Chapter 107
Each table in the chess hall had an assigned trapot with a numbered label. Willow found the teapot to be the same as Eliana’s number, Clancing around to ensure no one was watching, she poured the powder into the tea and quickly swirled it. Satisfied with her sabotage, she returned in the main hall as if nothing had happened
When she returned. Wendy noticed. “That was quick. Did you even go anywhere?” she asked curiously.
Willow shrugged “Just to wash my hands”
Wendy clanced over at Shane. A shadow of concern flickered in her eyes. Til you take your medicine today?”
Shane slumped on the sofa, barely speaking since
e they a
arrived, looking drained and defeated.
Willow glanced at him briefly before turning to Wendly. “Wendy, is Shane sick?”
Wendy’s frustration flared. His declining health wasn’t a mystery to her–it was the relentless harassment he faced at bonstead University. Certain professors tried to target him, pushing him beyond his limits with constant nitpicking and harsh punishments. No one could endure that level of physical and mental strain every day.
Wendy knew that Adam and his group were behind it, purposely pushing Shane to his limits. Yet, for all her anger. Wendy’s hands were tied. They were at honstead University because of the efforts of Hannal, who had worked tirelessly to secure the same resources for them that Adam had. In exchange. Hannah had made it clear they couldn’t quickly return to Dratura City Hannah’s sacrifices and hard work would be for nothing if they couldn’t hang on
Shane coughed again, wincing. Til be okay. Just need a drink.”
Wendy rose abruptly, her voice firm. Til get you some water. A few moments later, she returned with a glass of water and gently handed it to
Shane.
Meanwhile, Willow leaned back, idly scrolling through her phone while watching the room. Her focus sharpened when Roman entered through the front doors. A thrill ran through her, though it quickly soured as she noticed Roman barely glance her way before heading toward Eliana.
Willow forced a bright smile and called out, “Roman What a surprise to see you here.”
Roman paused, his expression neutral as he regarded her group, “Are you all here for the tournament?” he asked, faintly surprised.
Willow nodded eagerly. “Of course! I’ve been practicing for ages. I’m hoping for a good result today
Roman gave her a polite but dismissive nod. “Good luck. I’ll head over there for a moment.” With that, he moved past her, heading directly for Eliana
Roman walked off without a second glance, heading toward Eliana. Willow stood frozen for a moment, staring in the direction he had gone, her mind racing
Wendy smirked, crossing her arms. “Looks like Eliana’s got some tricks up her sleeve. Maybe they’re in the same club! Makes it easier to get his
attention
Willow’s heart sank at her words. Her fists clenched, her voice tight. “That’s impossible. Roman would never fall for someone like Eliana”
Wendy patted Willow’s shoulder mockingly. “Well, you never know, I don’t know if Roman likes Eliana, but it’s pretty clear you like Roman.“”
Willow said nothing, her cheeks burning. It was evident to everyone that Willow had feelings for Koman, but he seemed completely unaffected. After all, Roman had no shortage of admirers at school, and the rivalry was intense–like a storm ready to sweep anyone in its path.
Roman, however, had other priorities. He walked over to the sofa where Eliana lounged, scrolling through her phone. “Did you finish registering?” he asked, has tone caual.
Eliana glanced up, her expression calm but confident. “Talid““”
Without a word, Roman sat beside her, reached for the teapot on the table, and poured a cup of tea. Eliana’s gaze flicked around the hall, starting to fill with competitors preparing for the chess tournament. “Seems like a good turnout,” she noted.
Homan vet the teacup in front of her. “It’s just a game. Don’t stress about it
Eliana’s lips curled into a snug smile. “Do I look stressed? Look around–none of them stand a chance against me.” She leaned back, exuding confidence as if she already owned the room.
Her self–assurance was impossible to ignore. With a raised brow, she added, “Everyone here is just a stepping stone?
1/2
1:08 PM
d
Chapter 107
No wonder Thomas always called Eliana the “queen of a
arrogance” in the Davis family if she wasn’t, then who else could be
Roman couldn’t help but chuckle, shaking his head. “You’re unbelievable.”
so funny!“ Eliana asked, raising an eyebrow.
“What’s so
“Nothing. Just felt like laughing.”
“You think you’re exempt?” she teased, her tone sharp
He shook his head with a resigned grin and returned to pouring his tra
Eliana leaned back, her gaze drifting to Roman’s face. Even if she lived a thousand lifetimes, she would still admit that Ro temperament, and it wasn’t just his looks that made him stand out–held the grace of a seasoned actor.
Roman had a remarkable
With that face, he would never want for anything in life,
It was unfortunate that he had his sights set on the wrong person.
Eliana closed her eyes, turning her focus back to the game, waiting for the match to begin.
Willow seated across the room, wasn’t nearly as amused. She had been watching the exchange intently, her jealousy simmering. She didn’t know what Roman and Eliana were saying to each other, but the mere sight of them sitting together felt like a dagger to her chest. How could Eliana of all people, capture his attention!
What kind of trickery was this!
Twenty minutes later, the tournament began. Participants gathered their assigned placards and made their way to the corresponding chessboards. Willow, assigned to table 17, sat across from a middle–aged man. At table 18. Eliana faced an elderly gentleman, while Shane, seated at table 16, was paired with a peer around his age.
The tournament rules were simple: winners would advance to the next round until only one champion remained.
Bryson, an old acquaintance of the chess club’s owner, stood on stage with the vice president of the Chess Association, serving as an official witness. The chess club director, acting as the referee–announced, “Let the tournament begin!”
As per tradition, senior players played with red pieces and younger players with black. Eliana’s elderly opponent made his opening move, and she swiftly countered
Servers moved through the hall, pouring tea for the participants. Eliana took a sip from her cup, her focus undeterred. Across the room, Willows gaze lingered on her, a triumphant smirk creeping onto her lips. Watching Eliana drink the tea she had sabotaged, Willow silently smirked. She thought, Any moment now, it will kick in. She won’t even last this game.”
Feeling satisfied, she focused on her match and managed to capture two of her opponent’s pieces. Yet as minutes passed, Willow’s eyes darted back to Eliana’s table. To her frustration. Eliana remained utterly unaffected, her focus undeterred, her moves sharp and calculated
Instead, Shane looked increasingly unwell. His face turned pale, sweat beaded on his forehead, and he clutched his stomach with a pained expression
Noticing Shane’s deteriorating condition, his opponent leaned in with concern. “Are you alright?”
