Chapter 7 : “I’m his wife,”

Serena remembered the details vaguely. At the time, she had been caught up with another client’s project and had forgotten about it.

Kevin had mentioned that Michael had placed an order with the studio and was currently at the golf course. He wanted her to meet him there.

The golf course was located in the suburbs, a sprawling property covering thousands of acres—a prized piece of land in New York.

When Serena parked her car, an assistant promptly came to greet her at the entrance.

“Hello, Miss Morales,” the assistant said with a polite smile. “This way, please.”

Serena followed the assistant until she realized she was being led to a changing room.

“The grass and sand on the golf course require careful maintenance, so non-players and caddies are not allowed on the field. I’ve prepared some clubs for you. Do you play golf, Miss Morales?” the assistant asked.

“I do, but not very well,” Serena replied modestly.

“That’s alright. Please change into these clothes first. Mr. Michael Murray is waiting for you on the course.”

Serena nodded. Over the years, she had participated in tennis matches and fishing trips with clients to secure deals. Playing golf wouldn’t be a challenge.

The assistant handed her a set of white sportswear, thoughtfully paired with a matching headband.

Serena tied her hair into a high ponytail, picked up a club bag from nearby, and left the changing room after dressing.

As she descended to the lobby, she noticed a tall, commanding figure entering the building. Alexander was surrounded by a group of people, his every move exuding an air of authority.

Serena froze, startled by his presence.

Standing in a prominent spot, she couldn’t avoid drawing attention. Her bright eyes and high ponytail added to her youthful, vibrant appearance. The sports skirt revealed her long, straight legs, while her fair skin glowed under the light. A red scar on her knee, though small, stood out distinctly.

Alexander’s gaze briefly flicked to her before shifting away as though she were insignificant.

Serena caught a fleeting glimpse of his cold expression before it disappeared entirely.

Moments later, a group of suited men followed Alexander, their focus solely on him. The man leading the group spoke with a deliberate mix of respect and deference, careful not to overstep.

To Serena, they seemed like they belonged to a world far removed from her own.

Shaking off her thoughts, she adjusted the strap of the golf bag slung over her shoulder and headed out to the course.

Michael stood nearby, blending into the scene in his designer sportswear. A white ball arced beautifully through the air before dropping neatly into the hole. Spotting Serena, Michael handed his club to a caddy.

“Ms. Alvarez, you’re finally here. Meeting you in person is such a rare treat,” he said with a broad smile.

Serena responded with a graceful smile of her own and sat beside him. “Mr. Murray, stop exaggerating. I’m just a nobody.”

Nearby, staff members began clearing the area, signaling the arrival of someone important.

Michael leaned toward her conspiratorially. “You’ve heard of the Vanderbilt Group, right? My father arranged today’s game specifically to invite their CEO. If things go well, we could be looking at a $3.3 billion deal.”

Serena, accustomed to dealing with boastful clients, played along. “Mr. Murray, everyone knows you spent $50 million on a single property last year. For the future heir of Murray Ltd., $3.3 billion is hardly a challenge.”

Michael’s chest puffed with pride. “Well, I might have exaggerated a little. But we are the first to partner with Alexander Vanderbilt since his return. That’s significant.”

“Mr. Vanderbilt’s return has certainly caused a stir,” Serena commented, her tone polite but measured.

Michael grabbed a bottle of water from the caddy and began walking toward the grass, gesturing for Serena to follow.

“A lot of women must be devastated,” he remarked. “My dad said Mr. Vanderbilt is married.”

“Really?” Serena asked, retrieving her club. “He doesn’t strike me as a married man.”

Michael smirked. “Exactly. If he’s married, you’d think he’d show up with his wife—unless, of course, she’s not worth showing off.”

Startled by his crass remark, Serena paused before adjusting her stance. “Maybe,” she replied curtly.

Her ponytail swayed as she swung, the sunlight highlighting her radiant complexion. Michael watched her intently, his gaze lingering longer than necessary.

“Ms. Alvarez, if Mr. Vanderbilt had a wife as beautiful as you, I bet he’d parade her around proudly,” Michael said with a sly grin.

“Mr. Murray, you’re too kind,” Serena responded, keeping her tone neutral.

The two continued playing and chatting until Michael suggested taking a break.

Seizing the opportunity, Serena tried to steer the conversation toward her project. But before she could, Michael interrupted. “I’ve worked up quite a sweat. Shall we freshen up and change clothes?”

Recognizing the importance of appearance in such settings, Serena agreed and headed to the changing room.

After freshening up, she stepped out of the changing room only to find Michael standing there casually, wearing nothing but a towel.

Her brows furrowed in disbelief. The changing rooms are separate. Who just barges in unannounced?

“Mr. Murray, in case you didn’t notice, this is the women’s changing room,” she said sharply.

Michael smirked, his gaze sweeping over her. “Has anyone ever told you how stunning you are?” he asked, stepping closer. “I reached out to you before, but you were always so distant. Today, here you are. Tell me, do you need money?”

Serena took a deliberate step back. “Mr. Murray, please behave yourself.”

Michael’s interest only seemed to grow. He had always enjoyed the thrill of pursuing women who resisted his advances.

“Relax,” he drawled. “Make me happy, and I’ll throw in an extra hundred thousand dollars.”

Serena felt a surge of revulsion and turned to leave, but Michael grabbed her waist, pulling her back toward him.

“I have men stationed in the hallway. Do you really think you can just walk out?” he whispered menacingly.

Taking a steadying breath, Serena maintained her composure. “Mr. Murray, your family worked hard to secure this meeting with Alexander Vanderbilt. Would you really want to ruin everything over a moment’s impulse?”

Michael paused, narrowing his eyes. “Are you saying Vanderbilt would cancel the deal because of you?”

“Yes,” Serena said firmly.

Michael’s expression faltered. “And what exactly are you to him?”

“I’m his wife,” she said without hesitation.

Michael laughed loudly, but there was a flicker of doubt in his eyes. “Call him then. Let’s see him come running.”

Serena’s unwavering gaze silenced him. “If you don’t believe me, I’ll call him right now,” she challenged.

Michael hesitated, his confidence wavering. If Serena was telling the truth, Alexander’s arrival would spell disaster for him.

Reluctantly, Michael released her.

Without wasting a moment, Serena grabbed her belongings and walked out. But as she turned the corner, she froze, her breath catching.

Approaching her in the hallway was Alexander, his commanding presence undeniable.