CHAPTER 259: INVITATION TO PLAY GOLF (2)

As they arrived at the prestigious golf club, Amelie’s gaze swept across the expansive grounds and the grand architecture.

"This place practically breathes wealth," she murmured under her breath, taking in the understated opulence.

"Isn’t your bag heavy?" Gabriel asked, reaching for her handbag.

"It’s not. I can carry it," Amelie replied, adjusting it on her arm.

Gabriel gave her a small, charming smile. "Let your husband carry it," he said, gently taking the bag from her.

Lacing his fingers with hers, he led her toward the entrance. As they reached the staircase, Gabriel handed the car keys to the waiting chauffeur with a brief nod before turning to guide her up the steps.

Inside the elegant lounge, a group of five impeccably dressed individuals stood engaged in conversation. Their tailored suits and designer accessories made it clear, they belonged to the elite class of Alpha families.

"Well, look who’s arrived!" one of them exclaimed with a hint of playful surprise.

The others turned toward them, offering courteous, formal nods of acknowledgment.

"Prince Gabriel and his mate, Princess Amelie. Thank you for accepting my invitation," said the man at the center, stepping forward with a smile.

Gabriel returned the gesture and placed a hand gently on Amelie’s back. "Amelie, this is Sage Nightshade, the one who extended the invitation," he introduced.

Amelie offered a graceful smile, giving a slight nod of greeting.

"I’m Sage’s girlfriend, Eleanor Kargham," she said with a poised smile, extending her hand toward Amelie for a handshake.

"I’m Henry Rossvelt," another man added with a courteous nod, giving a gentle bow to both Amelie and Gabriel.

"I’m Tim Seth, and this is my mate, Piyonia Cruz," the third man said, gesturing warmly to the elegant woman standing beside him.

As the introductions circled back to them, Gabriel glanced at Amelie with a small smile and then addressed the group.

"It’s a pleasure to meet all of you," Gabriel said. "Thank you for welcoming us so warmly. Amelie’s been looking forward to this evening."

Amelie offered a polite smile, subtly tightening her hold on Gabriel’s arm as she continued observing the group.

"Gabriel, we can speak informally, right?" Sage asked.

"Of course. We don’t mind at all," Gabriel replied with an easy smile.

The group began walking toward the open lawn area. A gentle breeze rustled through the air, carrying the faint scent of fresh earth and blossoms nearby. The sky above was a serene canvas of clear blue.

Amelie held a golf stick, examining it with mild curiosity when Eleanor approached her with a friendly smile.

"How many months are due for the delivery?" she asked, her gaze dipping to Amelie’s baby bump.

"Four months," Amelie replied calmly.

"That’s wonderful," Eleanor replied.

"Looks like your wife’s already made a friend," Sage murmured near Gabriel’s ear, watching Eleanor and Amelie from a distance.

"I hope so," Gabriel replied, his gaze following Amelie for a moment before shifting back to Sage. "I thought you were planning to settle in the capital for good."

"Change of plans," Sage said casually, lifting a brow.

"Oh?" Gabriel questioned. "Why the sudden move?"

"I’ve come to prefer San Ravendale. It has a different pace... suits me better. Also, my pack is in San Ravendale for many years. It’s better to keep the pack here, then do the entire shifting to the capital," Sage replied. Then, with a teasing grin, he added, "But man, you’ve changed. When I showed up at your wedding reception in the palace, I couldn’t believe it. You looked completely smitten. Is this really the Gabriel Sinclair I’ve known all these years?"

Gabriel chuckled, the corners of his mouth curving into a smirk. "Definitely not."

"I heard a lot about you and Amelie. You finally found your mate. I’m happy about it." Sage took the golf stick from the usher.

"What about you? The last I know your girlfriend was someone else. Now, suddenly you brought a new one here," Gabriel remarked.

"I’m going to break up with her later," Sage stated.

"What?" Gabriel chuckled.

"Don’t give me that look," Sage said with a faint smirk. "Eleanor knew it was temporary. I’ve never promised commitment to anyone."

"I know," Gabriel replied.

Sage paused, then said, "Your mother approached me. She’s asked for my hand in marriage... for your sister."

Gabriel’s expression remained unreadable, offering no immediate reaction. Sage tilted his head slightly, studying him.

"Guess you didn’t know that."

Gabriel’s eyes narrowed. "Do I have to know every arrangement made in my family’s lives?" he muttered, his tone darkening.

"No," Sage admitted. "But I figured I should tell you. I know you’ve always seen me as a bit of a player."

Gabriel met his gaze sharply. "I don’t care what you do with your life as long as it doesn’t affect me or Amelie," he said. "But Kate is my sister. If you’re serious about this... don’t hurt her. If you’re planning to move forward, treat her right."

He paused for a second, then added with a faint smile, "And... you already know my mother. She will even trouble your soul if you don’t treat her daughter well."

"I know, Dude. You’re scaring me now," Sage said, shaking his head.

"I’m warning you," Gabriel stated. "And do the breakup quickly. You can’t talk to Kate while still involved with Eleanor. Gosh, you’re still fucked up," he muttered.

Sage chuckled. "I already told Eleanor in the message last night about today’s meet. She knows I’m going to end it," he answered. "Let’s go and start our game. Amelie is glancing at you, hoping for your presence."

Gabriel walked over to Amelie, stopping beside her with an encouraging smile.

"You hold it like this," he said, adjusting her grip gently on the golf stick, his hands guiding hers with care.

"And keep your eyes on the goal ahead," he continued. "Since the hole isn’t too far, you don’t need to use too much force."

Amelie nodded with a hum, absorbing his instructions. She felt his presence retreat slightly as he stepped back.

"Alright," he said, "give it a try."

Amelie swung the club, and the ball rolled smoothly across the green floor, stopping just near the hole.

She head the claps of everyone around her, which flustered her.

"Being your first shot, it’s not bad," Gabriel said, smiling at her.