Chapter 167
167 A Match with the Grandmaster
167 A Match with the Grandmaster
For a moment, he felt as if his mouth had been sealed shut–like someone had smeared glue over his lips . He couldn’t speak, couldn’t move, and could only stare in disbelief.
How could this be ?
Alice is just some small – town nobody .
And yet , the pressure she gave off is overwhelming .
I couldn’t even lift a finger to resist that .
At that moment, Humbert stepped onto the stage. His hair and beard were white as snow, but his face bore few wrinkles, and his expression was calm, almost friendly.
“Ms. Spencer,” he said kindly, “if you do play chess, would you do me the honor of a match?”
Alice let out a quiet sigh and rubbed the bridge of her nose. “I can play one game. Just one.”
Humbert didn’t mind her tone, but the spectators below burst into quiet laughter.
What nerve–to speak like that to Humbert, of all people. Clearly, this woman had no regard for her image.
Gary’s face darkened as he watched her.
He should’ve known better than to hope for anything from Alice.
Maybe it was a good thing. After this tournament, he’d finally cut all ties with her.
Besides, Gary figured he’d done more than enough as her brother. He’d been patient, even generous.
Soon, a staff member wheeled a chessboard béneath the camera setup, inviting both players to take their
seats.
Immediately after, Alice and Humbert took their seats opposite each other.
Humbert usually wouldn’t waste time playing with ordinary opponents. But today, something about Alice intrigued him; he found she looked strangely familiar. He couldn’t explain it, only that he felt compelled
to test her.
They sat facing each other.
Alice looked visibly annoyed.
Humbert wasn’t sure what to say. He paused, then chuckled politely.
“You’re young. I’ll let
you
take three free moves.”
Alice rolled her eyes. “Forget it. You’re older–I’m more worried about you passing out from high blood pressure or something. That’d be a real hassle.”
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167 A Match with the Grandmaster
Their conversation, carried across the hall by microphones, was heard in every corner of the building and in the livestream, too.
“She’s totally given up at this point, hasn’t she?”
“Honestly, she’s facing a chess legend; it makes sense to be scared of him.”
“Still, the guts to say that to Mr. Day? Mad respect.”
“Am I the only one who thinks she’s super chill right now?”
“Oof, Gary’s face just turned grim.”
“Can’t blame him. I’d blow up too if my sister were always out there stirring up trouble.”
“Say what you will, but Mr. Eric looks even more impressive now.”
“Exactly. No matter what his wife pulls, Mr. Eric hasn’t said a word–not even a hint of impatience.”
“I don’t know if he actually loves her, but his attitude? Total dream husband.”
“Help–I think I just became a fan of Mr. Eric.”
Meanwhile, Linda and Clayton had quietly entered the hall, hoping to make amends after the chaos they
caused.
Linda caught Les’s sleeve.
“You probably shouldn’t go up there now. The match just started, and your dad’s sitting near the board. I doubt he wants to see either of us.”
Les yanked his arm free.
If only he were Byron’s real son.
But no–he was just a personal assistant. And now that something had gone wrong, hiding wouldn’t save his job. He liked pretty girls, sure–but not enough to ruin his career over one.
He didn’t even glance at Linda and strode straight toward Byron.
Linda didn’t bother chasing him.
She’d already put on enough of a performance earlier and didn’t want to be scolded by Byron in front of
everyone.
Besides, once Les got chewed out, she could swoop in and comfort him. That was t
Still, she worried that her siblings might come after her, so she slipped over to Gary instead . Damon spotted her and couldn’t quite hide the complicated emotion in his eyes.
His mentor had been blacklisted by nearly every university–Riverview included. When he met Byron today, he’d hoped to speak up for Halsey, but he hadn’t found the courage .
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167 A Match with the Grandmaster
Seeing Linda brought back bitter memories. She’d been connected to what happened back den too.
And these past weeks, it was like she didn’t care. Like none of it involved her. She hadn’t once offered to
share the burden .
“Linda,” he finally said.
Linda looked up, surprised. Her earlier excitement faded, replaced by a thin veil of sadnew
“Damon,” she murmured. “It’s been so long. You look … worn out.”
Just moments ago, Damon had thought her immature and heartless.
But hearing that, he felt something shift.
“I’m fine,” he said quietly, his voice much gentler now.
Linda exhaled silently.
She had seen the irritation in his eyes just moments earlier.
Good thing she’d figured out what to say. Time to play the sympathy card.
“Damon,” she said softly, “I didn’t know you’d be here. I only came to speak with Mr. Reese, ask him to go easy on Mr. Hawkin. I—”
Damon felt a surge of guilt. He’d misjudged her.
Linda wasn’t heartless. She’d been trying to help in her own quiet way –she just wasn’t good at showing it.
L