Chapter 360

The sudden loud greeting made Evelyn jump. She blinked at the unexpected visitors crowding her office. "Maximilian? What's all this about?"

Maximilian Blackwood lounged comfortably on her sofa, patting his stomach. "Just paying our respects, Ms. Carter."

Evelyn crossed her arms, unimpressed. "You never visit without an agenda. Out with it."

Maximilian scooted closer with an eager grin that didn't suit his usual intimidating demeanor. "Sharp as ever, Ms. Carter."

He leaned forward conspiratorially. "I've been studying chess strategies lately - developed some new techniques. Thought you might indulge me in a match."

Evelyn arched an eyebrow. "That's really why you're here?"

Maximilian nodded vigorously.

Ever since his humiliating defeat against Evelyn, the chess obsession had consumed him. Nights spent analyzing moves, days practicing against anyone who'd humor him - all for this moment of redemption.

"Please, Ms. Carter? Just one game?"

His pleading eyes held none of their usual menace, replaced instead by the desperate enthusiasm of a chess addict.

"Not today," Evelyn said, stacking files on her desk. "I'm inspecting a development project on Azure Bay. Chess will have to wait until I return."

Maximilian deflated like a punctured balloon, his dramatic sigh filling the office.

Seeing his crestfallen expression, Evelyn softened slightly. "The trip only takes two or three days. Use the time to refine those techniques you mentioned."

Maximilian clutched his chest dramatically. "That's cruel, Ms. Carter."

Evelyn smirked. "I expect to see improvement when I get back."

Speechless, Maximilian could only watch as Evelyn returned to her paperwork. Recognizing her busy schedule, he reluctantly gathered his men to leave.

As they exited the building, realization struck Maximilian like lightning. "Wait - did she say Azure Bay?"

One of his associates frowned. "Isn't that the island we sold to that foreign investor last month? Why would Ms. Carter be going there?"

Maximilian's brow furrowed. "Business partnership, most likely. She's connected everywhere."

The group murmured agreement. "Makes sense. Ms. Carter's network spans continents."

"Enough speculation," Maximilian cut in. "Her business is her own. Let's head back - I need to practice if I'm going to stand a chance against her."

—

That evening found Maximilian hunched over a chessboard in his penthouse, locked in an intense match with one of his associates.

The game reached its climax when a subordinate burst in. "Boss! Urgent news!"

Maximilian didn't look up from the board. "Unless the building's on fire, it can wait."

"But—"

A single glare silenced the man mid-sentence.

An hour later, Maximilian checkmated his opponent with a triumphant grin. "Excellent game."

"Your skills have improved remarkably, boss."

Maximilian preened. "All thanks to Ms. Carter's ruthless teaching methods. Every loss was a lesson."