Chapter 1629

This time, Jamie wasn’t the center of attention. The gala was unique. It was not just a gathering for mingling, but one where guests were encouraged to play golf on the green. Good performance even came with a prize. Of course, given the wealth and status of the attendees, few truly cared about the prize. Most treated the game as a lighthearted diversion. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as someone landed an impressive shot. A refined middle-aged man glanced toward the course and then smiled at them. “Mr. Lucas, Miss Lewis, would you care to give it a try on the course?”
Jamie had been discreetly observing the man, quickly deducing that he must be the representative from the partner company.
His invitation took her slightly off guard, but she recovered swiftly, her tone polite yet firm. “It seems Mr. Smith is indeed as rumored, a golf enthusiast. But I must admit, I lack the talent for it. I’d rather not embarrass myself out there.” Tim paused briefly, then chuckled. “Miss Lewis, you certainly have a way with words.”
Framed positively, it was a compliment about her directness. Less kindly, it might be seen as calling her blunt. Such was the art of diplomacy.
Still, Tim’s refined demeanor softened the remark, making it feel warm and cordial rather than critical. It was hard to take offense when he carried himself with such poise.
He then shifted his attention to Ben.
Jamie picked up a glass of wine, fully expecting Ben to decline. But just as she brought the glass to her lips, she heard him say, “Let’s give it a try.”
She nearly choked on her drink.
Ben actually agreed?
Jamie wasn’t the only one surprised. Tim, the man who had issued the invitation, appeared just as taken aback. He had extended the offer more out of courtesy, assuming Ben would refuse, given his reputation for keeping a professional distance in social settings. But there he was, taking a golf club handed over by a staff member and heading toward the course.
Tim cast Jamie a sidelong glance, offering a sheepish smile. “I must admit, I hadn’t heard Mr. Lucas was such a fan of golf. Clearly, I’ve underestimated him.”
Jamie masked her amusement with a serene expression. “Mr. Lucas is skilled in more ways than most realize.”
Her response seemed to intrigue Tim, but before he could press further, a cheer erupted from the crowd.
“It’s in!”
The enthusiasm from the course resembled the roar of a World Cup goal, igniting excitement among the onlookers. Jamie smiled faintly, finally unclenching her fists. She had been more anxious than she fet on, her palms damp from nervous tension.
The crowd’s energy swelled as Ben proceeded to sink several more balls in rapid succession. Before long, he had shattered the record for the most goals scored during the event.
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A voice from the audience piped up, “Looks like we already know who’s taking home the prize.”
“Who else but Mr. Lucas?”
“The Lucas family really has it all, huh? The older generation set the bar, and now the next one seems just as remarkable. Everything comes so effortlessly to them.” Jamie’s brows knitted, and her tone grew frosty. “Effortless? You think so?”
In that moment, she felt a flicker of anger toward these casual commentators. They knew nothing of Ben’s Struggles or the relentless effort he poured into everything he achieved. Yet they tossed out their baseless judgments so freely.
Ben was anything but someone who succeeded without effort. If anything, his achievements had come at a great personal cost, and yet they often went unrecognized.
She turned to Tim, her gaze steady. “Mr. Smith, I believe it’s time to determine the prize winner, don’t you?”
The implication was clear. Ben had joined late, but given the scores, his victory was undisputed.
Tim smiled agreeably. “Of course. The prize belongs to-”
“Hold on, Mr. Smith,” interrupted a smooth, familiar voice. “Aren’t we rushing things a little?”
Jamie’s eyes narrowed, immediately identifying the intruder.
“Noah?”