Chapter 39: Chapter 39 The credit
Before Alana could react, her hands gripping the club were enveloped by a large, firm grasp. Instantly, a warm, solid male body pressed against her back, enveloping her entirely.
The familiar masculine scent reached her, causing her heart to tighten.
Before she could utter a word, his other hand seized hers.
Both hands clasped hers tightly.
Her breath caught again.
The man seemed to lean close to her ear, his voice low and husky. "Don’t be nervous."
“Relax a little."
“Aim in the direction..."
As if bewitched by his voice, Alana found herself unconsciously following his instructions.
Finally, they swung their clubs together.
Thwack.
As the club struck the ball, it soared high into the air, tracing a perfect arc before landing precisely on the green and dropping into the hole.
Alana couldn’t help but gasp in excitement. "A hole-in-one!"
She’d actually witnessed a hole-in-one!
After the initial thrill, she seemed to realise something. Turning her head, she caught sight of Stephan’s coldly handsome face.
At that moment, he enveloped her in a protective embrace, shielding her petite frame completely.
His presence, his very breath, was so intense it demanded attention.
Most crucially, their hands remained tightly clasped together.
Alana’s face flushed crimson instantly.
She opened her mouth to speak.
As if sensing her intention, he instantly released her, stepping to stand beside her with his hands casually tucked into his pockets.
His voice was neither loud nor soft. "Serve in that position just now. Understood?"
It seemed as though what had just transpired was merely a routine coaching session.
Alana had been about to accuse him of being frivolous, but upon hearing his deadpan tone, she swallowed her words.
Jules’ sarcastic tone cut through the air. "Impressive. Teaching a novice to swing and then holing it in one shot. It’s a shame you’re not a professional athlete."
Stephan remained composed. "Pure luck."
To Jules, however, it was pure pretence.
Hardly anyone was watching him, what was there to put on airs for?
Vera followed over and saw the man who had just refused to teach her now instructing Alana on her swing. The jealousy welling up inside her was palpable.
She couldn’t fathom why everyone seemed to gravitate towards Alana.
What charm did she possess?
To her, Alana was nothing but a vulgar vixen, utterly distasteful, how could she compare to Vera’s own refined elegance?
Alana tried the method Stephan had just taught her, swinging the ball several times.
Sure enough, she made noticeable progress.
It had to be said, that man, though thoroughly unpleasant, was rather skilled in certain areas. Recalling how he’d pressed close behind her back and those little gestures he’d made, a flushed
warmth crept over her.
Her peripheral vision couldn’t help but glance at the man standing not far away.
He stood lazily, his gaze fixed straight ahead.
His features were cool and sharp, his bone structure impeccable, strikingly handsome.
Noticing her gaze, he glanced over, his pupils as dark as ink.
Alana felt inexplicably uneasy and quickly averted her gaze to avoid the danger of meeting his eyes.
After playing several more rounds, both Jules and Alana were feeling rather tired.
Jules as prone to perspiring heavily; his shirt was now soaked through, damp enough to wring out.
“Right, I’m done. Off for a shower."
Noticing Alana was equally drenched in sweat, she suddenly had an idea.
She promptly hooked her arm around her shoulder, batting her eyelashes. "Come on,
accompany me to the showers."
Truly, she was a sweet, soft little beauty, even her sweat carried a heady fragrance,
intoxicatingly sweet.
If only they could bathe together, the scene would be utterly intoxicating.
Alana froze, unable to respond.
A deep, displeased voice cut through the air.
“Jules!"
Jules looked up to meet Stephan’s dark, displeased eyes, and couldn’t help but let out a soft sigh.
Right then, the possessive chap was jealous again.
Getting jealous over a woman? That’s quite something.
Jules released Alana’s shoulder. "Just teasing you. I’m off for a shower. Wait here for me." Alana hummed in acknowledgement.
No sooner had Jules left, Stephan had already drawn near without her noticing.
Alana instinctively tried to pull away.
The man suddenly spoke up, "Don’t get too close to her. She’s a lesbian."
A bewildered gaze turned towards Stephan, as if asking, ’Who’s gay?’
Stephan shot her a glance. "Jules. She’s gay."
Alana shot Stephan an even more bewildered look. "Why are you telling me this?"
Stephan frowned. "Didn’t you notice she likes you?!"
Stephan observed Alana’s expression of disbelief, slowly drawing closer to her.
Clenching his jaw, he warned, "Be careful. Don’t let her lure you into bed. You’ll regret it when it’s too late! In fact don’t let any other person, man or woman seduce you.”
Alana bit her lip, unable to resist glaring at the man.
What utter nonsense was this man spouting!
Jules seemed perfectly decent.
She gritted her teeth. "If anyone’s going to seduce me, it’ll be you! Not her!"
Stephan’s eyes darkened, his gaze now unashamedly hungry for her.
“I do indeed wish to seduce you. Will you let me?"
Alana’s eyes widened in shock at the man’s audacity.
How could he... utter such words with such unearthly grace?!
“No.”
“One seduction, and the thirty thousand you owe me is settled."
Alana, flushed with anger and shame, retorted, "I told you, I’m not that sort of woman!"
Stephan stared at her, his gaze suddenly turning earnest.
"Then be my girlfriend."
Alana stared at him in utter shock.
Asking her to be his girlfriend?
Was he serious?
This was likely a ploy to get her into bed, wasn’t it? Therefore, she replied without hesitation, "I refuse."
Stephan was close to bursting.
Don’t be fooled by his outwardly calm demeanour.
But inside, a storm was brewing.
For this was the first time he’d ever confessed his feelings to a girl, asking her to be his girlfriend.
As the words left his lips, he felt an unexpected pang of trepidation.
