CHAPTER 197: CHAPTER 197: KNOW YOURSELF AND YOUR ENEMY

A few of the girls were instantly frightened into silence.

In their memory, Rachel Ross had never spoken so loudly before.

But being sisters, after a brief exchange of glances, they all understood.

Rachel was jealous.

Guessing Rachel’s mindset, the girls let out awkward laughs and dared not praise Summer Monroe’s looks any further, instead saying, "There’s nothing much for Summer to be proud of. Once the chess competition is over, she’ll have to get out of here!"

"Exactly! Rachel, we won’t see that eyesore anymore. Just thinking about it, I’m already starting to miss her bouncing around."

"Tut-tut, if she encounters Rachel in the first round, she’s done for. Rachel’s chess teacher is Mr. Thorne, the founder of The Elite Society. Summer Monroe might not even get two moves in before she’s checkmated."

"Of course, I think the only ones here who can compete with Rachel are last year’s national champion Mr. Irving and Young Master Knight. Comparing Summer to Rachel is really underestimating Rachel."

Hearing this, Rachel’s frosty expression finally melted into a smile.

Every year at The Elite Society, her goal was to defeat Damian Knight, to make him see her in a better light. Unfortunately, she never got the chance to play against him in the finals, always being defeated by Mr. Irving instead.

She had practiced hard last year, and this year, she should have a chance to defeat Mr. Irving and face Damian Knight.

Rachel’s mood gradually calmed.

She couldn’t let Summer Monroe distract her too much; Summer was just a stepping stone. Her real opponent was Mr. Irving!

Thinking this, Rachel told her friends she was tired, then went to the empty balcony to quietly watch videos of Mr. Irving’s open matches from the past year.

Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will emerge victorious in every battle.

...

Meanwhile, Summer Monroe was introduced by Damian Knight to several elite figures in the country, among them a famous detective who particularly caught Summer’s attention.

She specifically asked for his contact information, intending to reach out after the banquet.

Soon, the chess tournament began.

The first-round opponents were determined by drawing lots.

Coincidentally, Summer drew as her opponent one of Rachel’s close friends.

Those who could attend The Elite Society were not ordinary people; the event wasn’t just related to socialite status.

Seeing her draw, Damian Knight couldn’t help but voice his concern, saying, "If you feel unsure, I can speak to the organizers now."

"No need." Summer gripped the draw ticket tightly, her expression extremely calm.

Seeing her composure, Damian Knight refrained from saying more, wished her good luck, and went to his own chess table.

When Summer found her table, Rachel’s friend was already seated at the chessboard.

The girl, named Estelle Alden, looked up at Summer with a disdainful smirk, and said with feigned difficulty, "Oh dear, it’s you, Summer Monroe. Do you need me to teach you the basic rules of chess?"

Estelle’s words had just landed when people at neighboring tables turned their heads in surprise.

— They could hardly believe there was someone in this event who didn’t even know the basics of chess.

How did such a person get in here?

Those people couldn’t help but glance at Summer, and upon seeing her stunning face, they came to understand — she probably got in by her looks.

Young Master Knight, what were you thinking, bringing someone who doesn’t know the basics of chess to the banquet? Isn’t this embarrassing?

Summer was unfazed by others’ opinions. Her gaze met Estelle’s eyes calmly and deeply, and she said with a faint smile, "Thank you for your kind intentions, but there’s no need."