Chapter 13
Gloria was already waiting for me. She wore a goose-yellow sports dress, her voluminous wavy hair adding to her captivating charm. She radiated youthful beauty and effortless allure.
She eyed me critically. “Seriously? You should’ve covered your neck too.”
I sighed. I’m here to get a job, not get laid. I thought my outfit was fine— a sky-blue athletic set, a sleek high ponytail, natural makeup. Clean. Decent.
“Honey, men are visual creatures.”
“If Evan just wanted a pretty face, the position wouldn’t still be open.”
“Beauty and competence aren’t mutually exclusive.” Gloria playfully nudged me. “Luckily, I brought an extra outfit. We’re about the same size, so you can wear this.”
Before I could protest, she dragged me into the changing room.
I couldn’t say no—she was doing this for me.
According to Gloria, the outfit transformed me into a seductive bombshell. A white sleeveless crop top and a sizzling black pleated mini skirt hugged my curves, emphasizing my chest, waist, and hips. My legs looked impossibly long, hypnotic enough to trap any man’s gaze.
“Oh my god.” Gloria dramatically covered her mouth. “Olivia, you’re stunning! Julian is a fool for letting you go. How is Rita even comparable?”
I ignored the last part, staring at my reflection. This outfit… Evan might think I’m trying to seduce him.
“Gloria, I think—”
“Shh.” She silenced me, answering a call. “Hello, Mr. Keller. You and Mr. Jones are already there? We’ll be right over.”
I sighed. Too late to change now.
On the way, I asked, “Gloria, have you ever met Evan before?”
“Actually, yes. When I was six, my parents took me to the Jones family’s New Year’s gathering. Evan was a little boy back then—fair skin, chubby, adorable. But after my family’s downfall, we stopped visiting them. I heard he went abroad when he was around ten.”
“I see…” Fair skin, chubby… An image of a plump, steaming bun popped into my head.
The golf cart turned a corner, revealing a breathtaking view. In the distance, a lush forest stretched beyond a crystal-clear lake. Nearby, two men stood chatting in athletic wear.
I recognized one immediately—Mark Keller, dressed in a navy blue shirt and camel-colored pants.
Beside him stood a taller man, dressed in pristine white athletic wear. His presence was striking—broad shoulders tapering into a lean waist, his posture as graceful as a crane. When he turned slightly, the interplay of light sculpted his profile into a masterpiece, each sharp feature refined to perfection.
My breath hitched.
I recognized Mark.
And the man beside him was…
“Evan!” Gloria whispered excitedly. “Gosh, he’s completely different from when he was little. He’s so tall and handsome now! I’m smitten.”
Crap.
“What? You’re head over heels for him too?”
I remained silent, wondering why the world had to be so small.
The golf cart came to a stop. The two men turned toward us.
Mark’s eyes lit up with admiration the moment they landed on me. Evan’s reaction was different—his gaze flickered with surprise before turning distant and unreadable.
Gloria led me forward. Might as well make the most of it. Even if my chances were slim, I had to try.
“Mr. Keller, Mr. Jones.” Gloria greeted them enthusiastically before introducing me. “This is my best friend, Olivia Frost. She’s a big fan of Mr. Jones.”
My heart pounded, but I maintained a polite smile.
Mark chuckled. “I see. No wonder you look unfamiliar. So you’re here for Evan? Bold move.”
I pretended not to understand his teasing. “It’s an honor to meet you for the first time.”
The moment I said it, I realized my mistake. My breath caught.
This isn’t the first time I’ve met Evan.
“For the first time?” His gaze sharpened.
Internally panicking, I feigned ignorance, my smile widening. “It’s a good day.”
I looked at him, silently pleading. Don’t embarrass me, okay?
A slow, knowing smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. “Ms. Frost seems quite pleased.”
His voice was deep, laced with amusement and something else—something indulgent.
Mark and Gloria exchanged surprised glances. What did that mean?
Gloria shot me a look: See? The outfit worked.
I sighed inwardly. That wasn’t a compliment—it was mockery.
We started playing. Evan was exceptional, as was Mark. Gloria and I were mostly spectators.
During a break, Gloria subtly pulled Mark toward the pro shop, leaving me alone with Evan.
He sat down. I quickly handed him a bottle of water.
Evan stared at my outstretched hand for a few seconds before taking it. But instead of drinking, he set it aside.
A quiet sigh escaped me. No chance?
“Ms. Frost.” His voice was calm, almost lazy. “Don’t tell me you went through all this trouble to get to know me… just to ask for my measurements again.”
I stiffened. His tone was mild, but the sarcasm was razor-sharp.
I pursed my lips before responding. “I’m really sorry about that. The reason I asked your driver… it’s because I accidentally stained your suit. I wanted to buy a replacement.”
I hesitated before adding, “And I’m here because I heard you were looking for a secretary.”
Evan wiped his sweat with a towel. Then, in a plain, almost dismissive tone, he said, “You’re not suitable.”
He stood and walked toward the forest.
Rejection.
But I wasn’t ready to give up just yet.
As Evan and I moved toward the forest, a golf cart passed by in the distance.
Inside sat Julian, his client, and—unfortunately—Rita.
Julian’s eyes locked onto my figure, his gaze narrowing at my slender waist.
His brows furrowed.
