Chapter 334

The night had draped itself over the city like a heavy cloak. After finishing his evening engagements,Sherwood finally returned home.

He eased himself onto the couch and reached for the honey water a servant had thoughtfully prepared,sipping gently as though to clear the cobwebs from his mind.

"Is Molly asleep?" Sherwood asked in a measured tone.

The servant inclined her head and replied with respect,"She came back in the evening and went upstairs after dinner."

Sherwood gave a brief nod. "You may go now."

Acknowledging the order,the servant withdrew quietly.

After a short rest, Sherwood took out his phone and dialed a familiar number.

"Hello, Joseph," he greeted warmly. "Forgive me for calling so late-hopefully I'm not disturbing your rest?"

Joseph's voice, easy and familiar like an old companion, answered with a smile in his tone,"Sherwood! No, I'm still awake. What's on your mind?"

Sherwood chuckled lightly, masking his intent with small talk. "Oh, nothing urgent. Just thought I'd chat a while. Don't you usually sleep early? Haven't been feeling unwell,I hope?"

On the other end, Joseph laughed, his amusement carrying through the receiver. "Not at all. I've been taking the medicine Verena prepared, and my health has improved greatly. Perhaps it's her presence at home that makes me so light-hearted. Even though she's right here with us, I can't help thinking about her -strange how joy itself can keep one awake."

Sherwood's smile faltered for a breath, but he quickly regained his warmth. "Indeed, Verena is both thoughtful and capable. It's a comfort knowing she looks after you so well."

Joseph's laughter grew more buoyant,laced with pride."Yes, in the twinkling of an eye,Verena has grown to the point of caring for us."

Sherwood responded with a genial smnile, "Indeed,she's younger than Luis, but she's the first to start a family. Joseph, it won't be long before you can cuddle your first grandchild."

Then, shifting his tone to a lighter note, he added, "Speaking of which, both Luis and Molly have already reached the age for marriage. Time waits for no one,does it not?"

Narrowing his eyes slightly, Sherwood leaned back on the couch, nostalgia threading through his voice. "Do you recall when they were children? Whenever they stood side by side, we would half-jest, half-believe,saying they were a match made in heaven."

He paused deliberately, allowing Joseph a moment of reflection, before continuing, "Joseph, let me be plain.What do you think of arranging their marriage?"

Joseph was momentarily taken aback, and then burst out laughing. "Sherwood, I truly admire Molly-she's kind, sensible, and capable. But Luis has always charted his own course. As his father, my influence is not as strong as you might think."

His tone carried a trace of complaint yet overflowed with paternal affection. "Still, if he agrees, I will wholeheartedly support the union."

Sherwood drained the last of his honey water,replying with a touch of humor, "Luis neither agrees nor refuses. Curiously, though, wherever he goes-be it business or leisure-he never fails to bring gifts back for Molly. Slowly, he has captured her heart,and now she waits each day for his word." Joseph frowned slightly, his voice tinged with reproach. "Luis is too vague with his feelings. To leave a girl in suspense-it's hardly fair."

Sherwood sighed softly, but Joseph quickly tempered his tone, as if to console him. "Don't worry,Sherwood.Knowing Luis, if he weren't interested, he wouldn't trouble himself with such gestures. At work he's as decisive as lightning, yet in matters of the heart,he hesitates."

Joseph's mild exasperation carried clearly through the line.

Sherwood answered with a smile, his eyes glinting with calculation, "If Molly heard your words, she would be overjoyed. In the end, though, we can only guide-the choice is theirs."

After a brief silence, he added casually, "Truth be told,I hope we can settle their marriage this very year.Molly has set her heart on Luis; her dreams revolve around him. A firm decision now would bring them peace-and us as well."

Joseph chuckled with easy broad-mindedness."Sherwood, I meant it when I said I like Molly. But Luis 'thoughts are his own, and I cannot decide in his stead."

He paused, measuring his words. "How about this: you speak with Luis yourself. If you reach an understanding, I will not object."

Sherwood's smile deepened,satisfaction flickering in his eyes. "Very well, Joseph. Since you put it that way,I'll find time to speak with him directly."

They lingered in pleasantries a while longer before ending the call.

Sherwood leaned back on the couch, a knowing smile tugging at his lips.

If this marriage could be sealed, then whatever Verena did would pale into insignificance. With Luis being the Sampson family's heir, there would be no place for one who had already married elsewhere to meddle.

The weekend dawned bright over Ochrerayd, the sky painted in a flawless blue while a gentle breeze carried refreshing coolness.

In the eastern suburbs, a renowned golf course stretched wide, its grass clipped to perfection like a vast emerald carpet.

Sherwood arrived in a white tracksuit, his slightly rounded belly hinting at comfort more than discipline.

A matching baseball cap crowned his head. Spotting Luis, he broke into a broad smile, raising his hand in eager welcome. "Luis, at last!"

Luis, hearing his name, strode steadily forward.

He wore a fitted black tracksuit that emphasized his athletic frame, broad shoulders tapering to a firm waist.

A black cap sat low, shadowing his sharp, deep eyes.

WVith suspicions of Sherwood's intentions in his mind,Luis' gaze now carried both scrutiny and restraint,though he cloaked it beneath composure.

As he reached him, a glint of sharpness flickered and vanished in Luis' eyes. Pressing his lips together, he greeted with steady courtesy, "Mr. Kirk, forgive the delay."

His voice was deep, touched with due respect.

Sherwood stepped forward, patting his shoulder with a show of warmth. "Luis, it's been far too long since our last game. My hands are itching for it."

He let out a hearty laugh that rang across the open field. "Today we must play to our heart's content.Don't hold back-show me just how much you've improved."