Of course, she wasn't going to admit that she'd had to pester Damian Xavier for a long time before he finally agreed to bring her.
Aria Sterling's expression was impassive. "Yes. I wish you both happiness."
Her tone was flat, devoid of any discernible emotion, yet Mya Walsh revealed a satisfied smile.
Aria Sterling then waved over a nearby caddy with a golf bag and pulled out a club.
Mya Walsh assumed she was about to tee off. Instead, Aria Sterling held the club in both hands and walked in circles around the little white ball. The childish antic made even the caddy chuckle.
Mya Walsh walked over, smiling. "Miss Sterling, are you trying to learn how to play? Why don't I teach you? My game isn't exactly professional, but I can definitely teach you the basics."
Aria Sterling stopped and tilted her head, eyeing her with an unreadable smile. Without a word, she suddenly straightened up and weighed the club in her hand. Then, she adjusted her stance, her clear eyes narrowing slightly as she gazed toward the green, poised to swing.
The very air around her seemed to grow tense with her pre-shot routine.
Mya Walsh's lips twitched, as if she were about to speak, but then she saw Aria Sterling swing the club with a sudden WHOOSH. Inexplicably, Mya's heart leaped into her throat. She followed the little white ball as it soared through the air, a white paintbrush streaking an arc across the azure sky before landing perfectly on the green.
Mya Walsh and the caddy were both dumbfounded. Just then, applause and cheers broke out from nearby.
Aria Sterling finally turned to look at Mya Walsh. "Miss Shaw, how about I teach you instead? I was once the national junior women's golf champion."
Realizing she'd been made a fool of, Mya Walsh's expression turned ugly.
Aria Sterling glanced at the disgruntled Mya Walsh and couldn't help but smile. As she started toward the green, she saw Damian Xavier and Victor Lawson walking back. Victor Lawson laughed heartily. "Mr. Hayes, you're really full of surprises! That skill is absolutely top-notch."
Damian Xavier looked at her too, his gaze unreadable.
Aria Sterling smiled at Victor Lawson. "I just got lucky. I'm not that skilled."
Mya Walsh, standing to the side, also laughed. "But Miss Sterling just said she won the national women's golf championship."
Aria Sterling glanced over at her, shrugged, and said nonchalantly, "I was just joking with Miss Shaw. I didn't think she'd actually believe me. I guess my acting skills are pretty good. Maybe I should consider getting into the entertainment industry."
Mya Walsh, not expecting to be played again, was momentarily speechless.
Julian Grant came jogging back just then, grinning at Aria Sterling. "Nice shot. And nice acting."
Aria Sterling and he exchanged a smile. The sight of their easy intimacy and rapport made Damian Xavier's jaw clench.
Before Aria Sterling could say anything else, both Damian Xavier and Julian Grant took clubs from the caddy to tee off.
Julian Grant's movements were more fluid and casual, while Damian Xavier's were more professional—steady and controlled.
Watching them play was a pleasant experience.
Julian Grant sank a ball, and Damian Xavier immediately followed with one of his own. They hit more than a dozen shots, every one landing squarely on the green. They were perfectly matched.
Victor Lawson watched from the sidelines with great interest. After a brief chat with Aria Sterling, he signed the contract.
Aria Sterling had planned to leave right after the signing, but Victor Lawson insisted on treating them to lunch. Finding it difficult to refuse, she joined them at a specialty restaurant.
When they were seated, Mya Walsh pulled out the chair to Damian Xavier's right. Aria Sterling was placed on Damian's left, with Julian Grant to her right, and Victor Lawson to Julian's right.
The small table was just big enough for the group.
Aria Sterling had little appetite, and the table laden with heavy, rich meats did nothing to improve it.
Julian Grant noticed her predicament and called a server over, asking the kitchen to prepare a bowl of Eight-Treasure Porridge.
Seeing this, Victor Lawson chuckled and teased, "Young Master Grant, you're so attentive to Mr. Hayes. You two seem to be quite close."
Julian Grant smiled, winking his charming eyes at Aria Sterling, but offered no reply.
Damian Xavier watched this exchange, his expression growing colder.
Unwilling to be ignored, Mya Walsh placed a few pieces of meat into Damian Xavier's bowl. "Damian," she said sweetly, "eat more. You've been working so hard you've gotten thinner."
Damian Xavier only glanced at her. "Just eat it yourself."
He didn't touch his chopsticks, pouring himself a glass of alcohol instead.
Seeing this, Victor Lawson quickly poured a glass for himself and for Julian Grant beside him. He asked Aria Sterling if she wanted any, and after she declined, he moved to make a toast.
"Here's to everyone. I hope we'll have many more opportunities to work together in the future."
Damian Xavier and Julian Grant raised their glasses, while Aria Sterling and Mya Walsh clinked their glasses of juice against Victor Lawson's.
It was only then that Aria Sterling realized Damian Xavier had also been invited by Victor Lawson to discuss business. Victor Lawson was heading to Hong Kong on business next week, but the tenants for The Xavier Group's new mall had to be finalized in two days, which was why he was so eager to seal the deal with Damian.
As the meal was winding down, Aria Sterling excused herself to go to the restroom. To her surprise, Mya Walsh stood up as well.
Just as she stepped out of the private room, Aria Sterling heard Mya Walsh ask from behind her, "Miss Sterling, do you still have feelings for Damian?"
Aria Sterling hadn't expected such a question. "I don't see how that's any of your business," she replied coolly.
"I'm Damian's girlfriend, so of course it's my business. I suggest you remember your place. You're Damian's ex-wife. Stop showing up in his life."
Aria Sterling sneered. 'She dropped that act fast. My being here must have really gotten under her skin.'
She stopped and looked at Mya Walsh. "If you were truly confident in your relationship with Damian, you wouldn't be here confronting me."
That single sentence hit a nerve.
Seeing Mya Walsh standing there, speechless, Aria Sterling's lips curled into a faint smile before she turned and walked to the restroom.
After they left the restaurant, Victor Lawson said his goodbyes and departed. Mya Walsh, as expected, got into Damian Xavier's car with him.
"I didn't drive, you can give me a ride," Julian Grant said to Aria Sterling, a lazy look on his face. Aria Sterling opened the passenger door and shoved him inside.
Damian Xavier watched as Aria Sterling left with Julian Grant, his expression turning frigid. Only when their car was far in the distance did he finally tell his driver to go.
Seeing the look on Damian Xavier's face, Mya Walsh couldn't help but ask, "Damian, are you still thinking about Aria Sterling?"
He abruptly looked up, fixing her with a cold stare. "Don't think too much."