Chapter 213

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

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

Selene, Tristan, and their group gathered around to watch the match.

Camille and Gabriel joined the spectators too.

They positioned themselves behind Emmett.

Selene and Tristan were skilled chess players.

Noticing Camille's intense focus, Tristan approached her. "You play?"

"A little," Camille replied.

Gabriel 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, Emmett adopted an aggressive strategy while Damien countered skillfully, searching for openings.

To the untrained eye, Damien appeared to be struggling.

But reality told a different story.

Camille's gaze grew sharper with each move.

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

"Too close to call."

Selene and Arlo exchanged skeptical glances at the vague answer. Gabriel understood - Camille wasn't being evasive without reason.

The truth was more complicated.

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

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

Camille hesitated because she couldn't tell if Damien wanted to win at all.

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

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

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

Emmett snorted, unconvinced.

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

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

Damien obliged without hesitation.

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

Truthfully, Emmett 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," Emmett ordered. "Don't treat me like some fragile old man."

"You misunderstand me, Mr. Rhodes."

Emmett waved him off and focused on the game.

The result was inevitable - another loss.

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

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