Chapter 190

William Rubenstein narrowed his eyes at her. "Where's Victor Lefèvre?"

"My uncle had urgent business overseas." I straightened my posture. "Mr. Rubenstein, Unique Jewelry is fully committed to this partnership."

He scoffed. "What does a little girl like you know? Wait—did you say Victor is your uncle?"

"Yes."

"Then you must be... Felix Roland's daughter?" His gaze turned sharp.

I nodded. "You knew my father?"

"Old acquaintances." William rubbed his chin, his eyes roaming over me. "Your dad always bragged about having a smart, beautiful daughter. Never thought..." His voice trailed off suggestively.

I suppressed a shudder, noticing the hostile glare from his Instagram-model companion.

"Sweetheart, go wait in the car." William dismissed her with a wave before smiling at me. "Miss Roland, how about we discuss business over golf? If you win, I'll settle the remaining payment immediately."

"I'm afraid I don't play."

"Give it a try." He offered a club. "You might have natural talent."

"Perhaps we should talk after you've finished your game."

His expression darkened. "Are you refusing my hospitality?"

"That's not—"

"Then watch from the sidelines." He cut me off. "I sent my date away just for this meeting."

I glanced down at my professional suit and heels before reluctantly agreeing.

This outfit was chosen by Mr. Alistair. The white blouse strained against my postpartum curves. My heels sank into the grass, making me stumble several times.

William "helpfully" steadied me and handed over a water bottle. "Have some water."

I took a small sip before discreetly spitting it out when he turned away. Hot liquids aggravated my old injuries.

"I heard you were engaged to Adrian Roland?" he asked abruptly.

"That's ancient history." My grip tightened on the bottle. "You know Mr. Roland?"

"Ha!" William's face twisted with hatred. "That bastard nearly bankrupted me!"

My stomach dropped. As I stepped back, dizziness overwhelmed me. I collapsed onto the grass.

We'd wandered to an isolated area of the course.

"The drugs finally kicking in?" William shed his polite facade, leering at me. "You lasted longer than expected."

I pinched my thigh hard to stay conscious. The water! Thank God I'd spit most of it out.

"I thought Victor's wife was coming," he sneered, advancing closer. "Never imagined I'd catch Adrian's woman instead."

"We're over!" I edged backward while slipping off my heels.

"Who knows?" He loosened his tie. "Maybe he still wants you."

Seizing my chance, I smashed a stiletto into his eye.

"You bitch!" William howled in pain.

I tried crawling away but my limbs felt like lead. He yanked my hair viciously. "Should've taken the easy way!"

The sound of tearing fabric echoed across the empty fairway—