Chapter 80
Everyone in the room except Gareth knew Caroline was Arthur's wife. But they all understood the reality—Arthur only had eyes for Heidi, completely disregarding Caroline despite their legal marriage.
Clinton, being Heidi's good friend, particularly despised Caroline. He saw her as calculating, someone who had stolen everything that rightfully belonged to Heidi.
He deliberately moved closer to her, his voice dropping to a threatening whisper.
"If you had any self-awareness, you'd get out while you still can! Don't think showing off your chess skills will make Mr. Windsor notice you."
His lips curled into a cruel smile. "A woman like you—he wouldn't give you a second glance even if you stripped naked in front of him!"
Caroline's face remained expressionless. Clinton was only stating facts she couldn't dispute.
Over the years, Arthur had consistently shown nothing but indifference toward her. She had grown accustomed to it.
Rather than engage in pointless arguments, she preferred to focus on the upcoming chess match.
Few people knew she loved chess—and played exceptionally well. She and Arthur had played once before, and she had lost, deliberately holding back to avoid upsetting him.
But Gareth was different. Not only was he a renowned calligraphy master, his chess skills were incomparable. With him, she needn't hide her abilities.
Besides, after all these years, she wanted to know where her skills truly stood.
With that thought, Caroline smiled softly, delicately picking up a white piece to make the first move.
"I'm Caroline Hamilton," she said with quiet confidence. "I know a thing or two about chess. I welcome your guidance, Mr. Griffith."
Her demeanor was neither submissive nor arrogant. Even when faced with hostility, she remained cool and composed, which earned Gareth's respect.
"You're quite brave, young lady," he said, intentionally giving Caroline the advantage of the first move as befitting an elder playing against someone younger.
The black and white pieces soon engaged in a tactical battle across the board.
Clinton, who didn't understand chess, stood by making snide remarks.
"Acting all pretentious, like she's so amazing! I bet she doesn't even know chess—she just wants attention!"
Heidi gently admonished him, "Clinton, don't say that. Perhaps Caroline is actually skilled at chess."
Clinton gave her a frustrated look. "Caroline is obviously just trying to attract Arthur's attention. Doesn't that bother you at all?"
Heidi thoughtfully played with her freshly done nails, offering a slight smile. "What's mine is mine. No one can take it away." Especially not Caroline, who didn't have what it takes.
Still, she couldn't help glancing curiously at Arthur beside her. "Arthur, does Caroline play chess? She seems to be holding her own against Mr. Griffith—is she good?"
Arthur's brow furrowed slightly, appearing unsurprised by Caroline's chess-playing ability. His voice was cold as he replied, "She plays. She's average."
Heidi smiled happily. Arthur always spoke in ways that preserved others' reputations. If he said "average," that meant Caroline was terrible.
He was only saying this because Caroline was the mother of his children, and he needed to maintain her dignity.
Their conversation wasn't particularly quiet. Both Caroline and Gareth could hear every word.
Gareth gave Caroline a thoughtful look, though internally he was astonished.
Her every move was incredibly risky, placing herself in seemingly impossible situations only to recover and gain the upper hand. She did this repeatedly, her style unpredictable and unlike anything he'd ever seen.
Twenty-four minutes later, Caroline's play remained steady.
Even when Gareth's tactics nearly defeated her, she quickly adapted and turned the tables. As the game progressed, the admiration in his eyes grew more evident.
"I had no idea Sovereign City harbored such hidden talents," he said, "especially a young woman with chess skills like yours."
In all these years, Arthur was the only other person who had made him feel this challenged.
After losing another piece, Gareth sat up straight, his expression growing serious.
Caroline moved a piece gently, offering a subtle smile. "You're too kind, Mr. Griffith. I just learned from my elders. While I have some skill, keeping up with you is already pushing my limits."
Heidi didn't believe a word of this. What elders? Caroline didn't even have family—what elders could she possibly be referring to?
Watching Caroline effortlessly counter Gareth's attacks, Heidi's expression soured.
She didn't understand chess, but she could tell Caroline was definitely skilled.
She had been present when Gareth had played against Arthur previously—they had played for over half an hour, with Gareth barely winning in the end.
But now it was clear Caroline's skills were far from average, nothing like what Arthur had described.
Had Caroline been deliberately hiding her abilities before, or had Arthur lied? Heidi naturally leaned toward the former.
"Arthur, it seems Caroline is quite good at chess," she said, glancing at him with a deliberate pout. "Look how long she's been playing against Mr. Griffith. You were wrong about this one."
While outwardly praising Caroline's skills, she was actually setting a trap, wanting everyone to see that Caroline was calculating and deliberately concealing her abilities for some unknown purpose.
Arthur had certainly noticed this too. He glanced at Caroline briefly before looking away, his eyes dark and unreadable, his thin lips pressed together.
He understood chess and could clearly see Caroline's exceptional skill. Though she showed signs of potentially losing, the outcome remained uncertain.
The aggressive, methodical style Caroline now displayed was completely different from the transparent, straightforward approach she had used when playing against him.
Arthur was certain—she had deceived him. His eyes darkened momentarily, his expression cooling.
Just then, he heard Gareth speaking.
"Young lady, you're quite impressive," Gareth said admiringly, pausing his play.
Caroline lowered her gaze with a gentle smile. "Mr. Griffith, your chess skills have my utmost respect. I've lost."
Gareth shook his head. "Though I barely beat you, my age is a disadvantage. This world ultimately belongs to you young people."
He beckoned to Arthur. "Arthur, come here."
Arthur approached, his intimidating gaze inadvertently falling on Caroline, who tensed slightly. Their eyes met briefly before both quickly looked away.
Gareth, seemingly unaware of this brief exchange, gave his seat to Arthur and smiled at Caroline. "I'm getting old, and you were holding back with me. Arthur's chess skills are decent, and you're about the same age. You two should be able to play a proper match."