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213 Chapter 213 Chess Challenge
213 Chapter 213 – Chess Challenge
The evening’s success depended on ensuring every guest received appropriate attention and care.
Based on his extensive knowledge of both families, no significant conflicts had ever existed between those two individuals.
Soon, an elegant chessboard and matching table appeared, accompanied by comfortable seating where Felix could enjoy strategic gameplay alongside his tea. Recognizing his inability to provide Felix with engaging company, Neal instructed Edric to arrange entertainment more suited to his friend’s interests.
Darcy responded with obvious reluctance and familiar frustration. “Playing 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 himself comfortably, gathered a handful of chess pieces in his palm, and looked expectantly toward his longtime companion Darcy Langton.
Anyone unaware of their complex history would never suspect the tangled web of relationships and past conflicts that connected them.
Cullen had naturally gravitated toward Niall, Marco, Nate, and Maverick, forming a cluster of young men from similar 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, composition, 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 to
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Cullen’s circle, he approached Dario and Veronica with diplomatic courtesy, “Tonight’s guest list exceeded our original projections. Please accept my apologies if our
hospitality has fallen short of expectations.”
Neal gestured toward his assistant. “Edric, retrieve my artistic supplies from the study immediately.”
Felix Shane, despite being Neal’s longtime friend, possessed limited appreciation for artistic 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 in comfortable 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 collaboration they had discussed seemed to suggest some form of reconciliation was underway.
This revelation caught Edric completely off guard.
Their shared generational perspective and overlapping 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 speculation, preferring to avoid entanglement in other people’s personal dramas and romantic complications.
After exchanging brief pleasantries with the gathered guests, Neal excused himself and retreated to his private chambers.
While complete forgiveness might be premature, surely some progress had been made since their last formal gathering.
Beginning a lengthy chess match would represent an inexcusable abandonment of his obligations to the other attendees.
Maxwell found himself similarly occupied 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 glance passed between the separated parties.
Maverick’s gaze drifted toward Dario as he carefully considered his response. “The relationship between Dario and Cullen appears to have deteriorated as well.”
“Of course, sir.”
His initial instinct suggested the tension might stem from complications involving Veronica and Niall.
Neal’s demeanor brightened considerably as he engaged Mary in anir **ed conversation about their shared passion.
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The group settled into the ornate pavilion as uniformed servants glided between them, offering delicate porcelain cups filled with aromatic tea and silver platters adorned with exquisite pastries.
Following their collaborative effort, Neal lavished praise upon Mary’s remarkable talent and technical proficiency.
Their chosen seats positioned them considerably apart from where the Crystal and Mack had established themselves.
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