<h4>Chapter 13: Chapter 13 I’m Here to Win Recognition</h4>


    Cecilia


    Yvonne was already waiting at the practice range when I arrived, lounging against a golf cart with effortless confidence. She wore a canary yellow one-piece sports dress that hugged her curves in all the right ces, the hem just short enough to tease. Her sun-kissed skin glowed under the light, and her long, honey-blonde waves tumbled over her shoulders like something out of a shampoomercial. She looked like a walking summer fantasy—bold, radiant, and utterly unapologetic.


    Her eyes swept over me, and her perfectly arched brow lifted in yful disapproval. "Oh, honey," she said, lips curling into a smirk. "Why don’t you just throw on a nun’s habit while you’re at it?"


    I smiled faintly. "I’m here for a job interview, not to hook up."


    Honestly, I thought I looked just fine. I’d chosen a fitted light blue sports set that showed off my figure without being over the top, tied my hair into a sleek ponytail, and kept my makeup minimal—glowy skin, defined eyes, and nothing too shy. I lookedposed, clean, and ready—professional enough for a business meeting, even if it came disguised as a golf game.


    Yvonne tilted her head, eyes gleaming with mischief. "Sweetie, men are visual creatures," she said, voice low and knowing. "Even werewolves—especially Alpha wolves."


    "If Sebastian simply wanted a pretty face as his secretary, the position would already be filled," I countered.


    "Being beautiful and capable aren’t mutually exclusive, darling." Yvonne yfully poked my side. "Lucky for you, I brought an extra outfit. We’re about the same size—you can try it on."


    Before I could protest, she dragged me to the changing room, her determination leaving no room for argument. Since I needed her introduction to Sebastian, I couldn’t exactly blow her off.


    When I emerged from the changing room. The white sleeveless top hugged my curves while the ck pleated mini skirt barely covered my thighs, showcasing my long, creamy legs. The outfit emphasized every curve of my body in ways that would make most men’s jaws drop.


    "Holy shit!" Yvonne gasped dramatically, covering her mouth in exaggerated shock. "Cecilia, you’ve been hiding all this under those boring suits? Xavier really is an idiot to let you go. What could Cici possibly have that you don’t?"


    I automatically ignored thetter part of herment. Instead, I stared anxiously at my reflection. Would Alpha Sebastian think I was trying to seduce him? That wasn’t the impression I wanted to make with the most powerful Alpha in Port City.


    "Yvonne, I think—"


    "Shh." She silenced me with a gesture as she pulled out her phone to answer a call. "Mr. Chu? You and Alpha Sebastian are already there? We’re on our way."


    With that call, my window of opportunity to change back into my original outfit mmed shut. We headed out to meet with the men.


    "Yvonne, have you ever met Sebastian before?" I asked during our cart ride.


    "Once, actually. I was about six when my parents took me to the ck family home for New Year’s. Sebastian was still young then—pale skin, chubby cheeks, absolutely adorable. After my family’s money troubles, we never visited again."


    "I see..." I murmured, my mind conjuring an image of a pudgy, pale-skinned boy like a little cherub.


    The golf cart turned a corner, and a vast expanse of green opened before us. In the distance stood a forest surrounding ake, and closer to us were two men in sportswear chatting.


    My eyes locked onto one of them, and I felt my pupils dte with shock.


    Mr. Chu was easy to spot in his navy polo and khaki pants. But it was the man beside him who grabbed my attention like a freight train. He was tall—half a head taller than Mr. Chu. Dressed in crisp white from cor to cuff, the fabric clung to his broad shoulders and tapered cleanly along his torso, emphasizing a body honed for strength and control.


    Even at a distance, his posture radiatedmand. When he turned slightly, the sun caught his profile—and for a second, he didn’t look real. His features were sharp, chiseled like marble, but animated by something far more primal. Not just handsome—he was stunning. Otherworldly. The kind of face you didn’t forget, even if you wanted to.


    My vision swam for a beat as recognition hit—the man who got rear-ended.


    "Alpha Sebastian!" I heard Yvonne’s excited whisper beside me. "God, he looks nothing like he did as a child. When did he get so tall and gorgeous? I’m totally fangirling here!"


    "I’m screwed," I muttered under my breath.


    "You too? Did you just fall head over heels? I wouldn’t me you—he’s absolutely drop-dead gorgeous!"


    My expression probably looked worse than if I’d been crying.


    The cart pulled up. Both men turned to acknowledge our arrival.


    Mr. Chu smiled and waved, his eyes lingering on me with obvious interest. Sebastian’s initial surprise vanished in an instant, reced by an icy demeanor that made him seempletely unapproachable.


    Yvonne led me toward them. Despite my sinking hopes, I decided to make the most of the situation.


    "Mr. Chu, Alpha Sebastian," Yvonne greeted them enthusiastically before quickly introducing me. "This is my dear friend Cecilia. She came especially today to check out Alpha Sebastian’s renowned golf skills."


    Despite my internal panic, I kept a perfect poker face.


    Mr. Chu joked, "I was wondering why the beautiful Cecilia would suddenly take an interest in golf and dress so attractively. So she’s setting her sights on Alpha Sebastian—bold move!"


    Ignoring his banter, I greeted him politely before turning to Sebastian with formal respect. "Alpha Sebastian, it’s a pleasure to meet you for the first time."


    The moment those words left my mouth, I realized my mistake. My eyes flickered nervously... damn my autopilot!


    "First time?" Sebastian’s pale gaze settled on my face, his voice cool and measured.


    I maintained my respectful andposed expression while internally scrambling. Rather than acknowledge his implied question, I simply added, "I’m truly delighted to meet you."


    After speaking, I looked at him with a slightly nervous yet pleading expression.


    [Please don’t blow my cover...]


    Sebastian seemed to get my silent message, and his lips curved into the faintest smile. "Cecilia certainly looks pleased," he replied, his rich voice carrying a hint of amusement. Every word from his mouth seemed dripping with affectionate amusement.


    His unexpected smile left both Mr. Chu and Yvonne totally shocked: Had I really won him over so quickly?


    Yvonne shot me a triumphant look.


    I could only sigh internally. His words were hardlyplimentary—they were pure sarcasm.


    We began our game. Sebastian was incredible, and Mr. Chu wasn’t bad either. Yvonne and I took some swings as well, but we were clearly just there for show.


    After making our way through the course, we retreated to a shaded area to rest.


    Yvonne deliberately got Mr. Chu talking about new golf clubs at the club’s shop, pulling him away to give me time alone with Sebastian.


    Sebastian sat down, and I hurriedly opened a water bottle and handed it to him, hoping to score some points.


    He stared at my hand for several seconds before epting the bottle. However, he simply ced it on the table without drinking.


    I felt another wave of disappointment wash over me. [No shot.]


    "Cecilia, who insists this is our first meeting," Sebastian began while elegantly wiping sweat from his brow with a wet wipe, "you’ve gone all out to meet me. I hope you’re not just interested in my measurements." His tone was casual, but his words hit like daggers.


    I pressed my lips together, choosing my words carefully. "Saying it was our first meeting was a brain fart. When I asked Mr.Liam about you... it was because I identally stained your suit and wanted to buy you a recement."


    "As for why I wanted to meet you today, I heard you’re hiring a secretary."


    Iid out the real purpose of my being here.


    Sebastian set down the wet wipe and stated bluntly, "You’re not a good fit."


    With that, he stood up and walked toward the forest behind us.


    Getting shot down without even being asked a single question lit a fire in me.


    He stood up, and I didn’t hesitate to go after him.