Johnson thought to himself that, though this young woman claimed to know how to play golf, women typically lacked the strength to hit effectively. Whether she could reach the green at all remained uncertain, and even if she did, it would likely take eight or nine strokes. Losing a bit of money to see her smile would be worth it.
Kimberly pressed her lips together in a smile. “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 Jordan?”
“If I can get a ball onto the green within ten strokes, you’ll sign a one-year legal advisory contract plus a case representation agreement with our firm. For each stroke under ten, add another year to the contract. If I make it in one stroke, you’ll sign a ten-year contract, and all of Caresol Group’s legal matters during those ten years must be handled by our firm. How does that sound?”
Johnson chuckled, thinking to himself that this young woman was rather clever—not interested in a paltry ten or twenty thousand pounds, 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 Jordan? She’s remarkably dedicated, always thinking of your 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 agreed with a smile. “Since Miss Jordan has proposed using contracts as stakes, let’s proceed that way. Whatever makes her happy.”
Kimberly smiled sweetly. “Excellent.”
A caddy handed her a golf club, which she took and swung experimentally.
Johnson, in a somewhat fawning manner, remarked with a smile, “Very good! Miss Jordan clearly has natural talent.”
Kimberly curved her lips into a smile without responding. She positioned herself, took careful aim, and said, “Mr. Johnson, I hope you’re prepared.”
Before Johnson could fully grasp her meaning, Kimberly had already executed a smooth, expert swing. The small white ball traced a perfect arc through the air before landing firmly on the green.
Johnson stared in astonishment. She had reached the green in a single stroke.
The head partner couldn’t help but applaud. “BrilKimmynt!”
Kimberly 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 in admiration. “Well done! What a surprise! Miss Jordan, 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.”
Kimberly smiled demurely. “You’re too kind, Mr. Johnson.”
The head partner stood nearby, grinning from ear to ear. A ten-year legal advisory and representation contract! He had brought Kimberly along today merely to accompany Johnson, hoping to keep the client entertained before discussing contracts. Never had he expected Kimberly to secure a ten-year contract with Caresol Group in a single stroke! In all his years of practice, he had never landed such a significant deal in one go. The head partner felt somewhat humbled.
Meanwhile, Alexander nudged Asher with his elbow, gesturing toward the scene. “Your ex-girlfriend is quite impressive—one stroke to the green. Those movements could rival a professional’s.”
Asher turned to look, his eyes reflecting pride and fondness. “Kimberly 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 moment these words left his lips, the tender affection in Asher’s expression instantly vanished. He handed his club to the caddy and strode purposefully in their direction.
“Oi, where are you going?” Alexander followed.
Asher’s expression cooled, his tone emotionless. “To discuss business.”
“Business?” Alexander was puzzled. “With whom?”
Glancing up to see the three cheerful figures in the distance, Alexander immediately understood. Asher was jealous and looking to create a diversion to keep those two older men from hovering around Kimberly. How could he possibly stand by and watch? Alexander inwardly laughed—someone had finally reached their limit after holding back for so long.
Asher came to a stop directly in front of Kimberly, the sunlight casting his shadow over her. Kimberly stood in his shadow, looking up at him. He was wearing a dark gray sports outfit today, maintaining his typically cool demeanor.
Why has he returned? Kimberly wondered privately. Johnson was also confused. The CEO of Blackwood Industries was normally difficult to meet, and even when encountered, he was 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?”
Celestial was a hotel chain owned by Blackwood Industries.
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 Kimberly before quickly returning to Johnson, his voice cool as he responded with a simple “Right.”
Johnson was delighted.
The head partner, recognizing the social cues, 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.”
Kimberly had been standing silently beside them, staring absently at Asher’s shadow on the ground, lost in thought. Hearing that they were leaving, she snapped out of her reverie and prepared to depart with the head partner.
Johnson replied, “BrilKimmynt. I’ll discuss the contract with you tomorrow afternoon. Since I lost the wager to Miss Jordan, I’ll certainly honour 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 Kimberly was about to leave. Asher’s voice remained neutral, betraying no emotion, appearing genuinely indifferent. “Since you’re all together, why not join us for lunch?”