Chapter 267: Taking the Opportunity to Seduce Me
Damian rocked a white cap, a black Polo shirt, and black pants. He strolled through the green grass and blue sky like he owned the whole golf course, and everyone else was just background noise.
Sven, gripping his club with both hands, stopped when he heard footsteps and turned to see who was coming. He didn't need to squint; he knew that swagger anywhere—it was Damian.
Sven knew exactly why Damian was there. He straightened up and grinned, "Mr. Hearst, what brings you to our neck of the woods?"
Damian's eyes scanned the endless golf course, looking all chill and laid-back. The blue sky and sea had him in a good mood. "Limehof's a sweet spot; you'll be seeing a lot more of me."
Sven caught the hint but played it cool, "We're honored to have you, Mr. Hearst. I was just saying, the sky over Limehof seems extra blue today."
Damian leaned on his club, his young face hiding a million schemes, but he looked as relaxed as a beach bum. "Mr. Bergstrom, didn't bring the missus today?"
Sven chuckled, "She’s not a fan of the sun and wind."
Last time Damian and Sven met, Sven's wife, Freya, was there, too. Sven, over fifty and not taking a good care of himself, looked older with his dark skin. Freya, on the other hand, looked like she was in her thirties, all thanks to her self-care routine.
Freya was a powerhouse. Back in the day, she helped Sven with connections and cash, and later, she helped him clean up his act. People called her Mrs. Bergstrom with a mix of respect and fear.
Damian switched gears and tested his club, "How about we play a few holes?"
Sven's guest hadn't shown up yet, but Damian beat them to it. Sven wasn't in a rush; these days, people came to him for business, not the other way around.
Before Sven could make a move, he saw a graceful figure approaching and couldn't help but brighten up, "Girlfriend? Such a beautiful girlfriend, aren't you worried other guys will get ideas?"
Ashley smiled and held out her hand, "Hello, Mr. Bergstrom. Mr. Hearst has told me a lot about you. It's great to finally meet you. I'm Mr. Hearst's secretary, but you can call me Ash."
Sven shook her hand briefly, taking in her appearance, and complimented, "Mr. Hearst's secretary, huh? Beauty and brains."
Damian stayed cool, "Thanks for the compliment."
Sven nodded towards Ashley, "Can Ash play?"
Ashley replied humbly, "I've learned a bit, but I'm not great. I wouldn't want to embarrass myself in front of you. You and Mr. Hearst play; I'll cheer you on."
Sven turned to Damian, "Hmm, sensible."
Damian smiled lightly, "Not bad."
Ashley just smiled back.
The two played a dozen holes, with Damian letting Sven win a few on purpose.
Sven got the hint but didn't call him out but laughed it off. During a break, he asked, "Is Ash just your secretary?"
Damian played dumb, "What do you think, Mr. Bergstrom?"
Sven knew Damian was picky on women. Even Edward's daughter didn't make the cut, so he figured Damian's choice wasn't just about looks. He replied vaguely, "Personal matters, I won't pry. Let's continue."
Ashley, hanging back on the sidelines, wasn't just twiddling her thumbs. She was laser-focused, watching Sven's every move and word.
Back when micro-expressions were all the rage, she dove into a ton of books on the subject. Sure, different cultures and personal quirks could throw things off, but she could usually get a good read on people.
Sven was a slippery one and an excellent secret keeper.
Damian with his wife might be the crack in the armor.
After they wrapped up eighteen holes, Sven was grinning ear to ear, "Man, that was awesome! Haven't had a game like that in ages. Hanging with you young folks makes me feel twenty years younger."
Ashley jumped in with a smile, "Mr. Bergstrom, it's very humble of you. Aren't you in your twenties now?"
"Ha ha!" Sven laughed, "Hear that? Mr. Hearst's secretary knows how to talk. You deserve a raise. If he doesn't give you one, come work for me!"
Ashley beamed, "I'd love to work for you, Mr. Bergstrom. Limehof's got those killer views, and I'd learn so much from you. All those projects and companies you've backed have taken off. If I could pick up even a bit from you, I'd be set for life."
Sven was a bit taken aback by how smoothly she talked. But then again, if Damian trained her that way, she had to be top-notch.
He played along, "You've got a silver tongue, young lady. Mr. Hearst must be thrilled with you."
Ashley replied modestly, "If I was just good at sweet-talking, Mr. Hearst would've canned me ages ago. He keeps me around for my honesty."
That little line stroked Sven's ego just right.
Sven didn't say much but clearly liked her, "Ash, don't just stand there. Play a few holes with Mr. Hearst."
Ashley smiled humbly, "I'm really not that good."
Sven, holding his a bottle of water, pointed at Damian, "Mr. Hearst's got skills. He can teach you."
Damian, hearing Ashley butter up Sven, kept a slight, almost invisible smile.
Ashley got quite a sharp tongue.
"Want to learn?" he asked, all gentlemanly.
Ashley played along, "Sorry to trouble you, Mr. Hearst."
Damian smiled lightly, "Mr. Bergstrom asked personally. How could it be trouble?"
Ashley smiled on the outside but thought to himself, 'What a performer!'
Damian stood behind her, guiding her hands like a strict teacher prepping a star student. "Spread your feet a bit wider than your shoulders, and bend your knees a little." Then he lowered his voice, "Ash?"
His voice was deep and smooth, like a fine aged whiskey, intoxicating without a sip.
Ashley tried to pull away, but he held her tighter, "Mr. Hearst, we're just acting. Is it cool to take advantage of me?"
Damian shot back, "We're just acting. Is it cool to seduce me?"
She hadn't!
Damian subtly pressed closer, almost sticking to her back. That tiny move sent a big message, making Ashley tense up and tilt her pelvis forward.
Damian chuckled silently. "Raise your hands, focus the strength in your shoulder. Yeah, just like that!"