He feared she might refuse.
But then he recalled that he’d never been turned down by a woman before.
Therefore, this time should be no exception.
Yet to his utter astonishment, she actually turned him down.
For the first time, the man who had always been invincible, who could effortlessly achieve anything he set his mind to, experienced a sensation called defeat.
His brow furrowed. "Why did you reject me?"
Alana took a deep breath and replied diplomatically, "I have a boyfriend."
Stephan scoffed. “That boyfriend of yours is irresponsible. Break up with him."
“Break up with him and come to you? I don’t even know you that much.”
“We can get to know each other."
Alana glared at him. How could he be so stubborn?!
She cut straight to the chase. "I don’t like you!"
Stephan stared at her, his gaze intense. "In bed, you didn’t say that."
Alana felt her cheeks flush involuntarily.
Suddenly, she recalled that night in his house, when he’d pinned her down on his large grey bed. He’d nibbled her earlobe, his voice low and husky, utterly sensual, talking dirty to her, while her slender fingers dug deep into his hair roots, and with a hint of a sob, she had begged for more, feeling such overwhelming pleasure.
The past was too embarrassing to recall.
Alana’s face was flushed crimson.
Her shame was overwhelming.
“You made me say all those things to you!”
The man retorted in a low voice, "Didn’t you enjoy it then?"
Alana’s face was crimson as blood, "Please, don’t say any more..."
“I can’t. So will you consider becoming my girlfriend?”
“No.”
Spotting Jules emerge, Alana promptly abandoned Stephan and dashed over without pause.
Stephan watched Alana abandon him and dash to Jules’ side, grinding his teeth inwardly. This ungrateful little thing was proving a tough nut to crack.
But no matter how tough she was, he’d find a way to crack her.
*********
The game concluded.
Alana seized the opportunity to invite Jules out for a meal.
The implication couldn’t have been clearer: it was about discussing a business partnership. Jules raised an eyebrow, hesitated not a moment, and readily agreed.
The group headed straight to a nearby upmarket restaurant.
Stephan, being part of Jules’ group, naturally accompanied them.
During the meal.
Dane and Vera were exceedingly attentive, showering Jules with compliments.
Alana, however, found herself utterly speechless.
After all, the two of them had monopolised all the compliments.
Jules had long grown accustomed to such flattery, finding it thoroughly insincere.
However, having made the pleasant acquaintance of Alana today, she felt quite content and didn’t mind the flattery.
She looked at Alana and said, "Bring the contract over tomorrow. I’m staying at the HG Hotel."
It was clear she’d agreed to sign with their company.
Provided the contract was sound, the collaboration was as good as sealed.
Overcome with excitement, Dane immediately offered Jules several glasses of wine.
Vera also raised her glass several times.
Alana, fresh out of university, wasn’t much of a drinker. Seeing Dane and Vera both offering toasts, it would have been awkward for her not to reciprocate.
So she poured herself half a glass and downed it.
Alana downed the half glass in one gulp. After swallowing it, her throat felt sour and dry, with a burning sensation.
Within seconds, her face flushed crimson.
A deep, full flush.
Her head felt a bit fuzzy too.
Yet she forced herself to hold it together, refusing to show any sign of intoxication.
Yet her crimson cheeks betrayed her entirely.
Stephan’s gaze swept over Alana. Having remained silent until now, he set down his
chopsticks and finally spoke.
“Since we’ve had our chat, let’s head home."
Jules, noticing Stephan’s frequent glances towards Alana, gave a disapproving click of her tongue.
She spoke up, "Right then, we’ll call it a day."
Dane and Vera, their purpose achieved, made no attempt to detain them, politely
offering farewells.
Jules and Stephan took their leave first.
Dane, Vera, and Alana remained behind.
Dane eyed Alana, his eyes crinkling with amusement. "Lana dear, you’ve been a real asset today. We’ve secured this contract largely thanks to your efforts."
“Once the contract’s signed, you’ll be well rewarded."
Alana felt a bit light-headed but forced herself to stay composed. "Thank you." "Since everyone else has left, I shall take my leave too. Manager, see you tomorrow."
With that, she turned and walked away.
Dane noticed Alana was slightly tipsy. Her rosy cheeks were utterly tempting.
He wasn’t about to let her off the hook, quickly intercepting her. "Since we all came together, so we’re all leaving together! I’ll drive you home!"
Vera was no fool either; she saw straight through Dane’s intentions towards Alana. Her eyes darted about as she chimed in,
“Exactly! Manager Dane has a car, let him drive us all back together!"
Alana evaded Dave’s touch and coldly refused, "No need. I’ll just take a cab back."
“Besides, you’ve all been drinking. Driving under the influence isn’t advisable. You’d be better off arranging a designated driver."
With that, she walked straight out.
Dane hesitated to stop her, but then reconsidered. There was no rush; after all, securing this collaboration depended on Alana.
With that thought, he shifted his focus to Vera.
“Vera dear, why don’t you come to the hotel with me tonight?"
Vera felt utterly sick to her stomach.
That old goat, unable to get his hooks into Alana, now wanted to spend the night with her as if she was some second choice. Was she some sort of revolting spare wheel?
Despite her revulsion, she leaned in coquettishly. "Mr Dane, I’ll accompany you if you wish. But regarding the contract with the HG representative, you must let me replace Alana."
Dane, his mind clouded by lust, nodded eagerly. "Fine, fine, fine. Whatever you say."
After all, the HG representative might not insist on Alana personally presenting the
contract for her signature.
Vera’s lips curved into a smirk before she finally agreed to accompany Dane to the
hotel.
In the end, whoever secured the contract would take the credit!
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