My CEO Husband Says I'm Irreplaceable

Chapter 51: Chapter 51: How Was My Teaching?

Jared Hawthorne picked out a club that suited her and placed it in her hand. His fingertips brushed her palm, sending a faint, tingling sensation through her.

"Hold it tight."

Vesper Grayson did as he said, but her posture was a bit stiff.

"And then?"

The next moment, he drew close from behind her.

His broad chest was practically pressed against her back, his warm breath falling on the tip of her ear. Her body tensed even more.

Jared Hawthorne placed one hand over the back of hers, enveloping her hand that gripped the club. His other hand hovered near her waist, helping her adjust her stance.

"Relax your body. Don’t be so tense."

His voice was deep and magnetic, each word like a feather brushing against her heart.

The tips of Vesper’s ears flushed hot, and her breathing fell out of rhythm.

His palm was warm and strong, with light calluses. Pressed against the back of her hand, every slight movement was keenly felt.

The hand at her waist wasn’t actually touching her, but it exuded a powerful sense of possession. It felt as if he had her completely encircled in his arms, with no way to escape.

"Let me try it myself," she whispered, struggling slightly.

Jared Hawthorne let out a low chuckle, a mischievous glint in his eye as he leaned even closer. "What’s wrong? Afraid my uncle will see?"

"Jared Hawthorne, he’s your uncle! We can’t continue... our previous relationship..."

His cool lips brushed against the pink tip of her ear as he asked, feigning ignorance, "What kind of relationship did we have before?"

Vesper was a little annoyed and instinctively tried to pull away.

"Don’t move." His tone was light, but it held a commanding edge that brooked no refusal. "Let me finish teaching you this swing."

He guided her through a slow backswing, then pushed forward, his movements practiced and fluid.

The ball flew in a beautiful arc, landing far off on the lawn.

Jared Hawthorne took a small step back. "Now, try it the way I just showed you."

Vesper steadied herself, mimicking his earlier posture. She gripped the club tightly and swung with all her might.

There was a sharp THWACK. The ball went flying, but it wobbled crookedly for a short distance before tumbling onto the nearby turf. Compared to the perfect swing from before, it was utterly lackluster.

She pressed her lips together in embarrassment. Just as she was about to lower the club, his hand gently closed around her wrist.

Jared Hawthorne didn’t laugh at her. He simply drew close from behind again, his warm chest pressing lightly against her back.

"Don’t rush. Keep your wrist a little steadier. I’ll guide you one more time."

He once again placed his hand over hers, patiently guiding her to adjust her posture.

Vesper’s heart raced. With a guilty conscience, she glanced in Elias Hawthorne’s direction, afraid he would see and get the wrong idea.

But Jared seemed to be doing it on purpose, pressing extremely close. His movements were so natural and open, without a hint of reservation, that it only made her feel more guilty.

Only after the little white ball flew steadily out again, carving another beautiful arc, did the man slowly release her.

Not far away, Elias Hawthorne took in the whole scene, a teasing smile in his eyes as he slowly walked over.

"Not bad, not bad at all," he said with a laugh, his tone full of appreciation. "Jared is a good teacher, and Miss Grayson is a fast learner. It’s only been a short while, and you already look like a pro."

He paused deliberately, his words carrying a pointed meaning. "That’s how it is with golf. With more teaching and more practice together, the chemistry comes naturally."

Jared Hawthorne lit a cigarette. "It’s about that time. Let’s go eat."

"I’ve booked a private room. Come on, we can talk while we eat." Elias Hawthorne smiled, turned, and led the way.

Vesper was speechless.

’Whatever good impression I had of him last night just vanished without a trace.’

’But on second thought, we don’t have any feelings for each other. It’s just a business marriage arranged by our parents.’

’The old man isn’t interested in women and doesn’t know how to interact with them. That seems perfectly reasonable.’

’Serves him right for being single for so many years.’

"ACHOO!"

Elias Hawthorne, who was walking ahead, suddenly sneezed.

He rubbed his nose. ’The old man must be cursing me behind my back.’

「Inside the golf course’s clubhouse restaurant.」

The atmosphere was tranquil, the decor elegant and understated. Every detail exuded a reserved luxury, creating a quiet and private space.

They entered a private room away from the main hall, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the lawn.

As soon as the three of them were seated, a server approached quietly to set the table.

Elias Hawthorne sat at the head of the table and gave Vesper a gentle smile. "Miss Grayson, please."

Vesper Grayson sat down in the seat to his left.

Normally, Jared Hawthorne should have sat to Elias Hawthorne’s right or across from them. But unexpectedly, he showed no hesitation and sat right next to her.

Sandwiched between the uncle and nephew, Vesper immediately felt uncomfortable all over. Her heart was a fluttering mess.

But Elias Hawthorne simply picked up the menu with a calm expression, looking down to browse it as if nothing could be more normal.

"The Cantonese food here is authentic. Miss Grayson, do you have any dietary restrictions?"

"I’m fine with anything. I’m not a picky eater."

"It’s good that you’re not picky," Elias Hawthorne said with a smile, glancing at his nephew. "Not like my nephew here. He can’t handle spicy food, doesn’t eat ginger, and won’t touch cilantro."

Vesper froze for a second, her heart inexplicably tightening.

She suddenly remembered that Luke Lockwood also never ate ginger or cilantro. When she used to cook for him, she would always pick them out meticulously...

Elias Hawthorne lifted his teacup for a small sip and spoke in a seemingly casual tone.

"Jared has a cold personality and usually keeps his distance from everyone. It’s rare to see him be so patient today."

As soon as he said that, Vesper’s hands, resting on her lap, clenched tightly.

Just then, a large, warm hand reached out from under the table and seized hers without warning.

Vesper’s whole body went rigid, as if she’d been struck by lightning.

She whipped her head to the side and glared at Jared Hawthorne, her eyes filled with panic.

’Are you crazy? Your uncle is right across from us!’

But the man kept his eyes lowered, the corner of his mouth curling into a faint, triumphant smile. He slowly caressed her fingertips, gradually prying her fingers open to intertwine them tightly with his.

The pressure wasn’t strong, yet she couldn’t break free in the slightest.

Vesper’s breath caught. She didn’t dare move a muscle, her body held rigidly in place. She couldn’t even risk a glance in the direction of the head of the table.

Beneath the table, their fingers were a hot, tangled mess; above it, everything appeared perfectly calm and normal.

The taboo thrill of being so close to exposure, of being caught at any moment, was nearly suffocating.

As if oblivious to her panic, Jared Hawthorne looked up to meet his uncle’s gaze and said nonchalantly,

"Well, my uncle asked, so how could I refuse?" He glanced sideways at the incredibly tense woman beside him, a smirk playing on his lips as he deliberately drew out his words. "Miss Grayson, what did you think of my teaching just now?"

"It was... it was great..."

"In that case, we should meet up more often. I guarantee that in three months, your game will be better than my uncle’s!"

’This man really has the nerve to say anything!’

’He’s hitting on his uncle’s fiancée right at the dinner table, without any shame.’

’Isn’t this a direct challenge to Elias Hawthorne’s authority? Isn’t he afraid he’ll get angry?’

But who would have thought...

"Jared is right. You’ll be family soon anyway. You should meet up more often to get to know each other better! Then, once Miss Grayson has learned, we can all find some time to play a round together."

Vesper was speechless.

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