaboration with our Celestial hotel brand?”

Upon hearing that the Blackwood CEO was initiating business discussions, Johnson immediately became deferential. “Yes, yes, indeed, Mr. Blackwood. Caresol has been hoping to collaborate with Celestial for quite some time. I mentioned it to you at a reception previously, but you were rather tied up and suggested discussing it another time. Today is an excellent opportunity since we’re both free—no time like the present, eh?”

Johnson glanced at his watch and smiled broadly. “It’s nearly lunchtime. Perhaps I could book a restaurant, and we could discuss it over a meal?”

Asher’s gaze swept casually over Thalia before returning to Johnson, his voice cool as he responded with a simple, “Right.”

Johnson was delighted.

The head partner interjected, “Well then, Mr. Blackwood, Mr. Johnson, we’ll leave you to your discussion. Mr. Johnson, we can talk about the contract details another time.”

Thalia had been standing silently beside them, staring absently at Asher’s shadow, lost in thought. Hearing that they were leaving, she snapped out of her reverie and prepared to depart with the head partner.

Johnson replied, “Brilliant. I’ll discuss the contract with you tomorrow afternoon. Since I lost the wager to Miss Winters, I’ll certainly honor my commitment. I pride myself on my integrity.”

Johnson had deliberately said this for Asher’s benefit, hoping to create a favorable impression as he sought cooperation with Blackwood’s hotel chain. However, Asher paid no attention to these details. He had only registered that Thalia was about to leave.

Chapter 124

Asher’s voice remained neutral, betraying no emotion, appearing genuinely indifferent. “Since you’re all together, why not join us for lunch?”