Hayden recalled Tessa mentioning that she knew how to y golf. But a woman''s raw strength had its limits, and she may not be able to get the ball into the putting green. Even if she did, it would take her at least eight or nine strokes at the minimum.


    He would willingly fork out his money at the chance to see more of Tessa''s smile.


    "I don''t mind apanying you to dinner. However, there''s no need for you to put your money on the line. Let''s bet on something else."


    "What would you like to wager, Ms. Yates?"


    "If I manage to hit the ball into the putting green within 10 strokes, then you''ll have to sign an exclusive one-year contract with ourw firm. We will have exclusive rights to manage all of yourpany''s legal matters.


    "The fewer strokes I use, the more years you''ll have to sign with us. If I manage to hit the ball into the putting green with only one stroke, then you''ll have to sign a 10-year exclusive contract, and you''ll allow us to handle all of your legal cases. What do you think?"


    Hayden chortled cheerfully. Tessa had some wits about her. She had her eyes set on something much bigger,pared to the few thousand dors that he had initially offered her.


    Victorious Corporation was a massive conglomerate. The profits they would earn from a year''s worth of cases from hispany would be enough to feed thew firm''s entire workforce for a year.


    It seemed that Hayden had underestimated Tessa. He turned to look at Barry, still all smiles as he joked with him.


    "Barry, how on earth did you manage to hire Ms. Yates? Not only is she splendid at her job, but she also remembers to think about what''s best for the firm. I have half a mind to poach her over to mypany to have her work in our legal department."


    "You must be kidding, Mr. Lowain," Barry responded good-naturedly.


    Hayden thought that it was an interesting wager and epted Tessa''s conditions. "We''ll go with what Ms. Yates suggested. If it makes her happy, we''ll bet on the contract."


    "Great," Tessa replied with a smile.


    The caddy handed a golf club to Tessa, who swung it around experimentally. Hayden didn''t miss the opportunity to suck up to her. "Amazing! Ms. Yates clearly has some talent in golf."


    Tessa didn''t respond to hispliment but the smile on her face did grow wider. She adjusted her position and the angle of her club before saying, "Mr. Lowain, I''ll be collecting your signature on that contract."


    Before Hayden could fully process what she meant, Tessa swung the golf club in a smooth and practiced manner. The golf ball soared into the air in @perfect arch before it fell cleanly into the putting green Hayden could only stare with wide eyes and a ckened jaw. She had actually done it-she had used only one stroke to hit the ball into the putting green.


    Barry apuded enthusiastically as he hollered, "Bravo!"


    Tessa strolled over to the putting green and elegantly nudged the ball into the hole. She smiled charmingly as she addressed Hayden, "I only took one stroke to hit the ball into the putting green. As promised, Mr. Lowain, you''ll have to sign an exclusive contract with ourw firm for the next 10 years. We''ll be dealing with all your legal matters henceforth."


    When Hayden regained his senses, he couldn''t help but apud Tessa as well. "Amazing! That was simply amazing Ms. Yates, I never would have guessed that you''re so skilled at golfing. Why, I think that you might even be better than me! You were being too humble when you said you only yed casually earlier."


    "You tter me, Mr. Lowain," Tessa replied.


    To the side, Barry''s smile was so wide that his teeth were on full disy. Tessa had managed to secure a 10-year exclusive contract! He had only brought her along to apany them and had nned to lead the contract discussion himself after Hayden was in a suitably good mood.


    Who knew that Tessa would beat him to the punch and secure a 10-year contract with Victorious Corporation?


    Barry had been part of the legal field for a long time, but he had never secured a contract of this magnitude in his career so far. It made him feel a little self- conscious.


    ...


    Meanwhile, Xavier elbowed Stephen lightly as he gestured toward Tessa, Barry, and Hayden. "Your ex-girlfriend''s got some skills. She only needed one stroke to hit the ball into the putting green. From the looks of it, her abilities might even be on par with a professional."


    Stephen turned his head to look at them. A hint of adoration shed in his eyes. His tone was proud as he exined, "Tessa won first ce in the National Youth Golfing Competition when she was in high school."


    Xavier narrowed his eyes yfully at Stephen. "Look at your smug face. You look like you''re bragging about a family member winning the grand prize."


    Stephen''s expression was gentle as he corrected, "She is family to me."