Chapter 335

On the golf course, Sherwood and Luis each took their positions.

Sherwood bent down,took out the club from the bag,and slowly polished the shaft with his palm. Wearing a genial smile, he lined up his shot and swung first.

The white ball arced cleanly through the air before settling firmly on the fairway.

Straightening his back, Sherwood turned to Luis and asked with casual ease, "Luis, how are things going with the company lately? I hear the progress on that last project was remarkable. It seems you're becoming more and more adept at steering the ship."

Luis walked to his ball without hurry, adjusted his stance, and delivered a precise stroke.

Only after the ball soared did he respond calmly,"Thanks to your support, everything has gone smoothly."

Sherwood chuckled, carrying on the business talk.

As if remembering something suddenly, he remarked casually, "I heard about Molly's actions at Benedict Pharmaceuticals. I assume you've heard the same?"

Luis gave a slight nod, lips pressed together, choosing silence over words.

Seeing this, Sherwood exhaled gently, his tone carrying a trace of apology. "Molly was reckless this time, and her approach was indeed wrong. She deserves a hard lesson. I've already scolded her thoroughly at home."

Luis stood not far away, his posture straight, his composure unshaken.

Sherwood swung again, and then straightened and continued, "Verena is a rare talent. At such a young age, she shows remarkable decisiveness and handles matters with great efficiency. I truly seepotential in her. One day, she will surely carve her name in the business world-just like you."

As he spoke, Sherwood discreetly studied Luis 'expression.

"Mr. Kirk, thank you for your kind words." The mention of Verena drew a faint smile from Luis, tinged with quiet pride. "I trust Verena's abilities. It won't be long before she shines brightly and clears her own path."

"Luis, your fondness for Verena is plain for all to see."Sherwood shook his head with a sigh of regret. "If only Molly had a brother so protective, someone who always thought of her well-being."

He stroked his club while glancing toward the distant hole. "Still, you are right-Verena has a drive that will carry her far."

Luis remained silent, simply adjusting his stance. He raised his club with taut muscles and swung in a smooth,natural arc.

With a crisp crack, the ball soared skyward, tracing a graceful line before dropping perfectly into the hole.

Sherwood's gaze shifted from the hole back to Luis,his narrowed eyes betraying a tangle of emotions.

It was hard to tell whether he admired Luis' flawless technique or whether other thoughts lay hidden beneath.

"Time flies, doesn't it?" Sherwood sighed. "Now Verena stands on her own. I recall when she went missing-your father fell ill with worry, your mother suffered a breakdown, and you had not yet taken up the company's reins."

His sigh deepened, laced with a show of sorrow. "So l had to summon my courage and shoulder the task,coordinating relationships left and right, fearful Sampson Group might collapse in that storm."

He paused, letting his gaze sweep toward Luis as if in passing. "There were rumors then, claiming our Kirk family wished to profit from your family's misfortune.Honestly, those days were suffocating. But you and your family never thought that way, and you placed trust in my character. Thankfully, we weathered it together."

In the past, Luis would have taken these words at face value. But ever since Verena warned him of Sherwood's hidden designs, his heart no longer heard them the same.

His smile was timed to perfection, his eyes steady and serene. As his lashes lowered, they cast faint shadows,masking whatever stirred beneath.

Yet his tone stayed respectful, his manner both humble and dignified. "Mr. Kirk, you're right. Those days were harsh, but in the end the family endured,and my sister returned. For that, we remain grateful for your help back then."

Sherwood waved dismissively with a cheerfulgrin,as though to brush aside the thanks.

Then, as if struck by a thought, he leaned toward Luis with the air of paternal concern. "Luis, I had a long talk with your father last night. Our two families have always shared a bond, close as kin."

He watched Luis' face closely and went on with a smile, "We both agreed it's time you settled down.You and Molly grew up side by side; our families know each other inside and out. That foundation is something others only envy."

Sherwood's smile grew more meaningful. "Molly's feelings for you are no secret. She has cared for you since childhood, and she's a kind-hearted girl-an ideal partner for life."

He gave a slight pause, and then shifted the subject naturally. "You've always been decisive. If you have no objections, your father and I think it's time to choose a day this year to settle your engagement with Molly."

As he spoke, he patted Luis' shoulder gently, as if the matter were already sealed. "Once you two marry, our families will be bound even closer, and the road ahead will only grow brighter..."

"I object," Luis suddenly cut in, his voice steady and firm, breaking Sherwood's illusion like glass under a hammer.

Sherwood's smile froze, his lips still curved yet stiff,as though carved from stone. Though he had half-expected it, hearing Luis' open refusal left him unsettled and displeased.

Luis remained calm, his gaze level and unwavering."Mr. Kirk, I've always respected you. But when it comes to Molly, I have only ever regarded her as a sister-nothing beyond that."

Sherwood's jaw tensed,his smile locked in an awkward grimace.

He steadied himself, forcing warmth into his tone."Luis, I understand. Matters of the heart must be weighed with care. Still, when you're in the thick of it,clarity is often the first casualty."

His smile grew strained, his voice gentle. "Why not start with dating, free of pressure? Perhaps you'll find Molly is the perfect match after all."

"Only I can decide who is right for me." Luis' lips curved faintly, but the smile never reached his eyes."Every step I've taken, every choice I've made, has been thought through. I regret none of them."

Catching sight of Sherwood's stiff expression, Luis softened his tone though his eyes stayed sharp. "Mr.Kirk, I value your concern. But please respect my decision."

He raised his wrist, glancing at his watch. "Forgive me,I have other matters to attend to. Excuse me."

With a slight bow, Luis turned without hesitation and strode off the course,leaving Sherwood no chance to reply.