But to Yvonne, Thomas was like a brother. Her feelings for him had long been solidified in that category, and that was never going to change.


    She had epted his invitation today intending to make things clear, but Thomas didn''t give her the chance.


    She greeted his friends politely and gracefully, joining them for a game of tennis and then a round of golf.


    Initially, their praise for Yvonne was mostly out of respect for Thomas.


    But she was a skilled golfer and an excellent tennis yer. She was beautiful,


    confident, and radiant, practically glowing with energy.


    Before long, theirpliments became noticeably more sincere.


    "Ms. Jones is the most charming woman I''ve ever met. No wonder Mr. Taylor is so


    smitten," a well-known producer in the industry teased with a smile.


    "Yvonne is truly exceptional. I''ll have to keep trying my best to win her over," Thomas replied with a warm, open smile.


    Yvonne remained silent, pretending not to hear.


    In this situation, tly rejecting Thomas would be a p in his face, a truly tactless move.


    After golf and tennis, someone suggested a bit of target practice.


    So Thomas led them to the shooting range.


    As the group approached, they were surprised to run into Oscar and Ynda.


    The Thompson family''s private estate wasn''t a ce just anyone could enter. But as Bet''s girlfriend, Ynda had ess.


    Oscar was apanying her, and the two wereughing and talking together. It was clear that Oscar was quite good at keeping Ms. Walker happy.


    "Ynda, Mr. Rogers, I didn''t expect to see you two here," Thomas said, slightly surprised.


    "Ynda gets cold easily, and she hasn''t been feeling well since autumn set in. I brought her here for the hot springs," Oscar replied.


    "Bet has been so busy with work, he hasn''t had time to bring me, so I had to trouble Oscar," Ynda added with a smile.


    "Bet really isn''t pulling his weight as a boyfriend," Thomas joked.


    "His work is more important," Ynda said, defending Bet.


    "Mr. Thompson is lucky to have such an understanding and supportive partner in Ms. Walker."


    "Indeed, Ms. Walker and Mr. Thompson are a deeply loving couple, the envy of everyone in our circle," the others chimed in with ttery.


    Ynda blushed, feigning shyness as she changed the subject.


    "Thomas, you rarelye here. Are you on a date with your girlfriend today?" Ynda''s gaze swept over Yvonne.


    She was smiling, but her eyes were filled with disdain.


    "I brought Yvonne here to meet some friends," Thomas answered nomittally, neither confirming nor denying.


    Since they had run into each other and were all heading to the shooting range, they walked together.


    Oscar stayed close to Ynda''s side, like a loyal knight.


    Yvonne felt a sense of disorientation, as if the memories of Oscar and Flora''s once- deep affection were all just a figment of her imagination.


    At the range, Yvonne picked a


    station at random. As she stoodet


    there putting on her protective eyewear, Oscar suddenly walked up and took the spot next to her.


    He picked up a pistol from the counter and, while fiddling with it said with a cold smirk, "I have to hand it to you Ms. Jones. I''m mpressed you managed to escape that media storm sopletely."


    "It was nothing but petty, dirty tricks. I never gave them a second thought Yvonne retorted, turning to face


    though he wore goggles, but the


    eyes behind them were sharp and beautiful.