Chapter 3: Mr. Hawke, Hypocritical Yet Subtly Flirtatious

Willow was startled.

She quickly held up the paper bag in her hand. "I came to return your coat, Mr. Hawke."

Hunter reached out to take it.

He gave a dignified nod, saying, "Thank you for the trouble," before walking directly toward the elevator without another word.

Willow grew anxious and followed his steps. "Mr. Hawke, I want to ask you..."

Hunter pressed the elevator button. When the doors opened, Willow brazenly stepped in with him.

Hunter glanced at her sideways.

He adjusted his shirt in the mirror, his tone indifferent: "I won't take your case."

Willow's hands and feet went cold.

Apparently, Hunter already knew about her family's situation!

She asked softly: "Did Grant speak to you about this?"

Hunter met her gaze in the mirror, smiling faintly: "He doesn't have that much influence! Miss Wright, I simply prefer to keep my professional and personal lives separate."

Willow understood his meaning: he welcomed an exciting affair with her, but business matters were off the table.

She felt somewhat humiliated.

Hunter didn't pressure her.

While Willow matched his aesthetic preferences, she wasn't enough to make him break his rules. Besides, in broad daylight, his interest wasn't particularly high.

After a brief exchange, the elevator reached the 28th floor.

Hunter's secretary was waiting at the door. She seemed surprised to see Willow but years of professional training prevented her from showing it. She respectfully said, "Mr. Hawke, Mr. Mason has arrived."

Hunter tossed the bag to his secretary with instructions. "Send this to dry cleaning."

The secretary tactfully left first.

Hunter scrolled through messages on his phone while casually telling Willow, "Find another lawyer!... And women shouldn't wear their belts too loose!"

With that, he walked out of the elevator.

Willow thought he was incredibly hypocritical!

...

After being rejected by Hunter, Willow tried everything but couldn't get another meeting with him.

At home, Aunt Rhea grew increasingly anxious, constantly complaining. Under great pressure, Willow arranged to meet her college friend Bianca White.

Bianca had married right after graduation to a wealthy heir in Brooksville and had broad social connections.

Willow asked for Bianca's help in finding a solution.

They met at a café, and Willow explained everything.

Bianca cursed Grant, but then suddenly asked, "Did you really almost have a one-night stand with Hunter Hawke that night?"

Willow wanted to deny it but couldn't help blushing.

Bianca lowered her voice: "Willow, I'm impressed! Hunter Hawke is known for his high standards and rarely has any scandals."

Willow smiled bitterly. "I'm really desperate, otherwise I wouldn't trouble you."

Hunter was very powerful in those social circles, and if Bianca helped her, she could easily make enemies.

Bianca was quite loyal. Using her connections, she managed to obtain Hunter's schedule.

Saturday at three in the afternoon, Hunter had arranged to play golf at a club.

Willow followed Bianca and her husband there, unexpectedly seeing Grant Caldwell as well.

Willow froze momentarily.

Bianca pinched her husband hard, complaining: "You didn't check properly. How can Willow approach him freely with Grant Caldwell here?"

Bianca's husband apologized sincerely, "I'm sorry, Willow! It's my fault for not checking thoroughly."

Before Willow could respond, Hunter had already spotted them.

He wore casual white attire, his outstanding appearance making him the primary focus of attention.

Just like at his office, Hunter pretended not to recognize Willow, only greeting Bianca's husband.

Bianca's husband was flattered, smiling nervously.

At this moment, Hunter seemed to notice Willow for the first time.

Willow already had good skin, and today she had deliberately dressed casually.

A loose white T-shirt and light gray athletic shorts.

Her tea-colored, slightly curled long hair was tied in a bun, adding a touch of allure to her fresh appearance.

Hunter's gaze swept over Willow's fair, slender legs as he said nonchalantly, "I don't believe we've met..."