Chapter 268 Asking Herto Hold the Umbrella
Emelie had engaged in a mental duell with William, draining her energy. She signed and turned to look out the window. “Are those targets on the lawn for archery or shooting
The waiter brought their breakfast over, William smiled and said, “They’re archery targets, but there is also an indoor archery field”
“Archery targets, huh?” Emilie sounded interested.
William had a bowl of oatmeal with fresh berries. He picked up his spoon. Seeing her curiosity, he offered, “Would you like to try archery? I can take you there.”
Between sleep and archery, Emelie chose the latter. So, after breakdast, they headed to the lawn together.
She thought they’d be alone. But to her surprise, they encountered Bryan, Patricia, and a girl she hadn’t seen before. The dynamic among the three was a bit tense.
With their arrival, they shifted their attention elsewhere.
Bryan turned to them with a natural smile. “I thought we were the only ones out this early. Are you and Ms. Hoven here for archery too?”
William glanced at Patricia before replying, “The weather is great today. It’s perfect for outdoor activities.”
Bryan agreed. “It’s been sunny these past few days. When Charles suggested it, I agreed. He’s probably invited quite a few people.”
Hen then introduced the unfamiliar girl. “This is Camila Jackson from the Jackson Corporation.”
Camila waved energetically. “Hi there!”
William nodded. Given the encounter, he extended an invitation. “Mr. Swanson, would you like to join us for a few rounds?”
Bryan readily accepted. “I’d love to.”
Patricia suddenly interjected, “How should we form teams? There are only two of you on Mr. Middleton’s side. On Mr. Swanson’s side, there’s just me available to join.” Camila immediately protested. She spoke up, “Why do you get to join Mr. Swanson?
Patricia wore a white tracksuit with red trim that made her look bright and alluring. Her skirt barely reached her thighs, but she didn’t seem cold.
Leaning on a golf club, she smirked, “Because I can shoot arrows, and you can’t You’ll just hold Mr. Swanson back.”
Camila was furious. She stomped her foot and called out to Bryan, “Bryan.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll teach you,” B
Bryan reassured her. He ignored Patricia
Camila bearned with joy and turned to Patricia, gloating.
Emelie noticed Patricia still ware a smile, but her smile faded as Bryan led Camila to put on their gear. A hint of loneliness appeared on her face.
Patricia walked over to a bench by the lawn and sat down. She was dressed and ready, but there was no place for her on the field.
It was clear this was a play between two women vying for one man’s attention, and Bryan favored Camila,
“Emelie,” William called
Emelie lowered her gaze and said nothing, then walked over. She wasn’t close to Patricia, and they even had some past conflicts, so there was naturally nothing to say. The archery attendant, Silas Morgan handed protective gear to William and Emelie. As William pot on his gloves, he signaled to Silas, “Grab an umbrella and hold it for her.” Emelie was slightly taken aback and looked up at him.
Willam calmly said, “Aren’t you feeling hot? I saw you tugging at your collar,”
Emelie was not hot. She was wearing an itchy turtleneck sweater. She had only palled at it twice, but William had notked even the small gesture.
Silas already held an umbrella over Emelie’s head. She didn’t want to embarrass him. Since she hadn’t applied sunscreen, she thanked Silas and William, “Thank you, Mr. Middleton”
William responded lightly with a hum
Camila noticed the scene. She rugged on Bryan’s arm and pouted, “I want an umbrella too!”
Bryan was about to call for Silas when Camila’s eyes lit up with an idea. “Why don’t we let Ms. May hold it? I’ll give her something to do instead of just sitting there.”
As Emelie adjusted the velcro on her gear, she glanced at Bryan. He hesitated for a second before nodding in agreement. Patricia was summoned.
She looked at the umbrella in her hand, then at Bryan. Her gaze was filled with a silent plea