Chapter 291

Sophia's fingertips traced the rim of her crystal glass as the party hummed around her.

Kevin Heilbronn sidled up with a tumbler of whiskey, his gaze roaming over her body with undisguised hunger. In their world, secretaries and mistresses were often considered interchangeable.

"Mr. Heilbronn, company policy prohibits alcohol during work hours." She took a subtle half-step back, her voice steady.

"Stop playing hard to get." He scoffed, reaching for her waist.

"Mr. Roscente detests policy violations." She set her glass down with a sharp clink that froze his movement.

The name "Ethan Roscente" erected an invisible barrier. Kevin withdrew with a grumble, shooting Lydia Merovingian a meaningful look.

Lydia smoothly appeared with a juice glass. "Mr. Heilbronn and Mr. Valrose grew up together. He's just... forthright."

Accepting the drink, Sophia retreated to a corner sofa. A sudden cheer erupted across the lawn.

On the emerald golf course, Ethan swung his club with precision. His white polo stretched across broad shoulders, rolled sleeves revealing corded forearms.

The ball arced through the sky and dropped cleanly into the hole.

She was still watching when warm breath brushed her ear. "Enjoying the game, Ms. Lowell?"

Sophia jerked upright, spilling juice down her skirt. "I wouldn't know a nine-iron from a putter, Mr. Valrose."

"Let's fix that." Dominic Valrose gripped her wrist before she could protest.

Ethan turned just as she stumbled forward. His club struck the turf with a thud.

"Dominic."

Two syllables made the other man release her instantly. Dominic backpedaled with an awkward laugh. "Your swing's impeccable, Roscente. Why not give the lady a lesson?"

Sophia opened her mouth, but Ethan was already before her. The scent of fresh grass clung to his fingers as he tilted her chin up.

"Interested?"

Her breath caught. In his dark eyes, she saw her own flustered reflection staring back.