Chapter 100 Sparring Partner
She printed out the project proposal, planning to visit Clara's company in person the next day, hoping for some unexpected results.
The next morning, Olivia put on decent clothes and headed to Clara's company with the proposal in hand.
But the receptionist told her that Clara had left early for an important meeting and wasn't in the office.
Disappointed, Olivia had no choice but to leave.
On the third day, she tried again, but the result was the same—Clara had just stepped out to meet a client, and they missed each other once more.
After failing to meet Clara twice in a row, Olivia started to feel anxious.
The renovation of her studio had already begun, and money was being spent. She needed to secure funding soon, or the progress might be delayed.
"Want me to help you out?" Jason offered after hearing about her situation, his tone carrying a hint of concern. "I've got some extra cash I can lend you. Pay me back whenever your studio starts making money—no pressure."
"Thanks, Jason, but I'm okay." Olivia shook her head, her voice firm. "I don't want to trouble you, and I want to build my studio with my own efforts. That means more to me."
She didn't want to mix money matters with Jason, worried it might affect their pure friendship.
Seeing her determination, Jason didn't push further. "Alright then. If you ever need help, just let me know. I'm always here."
Olivia nodded, feeling grateful deep down.
In this unfamiliar city, Jason was like family to her, always looking out for her and Leo, offering so much help and support.
She asked Sophia to help find out Clara's schedule, hoping to find a suitable chance to meet her.
Sophia was very efficient and soon came back with news.
"Ms. Ross, Clara will be at a golf course in the west of the city this Saturday, playing with friends. She'll be there all afternoon and should be pretty laid-back, so it might be a good time to catch her for a chat."
"The golf course in the west?" Olivia paused for a moment. "Isn't that place hard to get into? I heard it's an exclusive private club, and only members are allowed."
"That's true, it's not easy for regular people to enter. But I found out they're short of a temporary caddy this Saturday. They're looking for someone who knows golf, looks professional, and is patient," Sophia said with a smile. "I think you're perfect for it. You know how to play golf, and you're thoughtful and considerate. Want to give it a try?"
Olivia's eyes lit up. "Really? That's great! As long as I can get in and see Clara, I'm willing to be a caddy."
For the sake of her studio's funding, she was ready to try any reasonable way.
"I'll sign up right now," Olivia said immediately.
On Saturday morning, Olivia put on comfortable sportswear and arrived at the golf course early.
With her registration details, she got in smoothly, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement.
The golf course was beautiful, with lush green grass and fresh air. In the distance, lakes and woods made her feel relaxed and at ease.
She found the person in charge and explained that she was there as a temporary caddy.
"You're Olivia?" The person looked her up and down, then nodded. "Not bad. You've got the right look and vibe, and your golf skills are up to par. Come with me, the others are already here."
Olivia followed the person to the deeper part of the course, where she spotted Clara standing with a few friends, chatting and holding a golf club. She seemed to be in a good mood.
"Ma'am, this is the temporary caddy we arranged for you, Olivia," the person said.
Clara turned around and saw Olivia, clearly caught off guard, her eyes full of surprise. "Olivia? How is it you?"
She never expected the temporary caddy to be Olivia.
"Hello, Ma'am," Olivia greeted with a polite smile. "I saw they were hiring temporary caddies here, so I thought I'd give it a try. I didn't expect to run into you. What a coincidence."
She didn't mention that she came on purpose, worried it might make Clara uncomfortable. Being too obvious could put pressure on her.
Clara quickly caught on, a meaningful smile curling on her lips. "Quite a coincidence indeed. Since you're here, let's play together. I just happen to need a skilled caddy."
She could tell Olivia had come specifically for her, and she felt a slight admiration for the young woman's persistence and courage.
Olivia felt a wave of relief and quickly said, "Sure, don't worry. I'll do my best to assist you."
For the rest of the time, Olivia stayed by Clara's side, carefully looking after her.
Her golf skills were decent. She used to play often with friends in college, and even after going abroad, she'd occasionally hit the course to unwind.
She offered Clara tips now and then, and the two worked well together.
Clara's impression of Olivia kept improving. She found her not only talented but also thoughtful and considerate, handling things with a good sense of balance—a rare quality.
"Your skills don't seem like those of a temporary caddy. You've played a lot before, haven't you?" Clara asked with a smile.
"I used to play a lot with friends in college, and even after going abroad, I'd go sometimes. It's kind of a hobby," Olivia answered honestly.
"No wonder you're so good," Clara nodded. "I'll take a look at your project proposal when I have time. Don't worry—if your idea looks promising, I'm not going to say no just because you're new at this."
Hearing this, Olivia felt a surge of joy and quickly said, "Thank you. I'm so grateful for the chance."
Just as they were enjoying the game, a familiar, cold voice rang out.
"Clara, long time no see."
Olivia's body froze instantly, nearly dropping the golf club in her hand.
That voice—she'd never forget it in her life.
It was Luca.
She slowly turned her head and saw Luca walking toward them, accompanied by a few business partners, his assistant, and his close friend Ken.
He was dressed in white sportswear, which made his fair skin stand out even more, and his tall figure look sharper. But his face still had that icy expression, his eyes devoid of any warmth.
Luca also noticed Olivia, clearly taken aback, his eyes showing surprise and a faint trace of curiosity.
Why was she here, dressed in sportswear, playing golf with Clara?
Olivia's heart raced, and she instinctively wanted to hide, but it was too late.
She had no choice but to pretend she didn't know Luca, turning her head to focus on organizing Clara's clubs, trying to make herself less noticeable.
Clara glanced at Luca, then at Olivia, sensing the subtle tension between them and feeling a bit puzzled.
These two seemed to know each other, and their relationship didn't look ordinary.
"Luca, you're here to play too?" Clara greeted with a smile, her tone casual.
"Yeah, just relaxing with some friends and discussing potential deals," Luca said, his gaze lingering on Olivia, deep and unreadable. "And who's this?"
"This is my temporary caddy, Olivia. She's got great skills and has been a lot of fun to play with," Clara said deliberately, watching for their reactions.