Chapter 4

I excused myself from the group with a soft smile.

They exchanged knowing looks, clearly assuming I couldn’t wait to sneak off and have some alone time with Kane.

I didn’t bother to explain.

Instead, I picked an empty lane and started playing golf by myself.

“What kind of man would be cruel enough to leave a beautiful lady all alone?”

A low, magnetic voice sounded behind me.

I lowered my club and turned around.

And unexpectedly locked eyes with someone across the room.

Chloe held Kane around his neck.

Her eyes were full of possessiveness and a determination to win.

“May I join you?”

He asked, and I finally drew my gaze back to the man in front of me.

My first thought was that he was the type of rich playboy who liked flirting with women at clubs—but his pale blue eyes were innocent clear.

Besides, if Kane could flirt with his ex‑wife while tricking me along for benefits at the same time,

Then why, exactly, was I supposed to stay loyal to him?

My lips curved.

“Sure.”

“Joe Miller.”

He dipped his head slightly in a polite introduction.

“Ava Smith.”

I replied, watching his reaction carefully.

“Ava in the Smith family?” he asked. “The one that owns the biggest underground fighting arena in Italy?”

My brows knit together. I had no idea how he knew about our underground business.

But there was only curiosity in his eyes—none of the greed or hunger I’d grown used to seeing in men like Kane.

Even so, I didn’t let my guard down. I just nodded.

I didn’t say more.

“Impressive.”

Joe said it lightly, but there wasn’t much surprise on his face.

Which only told me one thing—whatever stood behind him made the Smith family look small, so an underground fighting arena couldn’t hold his attention.

“What about you?” I took a sip of my drink. “Family business as well?”

“Actually, I’m an orphan. I clawed my way up on my own. I deal in art.”

His lashes trembled slightly as he spoke, his eyes rippling like a lake brushed by branches.

“I specialize in rare pieces and items with historical value.”

I was just about to respond when a familiar voice cut in.

“Ava! What are you doing?”

I turned to look at him. The rage in Kane’s eyes was practically bursting out.

If I hadn’t caught him cheating with his ex‑wife, I would’ve fallen even harder for him in this moment.

After all, no woman hates a man who gets jealous over her.

Jealousy means he cares.

“Nothing, Kane. Don’t overthink it.”

“I’m tired. I’m going to head back first.”

Kane was clearly struggling to contain his anger, but he didn’t dare explode here.

All he could do was twist his mouth into a stiff, unfriendly smile.

I gave Joe a small nod.

“Sorry.”

Then I turned and walked away.

There was a faint spark of approval in Joe’s eyes, like he didn’t mind this rather impolite socializing.

“See you again, Miss Smith.”

When I reached the door, I realized Chloe still hadn’t left.

She was wearing a blood‑red mini dress, her lipstick smeared as if someone had been biting at her mouth.

“You’ll never have him.”

Her voice was laced with certainty.

But someone truly that certain wouldn’t have ambushed me here.

I stopped, letting my gaze sweep over her face.

“So what?” I said calmly. “I’m the one he’s about to marry, not you. He won’t marry you.”