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    213 Chapter 213 Chess Challenge

    213 Chapter 213 – Chess Challenge

    The evening’s sess depended on ensuring every guest received appropriate attention and care.

    Based on his extensive knowledge of both families, no significant conflicts had bever /bexisted between those two individuals.

    Soon, an elegant chessboard and matching table appeared, apanied byfortable seating where Felix could enjoy strategic gamey alongside his tea. Recognizing his inability to provide Felix with engagingpany, Neal instructed Edric to arrange entertainment more suited to his friend’s interests.

    Darcy responded with obvious reluctance and familiar frustration. “ying against you is an exercise in futility. I refuse to endure another humiliating defeat.”

    “Perhaps one of our younger guests might be interested in a game,” Darcy suggested diplomatically.

    His reputation for strategic thinking and mental acuity made him an appealing opponent.

    Felix arranged himselffortably, gathered a handful of chess pieces in his palm, and looked expectantly toward his longtimepanion Darcy Langton.

    Anyone unaware of theirplex history would never suspect the tangled web of rtionships and past conflicts that connected them.

    Cullen had naturally gravitated toward Niall, Marco, Nate, and Maverick, forming a cluster of young men from simr social backgrounds.

    With such a substantial crowd, the Crystal and Mack blended seamlessly into the background, their presence unremarkable among the distinguished guests.

    Their conversation seamlessly transitioned back to discussions of technique,position, and artistic philosophy.

    Felix’s familiarity with Cullen stemmed from the young man’s widely recognized intellectual capabilities, which had earned him considerable respect fr an early age. Edric prided himself on maintaining neutrality. After dedicating appropriate time bto /b

     b213 /bChapter 213 – Chess Challenge

    Cullen’s circle, he approached Dario and Veronica with diplomatic courtesy, “Tonight’s guest list exceeded our original projections. Please ept my apologies bif /bbour /b

    hospitality has fallen short of expectations.”

    Neal gestured toward his assistant. “Edric, retrieve my artistic supplies bfrom /bbthe /bbstudy /bimmediately.”

    Felix Shane, despite being Neal’s longtime friend, possessed limited appreciation bfor /bartistic pursuits and had attended primarily to demonstrate loyalty and support. Veronica and Dario deliberately maintained their distance from the artistic discourse, instead finding contentment in the tranquil atmosphere of the pavilion.

    They savored the perfectly brewed tea and delicately crafted refreshments infortable silence.

    Yet the atmosphere suggested that virtually nothing had shifted since the previous banquet.

    Dario responded with practiced grace and genuine warmth. “We arrived without formal invitations, Edric. Your graciousness is more than sufficient.”

    The remaining party dispersed throughout the elegant estate. Veronica, Dario, Cullen, Marco, along with the Mack and Crystal families, moved toward the main reception

    area.

    The business coboration they had discussed seemed to suggest some form of reconciliation was underway.

    This revtion caught Edricpletely off guard.

    Their shared generational perspective and ovepping social circles made their casual grouping appear entirely organic and appropriate.

    Felix then directed his attention toward their busy host’s assistant. “Your

    responsibilities tonight must be overwhelming.”

    The challenge hung in the air between them, carrying implications that extended far beyond a simple game. Cullen’s response would be observed by everyone present, making this moment a subtle test of character, confidence, and social nositioning among the assembled guests.

    “Indeed, they are quite extensive.”

    213 Chapter 213 Chess Challenge

    Given the deliberate physical distance Veronica and Dario maintained from the other guests, Edric seized the opportunity to approach Maverick with hushed curiosity. “Have you and Dario managed to resolve your differences yet?”

    Beyond Mary, Neal had cultivated friendships with two other individuals who possessed considerable expertise in the artistic realm.

    After offering brief apologies to Veronica and Dario, Edric hurried away to attend to the various demands of hosting such a diverse gathering.

    Enthusiasm radiating from his voice, Neal proposed an impromptu creative session, extending an invitation for Mary to participate in their artistic endeavor.

    However, he immediately dismissed such spection, preferring to avoid entanglement in other people’s personal dramas and romanticplications.

    After exchanging brief pleasantries with the gathered guests, Neal excused himself and retreated to his private chambers.

    Whileplete forgiveness might be premature, surely some progress had been made since theirst formal gathering.

    Beginning a lengthy chess match would represent an inexcusable abandonment of his obligations to the other attendees.

    Maxwell found himself simrly upied with hosting duties.

    Felix fixed his gaze on Cullen with unmistakable interest. “Your chess skills are well–established, Cullen. Would you be willing to engage in a match with me?”

    Not a single meaningful nce passed between the separated parties.

    Maverick’s gaze drifted toward Dario as he carefully considered his response. “The rtionship between Dario and Cullen appears to have deteriorated as well.”

    “Of course, sir.”

    His initial instinct suggested the tension might stem fromplications involving Veronica and Niall.

    Neal’s demeanor brightened considerably as he engaged Mary in anir **ed conversation about their shared passion.

    213 Chapter 213 – Chess Challenge

    The group settled into the ornate pavilion as uniformed servants glided bbetween /bthem, offering delicate porcin cups filled with aromatic tea and silver tters badorned /bwith exquisite pastries.

    Following their coborative effort, Nealvished praise upon Mary’s remarkable btalent /band technical proficiency.

    Their chosen seats positioned them considerably apart from where the Crystal band /bMack had established themselves.

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