Spoiled by the Silver Fox

"There's always a first time for everything," Sebastian remarked casually. He was no ordinary man. Under his leadership, the Ingram family was reaching new heights, and it was only a matter of time. At least that's what Phinies believed.

"I doubt it... I don't like complications," said Sebastian with his characteristic nonchalance. He had an aversion to trouble, except when it came to Stephanie. She was the only exception to his rule.

The notion of establishing a powerful clique of families was something his grandfather would likely relish, as it would be a prestigious affair, bolstering the family's influence in the eyes of others. But Sebastian found it all too troublesome.

Playing the game of influence and manipulating hearts was not his forte, nor did it interest him. Collaborations between families didn't necessarily have to mean pulling others into one's sphere of power or resorting to old-fashioned practices like arranged marriages. There were plenty of ways to succeed in this world.

Phinies gave him a searching look and ventured, "You've got more guts than I do... If I may be so bold, is the money easier to make overseas?"

Sebastian turned to him and said, "You've heard?"

"Rumors, mostly..."

Without any pretense, Sebastian admitted, "It's alright."

"Why... this sudden idea?"

"The Skyline Corporation belongs to the Ingram family... It's my own empire, my own thing."

Phinies whistled, impressed. "President Ingram, what made you reach for this idea?"

Sebastian smiled, "My grandfather kept nagging that I wouldn't inherit the reins of the Ingram family... Little miss got anxious, fearing I might be kicked out and left to starve... So she started saving her acting fees, not spending a dime, to keep us afloat." Phinies chuckled, "I see..."

"Mr. Wilson, is your ambition to take the Wilson family to new heights because of your parents' last wishes, or for a woman?"

"My parents passed away suddenly, leaving no last wishes... It's mostly for Belle. I need to be stronger to give her a better life... to protect her better."

Sebastian nodded understandingly. "Pretty much the same story."

Behind every successful man is a woman he adores. Behind every successful woman is a man who has hurt her deeply.

"Ha-ha... Silver Fox, I've got it! Dashiell can't even keep up with me now!"

On the tennis court, Stephanie cheered.

Dashiell raised an eyebrow, "Little lady, you're getting ahead of yourself. I let you have that point!"

"Let's keep playing and see if that was really the case!"

Not everyone who can play

badminton can play tennis, but

Stephanie was quick to adapt,

matching Dashiell, a keen amateur

tennis player.

Her agility and quick reaction made her a fast learner. She was, after all, trained from a young age.

Watching them, Sebastian couldn't help but laugh, "She's picking it up fast."

Phinies grinned, "Care to join in, President Ingram?"

"If I said I couldn't play... would you believe me?"

Phinies looked at him incredulously, "No way." "Then pretend I can... Shall we warm up?"

Better to get some practice first. Otherwise, he might end up being the butt of Stephanie's jokes. The sport looked easy enough; after observing a few rounds, he was confident he could pick it upo

Phinies agreed readily, "Sure thing."

sw novel

After a few rounds with Dashiell, Stephanie noticed that Sebastian and Phinies had already started a game on the neighboring court. To her surprise, her Silver Fox seemed quite adept, playing with convincing skill.

QUMS

She exclaimed in amazement, "Wow! Silver Fox, you can actually play tennis?"