A Game of Strategy

Ethan hesitated for a moment, then withdrew his previous "calm and rational" statement.

"So, what does that have to do with you throwing yourself at me?" His deep eyes remained emotionless.

Isabella clenched her fists in frustration. "Because that family is loving and harmonious. Mr. Anthony seems to adore his wife and children, so I thought he'd have a good impression of a loving couple. I'm just helping you make a good impression."

She didn't want it to seem like she was taking advantage of him.

Ethan nodded, as if agreeing with her reasoning.

Isabella stared at him, eyes wide. Just a nod? No apology? No thank you?

Finally, with what seemed like great kindness, Ethan said, "It's late. Get some rest."

Then, he got up and left.

Isabella: "???"

What a jerk!

Though she found it unbelievable, Ethan actually took Isabella's words into consideration. While she rested, he continued arranging for his team to investigate Mr. Anthony's background.

Isabella was so annoyed that she couldn't fall asleep until midnight. But fortunately, she was young, and even with just a few hours of sleep, she woke up feeling refreshed the next morning.

Unexpectedly, Ethan was already up. Dressed casually, he sat in the dining room, eating breakfast.

Isabella looked at him in confusion. "Aren't we supposed to discuss the contract today? Shouldn't you dress more formally?"

Ethan seemed to be in a good mood. There was even a hint of amusement in his eyes as he replied, "Sit down. Mr. Anthony postponed the meeting to this afternoon. So, we're playing golf this morning."

"Golf?" Isabella searched her memory and realized she had never learned to play. "I'm not going."

"You have to," Ethan said. Then he added, "That family from yesterday will be there too."

Isabella's eyes instantly lit up. "So, you found out that the man from yesterday was Mr. Anthony?"

She knew it!

"Not confirmed yet, but it's highly likely," Ethan replied. His team had checked Mr. Anthony's flight records, and based on the timing, it matched the arrival of the family of three. There had also been only one passenger on the flight with communication barriers.

Mr. Anthony planned to take his son to play golf in the morning, so Ethan decided to bring Isabella along for a "coincidental" meeting.

Isabella assumed Ethan wanted to "make friends through golf" and hesitated. "But I don't know how to play."

Ethan glanced at her, his expression unreadable. "It's better if you don't."

"Huh?" Isabella blinked, confused.

After breakfast, they set off for the largest golf course in Crown City.

The high-end course operated on a strict membership basis, with annual fees running into the millions. Reservations were required well in advance to rent a course.

If that family had indeed come here yesterday, it meant they weren't ordinary tourists.

Upon arrival, Isabella and Ethan changed into golf attire before heading to their reserved section of the course.

The weather was perfect—clear skies, no wind—ideal conditions for golf.

Ethan selected a club for Isabella and handed it to her. "Here, give it a try."

Isabella stood on her tiptoes, scanning the area for Mr. Anthony and his family.

Seeing her tense expression, as if preparing for a battle, Ethan couldn't help but remind her, "Relax. You're on vacation."

Isabella sighed and turned back to him. "So, what exactly is my task? Can you be more specific?"

"I told you, your task is to have fun," Ethan said, then added with a slight frown, "And show affection toward me."

Being affectionate with Isabella felt like torture to Ethan, but he had to endure it for the project's sake.

Isabella looked at him with disdain. What was that supposed to mean? Did he think she was enjoying this? If she hadn't sworn at her parents' graves to reclaim the Wilson Corporation, she wouldn't have wasted another second on this man!

She snorted and turned away, only to spot a family of three playing nearby. Excited, she whispered, "Look, is that them?"

Ethan didn't even glance in their direction. Instead, he focused on selecting a golf club. "Come here and stand still."

He positioned Isabella and began adjusting her stance.

"Hold the club with both hands, relax your shoulders, and slightly bend your hips and knees," he instructed while adjusting her posture.

His voice was close to her ear, and his warm breath tickled her skin. Isabella instinctively shifted.

Ethan immediately straightened her up, his tone stern. "Don't look at me like that."

Taking a deep breath, Isabella forced herself to focus. If she could learn to play golf, it would be another useful skill to add to her arsenal.

Determined, she tightened her grip on the club.

"Move your arms with your shoulders, stand firm, aim. Now, swing and hit it hard!"

With a crisp whack, the white golf ball soared into the air.

Ethan's guidance had helped—her first swing wasn't bad at all.

"Yay!" Isabella jumped excitedly, looking like a cheerful young girl. Although she was 22, her energetic demeanor made her seem even younger.

Her bright expression quickly caught the attention of Anthony and his family.

Nearby, Anthony's son pointed at them and gestured something in sign language to his father.

Anthony shook his head, but his son insisted, and eventually, Anthony smiled helplessly.

Before long, Anthony and his family approached.

His wife greeted them warmly. "Hello, this is my husband, Anthony, and this is our son, Adam."

Isabella kept her composure, pretending she didn't already know who they were.

"Hello, my name is Isabella, and this is my husband, Ethan. Is there something we can help you with?"

"I noticed Mrs. Anderson is playing golf for the first time," Anthony's wife said with a smile. "My son is also a beginner, and he finds it boring to practice alone. He wants to play with Mrs. Anderson. Would that be okay?"

Before Isabella could respond, Adam ran up to her, his eyes bright with excitement.

"Big sister, can I play with you?" he asked eagerly.