Chapter 218

From that moment on, Selene Lancaster began scrutinizing Camille Hartwell's every move.

Watching Camille effortlessly dismantle the trap Damien Harrington had set—in a way Selene never anticipated—sent a chill down her spine.

When Emmett Harrington praised Camille's strategy, Selene's stomach twisted into knots.

Camille remained completely focused on the chessboard, oblivious to the tension around her.

She was holding her own for now. But victory seemed increasingly impossible.

Pausing mid-game, she locked eyes with Damien.

He made his countermove.

Camille froze.

Gabriel Ashcroft let out an impressed chuckle. "Remarkable. Never thought I'd witness such mastery from someone so young."

Emmett scowled at the interruption. "Quiet!"

Gabriel raised his hands in surrender.

Minutes later, Camille executed a brilliant maneuver, subtly reclaiming control of the board.

Damien responded with equal precision two minutes later.

Then Camille placed her piece down with finality. "I concede."

The outcome was inevitable now.

Continuing would be pointless.

As she stood to leave, Damien's voice stopped her. "Best two out of three?"

After only a heartbeat's hesitation, Camille resumed her seat.

Gabriel smirked at Graham Bellamy. "Look at her—cool as ice, yet she can't resist challenging Damien. How often does she get to play against someone of his caliber?"

Graham nodded in silent agreement.

Gabriel goaded further. "Bet you couldn't beat her either."

Though considered second only to Damien in their circle, Graham didn't hesitate. "No, I couldn't."

Camille had only ever played chess against Graham before today.

While she'd never won against him, Graham's reactions made it clear—she was already a formidable opponent.

And she was still so young.

Graham hadn't lost a game since he was fifteen.

Few earned such respect from him, regardless of age or gender.

Camille's skill was undeniable.

By now, the board had been reset.

Damien gestured. "Your move first this time?"

"No, you go ahead."

She'd sacrificed several pieces earlier and wanted to test her limits.

Just as Gabriel suspected, quality opponents were rare for her outside Graham.

She wouldn't waste this opportunity.

To her, Damien was simply a worthy challenger—nothing more.

She wouldn't hold back just because of who he was.

Damien didn't argue and made the opening move.

Silence descended as they played, the only sound being pieces clicking against the board.

Strangely, both Gabriel and Emmett sensed an unspoken understanding between the players—as if they'd known each other far longer than possible.