Chapter 215

Isabella studied the chess moves with sudden intrigue, her fingers pausing mid-air.

Then Victoria's voice cut through the air. "Mr. Whitmore, I'd love to challenge Alexander after watching your match. Though with my skills, defeating him might be—"

"Oh, just having fun!" Gregory chuckled. "Give it a try if you'd like."

Victoria opened her mouth to respond when someone interjected. "If Ms. Kensington joins, this could get interesting."

"Right? Mr. Whitmore may be brilliant, but if he actually beats his girlfriend, he'll have some explaining to do later."

Laughter rippled through the crowd.

Gregory hadn't known about Victoria and Alexander's relationship.

Now, observing Victoria's poised demeanor, he nodded approvingly. She seemed every bit Alexander's equal.

With a teasing grin, he turned to Alexander. "Well then, let's see if you can keep your composure playing against your better half."

Victoria met Alexander's gaze evenly. "I don't believe in going easy. Let's play fair."

A faint smirk touched Alexander's sharp features. "Agreed."

Someone in the crowd quipped, "The game hasn't even started and we're already getting romance drama."

"Flirting aside," another added, "Ms. Kensington holds a PhD from Oxford. If she's this confident, she clearly knows her strategy."

Gregory raised an eyebrow. "A scholar, hm?" He nudged Alexander. "Good catch."

Nathaniel rolled his eyes.

He'd been about to ask if Isabella wanted to play instead.

But Victoria had already inserted herself.

Watching this unfold gave Nathaniel a headache. He muttered under his breath, "What nonsense is this?"

Though he spoke softly, both Isabella and Julian heard him.

Isabella let out an amused huff.

Julian noted her expression remained unreadable—cool and detached. It reassured him somehow.

The chess match between Alexander and Victoria began.

Isabella could tell Victoria was skilled.

Far from an amateur.

But still—

After a few moves, Isabella looked away.

Nathaniel caught on faster. He rolled his eyes again, itching to leave.

Noticing Isabella's fading interest, he asked, "Want to grab food at the pavilion instead?"

Isabella shook her head. "Let's stay a while longer."

Julian had noticed before Nathaniel—Isabella's attention had wandered.

Earlier, during Gregory and Alexander's match, she'd been laser-focused.

Now, after briefly observing Alexander and Victoria's game, she'd clearly lost interest.

While their match had its moments, Victoria's skills paled compared to Gregory's—let alone Alexander's.

Still, she played well.

Isabella's verdict?

"Not bad."

Just then, Walter's voice rang out nearby.

He and Sebastian had materialized beside Gregory.

Nathaniel suppressed another eye roll. The urge to leave intensified.

As Isabella's attention drifted further, he tried again. "Sure you don't want that snack?"

Isabella waved him off. "I'm fine here."

Julian had pieced it together first—Isabella's disengagement.

During Gregory and Alexander's match, she'd been riveted.

Now? Barely glancing at the board between Alexander and Victoria.

Their game had its back-and-forth, but Victoria clearly wasn't on Alexander's level.

Yet she held her own.

Isabella's assessment stood.

"Not bad at all."

Walter's voice cut through again.

He and Sebastian now flanked Gregory like unexpected chess spectators.