Chapter 219

Nathaniel and Walter exchanged glances, first at Alexander, then at Isabella. Their eyes finally settled on Victoria, brows furrowing in unison.

After a tense silence, Alexander broke the ice. "It's been years since you last played chess, hasn't it?"

Isabella barely looked up from examining the board, offering only a distracted hum in response.

She hadn't touched chess since marrying him.

"Your skills have dulled," Alexander observed bluntly.

Isabella remained silent, laser-focused on the chess pieces before her.

The game wasn't favoring her at this moment.

What appeared to be an opening in Alexander's defense was actually a carefully laid trap, his hidden pieces poised to strike.

She hesitated only briefly before sidestepping his ambush with a calculated move.

Suddenly, the tables had turned.

Alexander's lips curled into a smirk as he deliberated before placing his next piece.

The tension between them crackled like static electricity.

After several intense exchanges, Isabella finally conceded defeat - though barely.

Elsewhere in the room...

"What a shame," Walter murmured. "This match was even more thrilling than the first. She didn't have the first-move advantage, yet managed to decode half his strategy mid-game. The way she countered his attacks while setting up her own traps... Remarkable tactical thinking for someone so young."

He turned to Gregory with conviction. "You wouldn't stand a chance against her either."

"I know," Gregory admitted quietly.

Had he been in Isabella's place, he wouldn't have lasted half as long.

As Isabella methodically cleared the board, Alexander leaned forward. "Another round?"

Victoria's lips pressed into a thin line.

Before Isabella could respond, someone interjected, "The margin was so narrow! One more game and you might win!"

But Isabella shook her head firmly. "No, thank you."

The close match might have suggested she'd nearly cracked Alexander's strategy.

But she knew better - those glimpses of understanding were likely deliberate misdirection on his part.

Without another word, she stepped aside, making room for the next player.

Christopher immediately took her seat.

Nathaniel approached Isabella. "Let's get some refreshments."

"Alright."

Walter observed their easy camaraderie with a wistful expression. "The Graves heir is a lucky man."

Gregory nodded in silent agreement.

They'd once considered Victoria impressive. But after witnessing Isabella play, the difference was stark.

When it came to chess, they weren't even in the same league.

Isabella's poise and strategic brilliance spoke of exceptional upbringing. They'd considered asking about her relationship status, but Nathaniel's timely intervention made that unnecessary.

"They suit each other," Walter remarked pointedly, glancing at Sebastian beside him.

Sebastian caught the implication immediately.

With a resigned smile, he watched Isabella and Nathaniel depart before finally looking away.

Later, as they rested in the pavilion, Beatrice and Reginald approached.

From their perspective, Isabella's chess match had been a calculated move to capture Alexander's attention and prevent their divorce.

Moreover, Alexander's demeanor toward her had noticeably softened during the game - a marked improvement from before.

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