Olivia’s contract was nearing its end, and it was clear that Sophia intended to terminate it without renewal.
But the issue was…
Olivia was Scott Henry’s woman, and behind him was the entire Scott Family.
If Wilson Mark really went ahead with this, he’d likely offend the Scott Family.
For him, reputation was everything—almost more vital than his life itself! Letting go of Olivia would be a small matter compared to the potential damage to his reputation.
But offending the Scott Family was no trivial matter, so he couldn’t be rash.
Contemplating this, Wilson Mark’s expression grew serious. He said, “Dr. Smith, I would love to give you a definite answer right now, but I’d appreciate some time to think it over.”
Sophia nodded. She had already considered that exposing Olivia’s true nature online might not work. No matter how much bad press Olivia received, Current Entertainment wouldn’t break her contract because of the Scott Family’s influence.
“Alright, I’ll wait.”
Sophia didn’t rush, calmly writing notes on a patient file without paying Wilson Mark any more attention.
And yet, Wilson Mark found her oddly compelling and wouldn’t dare raise his voice with her.
She was a miracle doctor! Someone who could save lives!
Leaving empty-handed, Wilson Mark departed, feeling a bit defeated.
—
The next day, Nancy called Sophia, inviting her for a golf game.
It was set for early morning, and Sophia, seeing no reason to refuse, woke up at six, arriving early.
The Golf Course was the city’s most prestigious, sprawling over 1,500 acres with its own clubhouse, hotel, and complete amenities for accommodations, dining, and conferences. The grounds were scenic, with mountains, water features, and exceptional views, making it a favorite among the local wealthy crowd.
Golf was not just a sport; it was a social affair.
Sophia had learned a bit of golf in her previous life but wasn’t very skilled, not even with the correct grip technique. She enjoyed sports but rarely had the time due to her demanding work as a doctor.
“Sophia!” Nancy greeted her with a cheerful hug.
Sophia smiled, greeting Nancy and Liam, both in professional golf attire. Unlike them, she wore simple workout clothes as she didn’t own golf attire.
“You two could’ve just come without me—I don’t even know how to play,” Sophia laughed.
“My skills are no better. My brother and Big Brother Scott are the pros. We’re just here to watch,” Nancy chuckled.
At the mention of Scott Livinus, Sophia suddenly felt a bit awkward, recalling Nancy catching them together the other night.
Suddenly, Nancy waved and called out, “Big Brother Scott!”
As expected! Sophia sighed. She’d known that with Liam present, Scott Livinus wouldn’t be far behind—they must have planned this in advance.
Scott Livinus appeared calm as usual, his gaze briefly sweeping over her without lingering, which allowed Sophia to relax.
They started the game.
As a novice, Sophia felt self-conscious on the course. Everyone else was decked out with premium equipment, from their branded clubs to professional attire. Livinus Scott’s clubs were notably low-key, unmarked by any specific brand, though she could recognize the distinctive purple sandalwood from her grandfather’s set in her previous life.
In contrast, she was borrowing a club and struggling with the basics. Embarrassed, she took her first shot.
Even the caddie was surprised.
“Miss Smith, you’ve got a strong swing—stronger than most men.”
“…”
She hit her second shot, sending the ball soaring through the air until it vanished from sight.
Sophia realized her strength was decent, thanks to regular exercise, but her accuracy needed work.
She kept practicing, each attempt bringing her a bit closer to the hole.
On her fifth try, a figure suddenly approached.
Scott Livinus took her club firmly, his expression one of exasperation. He instructed her, “Spread your legs a bit more, keep your knees slightly bent, and hold the club correctly…”
Then, standing behind her, he took her hands, guiding her grip on the club.
Sophia followed his lead, enveloped by his towering presence, breathing in his comforting scent. His close proximity, the heat of his breath brushing her scalp, sent a wave of distraction over her. She couldn’t tell if he was doing this intentionally or not.
“Did you get it?” Livinus Scott asked in a low voice.
Sophia nodded, her hand gripping the club, a thin layer of sweat forming in her palm.
“Then, try it out.”
With that, Livinus Scott held her hands as they swung the club together in a smooth, precise motion, sending the ball sailing far and landing perfectly in the hole.
From a distance, Nancy clapped in exaggerated enthusiasm, cheering them on.
Thankfully, the course was relatively empty, or Sophia would’ve pretended not to know her.
Scott raised an eyebrow, his voice deep. “Well done—a hole in one.”
“…” Why did that sound oddly suggestive?
After that, Livinus Scott seemed less interested in playing himself, focusing instead on teaching her as if determined to become her coach. But his persistence annoyed Sophia—she really wasn’t that invested in golf and didn’t appreciate having such a demanding instructor.
He’d often hold her hands, demonstrating moves by guiding her physically, his posture close to hers.
By the end of it, Sophia was exhausted, while Livinus Scott continued on to complete all 18 holes.
Little did she know, Wilson Mark had been watching them from a distance, his expression one of stunned surprise.
A man in the entertainment industry with a sharp eye for such things, Wilson Mark quickly sensed that Sophia and Scott Livinus shared a complicated relationship.
—
After finishing, they sat in the clubhouse corridor to rest, and Scott Livinus looked toward a particular man, commenting,
“This guy has a habit of defensive play, rarely makes offensive moves, and tends to be cautious, doing things hesitantly. Very conservative.”
Sophia was taken aback. “How did you know?”
“His golfing style told me,” Livinus Scott replied.
Sophia looked over at the man for a moment and then froze.
Wilson Mark? What a coincidence, he was here too?
Reflecting on his personality, what Livinus Scott said seemed to match quite well. But being conservative wasn’t necessarily a bad thing.
Liam and Nancy finished their game and changed out of their gear. It was already ten o’clock by then.
What she didn’t know was that Livinus Scott called him that very day.
“Mr. Scott,” Wilson Mark greeted him over the phone.
Scott smirked. “Mr. Mark.”
“Mr. Scott, I’ve heard much about you.”
They exchanged pleasantries before Wilson Mark said,
“Well, about Miss Olivia’s contract—it’s due to expire soon. Young boss Scott hinted that he hoped we’d renew, but…”
Smart people didn’t need to finish their sentences.
Scott Livinus gave a light chuckle. “Mr. Mark, just handle it professionally.”
After hanging up, Wilson Mark pondered over those words, worried he might have misinterpreted their meaning.
The next day, Current Entertainment announced they would not be renewing Olivia’s contract, which had expired.
On the other end, Olivia was livid when she saw the news.