Chapter 189
Tamsin had initially wanted to win, but now she wasn't so sure.
Daniel, that guy, was up to something shady.
It was driving her crazy. The worst part was that she wanted to win Zoey over, but somehow she'd fallen into Daniel's trap.
The match officially began.
Daniel, as expected, was a volleyball ace, serving with precision and spiking with ferocity.
But surprisingly, Zoey's skills were even more impressive. She seemed to predict every ball's trajectory, effortlessly returning Daniel's best serves.
"Zoey is amazing…" Giselle exclaimed from the shore.
"Who knew Zoey was such an athlete?" Hestia added in admiration.
Orla watched intently, "She could totally go pro with those skills."
Alexander observed Zoey's agile movements, pride evident in his eyes.
He noted how every action she took was graceful and precise, as if she'd had professional training.
It only made him more curious. What other surprises did Zoey have in store?
In the end, thanks to Zoey's outstanding performance, Alexander's team won by a narrow margin.
Daniel was not happy. "No way, best two out of three."
Tamsin whispered, "Let's not. We'll lose again."
Zoey's skills were clearly honed.
Of course, her Zoey was the best.
Alexander swam over to Zoey and asked softly, "Have you trained in volleyball?"
Zoey smiled faintly, "I practiced for a while."
Alexander didn't press further. The four of them got out of the water and wrapped themselves in towels to rest.
Zoey was immediately surrounded by everyone. Some brought her water, others offered food, their admiration evident.
"Zoey, you're incredible," Giselle said, handing her a chilled fruit juice. "That spike was insane, like professional level."
Hestia quickly offered a plate of sliced fruit, eyes sparkling, "Yeah, especially that last save. I thought for sure you wouldn't get it, but you dove and saved it. So cool."
Orla crouched by Zoey's chair, looking up at her in awe, "Zoey, when did you practice volleyball? Can you teach me? That serve was amazing!"
Even Daniel couldn't help but praise, "Honestly, Zoey, with your skills, you'd win any amateur tournament."
"Those spikes of mine took a lot of practice, and you returned them so easily."
Amidst the compliments, Tamsin suddenly grabbed Zoey's arm and said something shocking, "Zoey, why don't you forget about marrying Alexander? I'll get a sex change, and you can marry me instead."
"No way! What about me?" Daniel blurted out in a panic.
Tamsin blushed, "What does that have to do with me?"
Daniel, flustered, looked at Zoey, "Please, talk some sense into her."
Zoey gently poked Tamsin's forehead, "I'm not at that stage with your cousin yet."
She paused, then looked at the nervous Daniel and said softly, "Besides, Daniel really likes you. I can see you like him too, don't you?"
Tamsin fell silent, resting her cheek against Zoey's arm like a pouting kitten, "Who said I like him?"
Daniel's eyes lit up at Zoey's words, looking at Tamsin expectantly.
He didn't hear her last mumble and thought she was just being shy.
Alexander approached, handing Zoey a dry towel with a hint of pride in his voice, "Now you see how amazing my ace is?"
Tamsin immediately looked up, huffing, "What does Zoey's skill have to do with you? It's not like you're the one who's amazing!"
Alexander raised an eyebrow and casually perched on the armrest of Zoey's chair, "Zoey's amazing, so I'm amazing."
He said it so matter-of-factly that Zoey's ears turned slightly red, but she didn't argue.
"Alexander, you're shameless," Tamsin boldly declared.
Alexander's gaze turned icy. "Excuse me?"
Tamsin clammed up instantly, not daring to speak further.
Zoey didn't want Alexander bullying Tamsin, so she gave him a look, signaling him to take Daniel back into the water.
Alexander understood and stood, beckoning Daniel, "Come on, let's have a rematch."
Daniel didn't want to go; he wanted to stay near Tamsin, but Alexander grabbed him by the neck and dragged him to the pool.
Before he could react, he was pulled into the water, swallowing a mouthful.
"Alexander, are you trying to kill me?" Daniel sputtered as he surfaced, wiping water from his face.
Alexander looked at him coldly, "I know you like Tamsin, but don't be so reckless and aggressive."
Daniel glanced at Tamsin, who was laughing happily a short distance away, and said gloomily, "Alexander, you're not proactive yourself, but you don't let me be either. Sometimes it seems like you really like Zoey, other times you seem so indifferent."
"I was even trying to help you get a date with Zoey, and now it's all ruined."
"Not only that, but I also found out Zoey's incredibly skilled. It's going to be tough for you."
Alexander didn't feel it was all ruined. He was quite content as it was.
He warned Daniel, "Stop using me as an excuse."
"If you want to pursue Tamsin, do it properly. Don't worry about me and Zoey."
"And if Tamsin doesn't like your approach, you need to change it. Like today, suddenly asking her out scared her."
Daniel rolled his eyes, "That's a normal thought, okay? Not everyone has your patience."
"And it was just a date, not like I was going to do anything. Why is everyone so guarded against me?"
He grew more aggrieved, "Alexander, we've known each other for years. You know I've always liked Tamsin. You won't help me, and now you're criticizing me?"
Alexander sighed, "I'm not refusing to help. I'm telling you to be mindful of your approach."
"Tamsin may be lively and cheerful, but she takes relationships seriously. Your casual pursuit makes her think you're not serious."
Daniel was silent for a moment, finally admitting, "I know... but I can't help it."
"Every time I see her, I just want to tease her, get her attention."
"Then find a different way to get her attention," Alexander suggested, "Show you care, learn her likes, support what she wants to do."
"Instead of always thinking about dates and physical contact."
Daniel nodded thoughtfully, "You're right... Maybe I'm too impatient."
Just then, Tamsin called from the shore, "What are you two whispering about in the water? Come up and have some fruit!"
Daniel immediately smiled and shouted back, "Coming, coming!"
Alexander watched him swim eagerly to the shore and shook his head in resignation.