Chapter 213

Alexander set aside the chess pieces with a respectful nod. "The honor is mine, Mr. Whitmore."

He took the seat opposite Gregory. "Please go easy on me, sir."

Victoria, Julian, and their group gathered around to watch the match.

Isabella and Nathaniel joined the spectators too.

They positioned themselves behind Gregory.

Victoria and Julian were skilled chess players.

Noticing Isabella's intense focus, Julian approached her. "You play?"

"A little," Isabella replied.

Nathaniel nearly choked on his drink.

A little? That was the understatement of the century.

But he kept that thought to himself.

The opening moves were cautious as both players tested each other's styles.

As the game progressed, Gregory adopted an aggressive strategy while Alexander countered skillfully, searching for openings.

To the untrained eye, Alexander appeared to be struggling.

But reality told a different story.

Isabella's gaze grew sharper with each move.

Nathaniel, no amateur himself, leaned closer. "Who's winning?"

"Too close to call."

Victoria and Oliver exchanged skeptical glances at the vague answer. Nathaniel understood - Isabella wasn't being evasive without reason.

The truth was more complicated.

Alexander kept appearing to fall behind, only to miraculously recover.

Was he setting traps? Controlling the game's tempo? The match remained deadlocked regardless.

Isabella hesitated because she couldn't tell if Alexander wanted to win at all.

As the younger player, would he deliberately let Gregory win?

Just then, Gregory chuckled. "I may not be the best, Alexander, but if you keep holding back, I won't be pleased."

Alexander smiled. "It's been a while since I last played. I'm rusty."

Gregory snorted, unconvinced.

The game continued for another intense fifteen minutes before Gregory lost by a single piece.

Instead of disappointment, curiosity lit Gregory's eyes. He wanted to see Alexander's true skill. "Again," he demanded.

Alexander obliged without hesitation.

This time, Alexander played more aggressively. Gregory narrowed his eyes but only received a cheerful "Well played" in response.

Truthfully, Gregory was delighted - it had been years since he'd enjoyed a loss so much.

They immediately began a third match.

"Give me your best this time," Gregory ordered. "Don't treat me like some fragile old man."

"You misunderstand me, Mr. Whitmore."

Gregory waved him off and focused on the game.

The result was inevitable - another loss.

Gregory set down his piece and stood. "I concede - fairly beaten."

Before Alexander could respond, Gregory turned to the spectators. "Anyone else? At least make him work for it this time."