Chapter 518
Nathan and Nathalie were engrossed in a game of chess when Dominick led the butler into the room. Nathan, without even looking up, said in a serious tone, “Whatever it is, it can wait until we’re done with this game.”
“Understood,” the butler replied, standing quietly to the side, watching the game unfold. Nathan played chess with a laid–back attitude, making moves on a whim.
Nathalie, on the other hand, was still learning. She was trying hard, sticking to the basics she had memorized, but hadn’t quite figured out how to adapt. No sneaky moves, no defense, just straightforward play. Her skill level was about on par with a kindergartener’s.
The butler couldn’t help but feel a bit awkward watching them. With such basic skills, how could they be enjoying the game so much? Especially when Nathan had plenty of chances to capture Nathalie’s pieces but seemed to intentionally overlook them, keeping the game going indefinitely.
The butler sighed quietly.
He found it a bit painful to watch. Eventually, he couldn’t resist and gently reminded Nathan, “Sir, you can put her in checkmate now.”
Nathan shot him a fierce look, making the butler quickly cover his mouth in fear.
Nathalie, thanks to the butler’s hint, realized Nathan could checkmate her. She looked at him, surprised, “You
didn’t see it?”
Nathan nodded earnestly, “I honestly didn’t.”
Nathalie chuckled and ruffled his hair, “Nathan, after all these years, how come your chess skills haven’t improved at all?”
Nathan replied humbly, “Yes, yes, I should practice more with you.”
Nathalie, with playful pride, said, “You still haven’t improved. Maybe chess just isn’t your thing. We should find something else to do for fun.”
Nathan’s lips curled into a knowing smile. “Honey, playing chess with you makes me happy.”
Such a straightforward guy.
As simple and honest as can be.
But it was still quite the challenge not to take her pieces.
Nathalie glanced at the butler, “Alright, back to business.”
www.
Nathan tossed the chess pieces back onto the board with a hint of impatience, “What’s going on?”
The butler reported, “Sir, the Rowland family patriarch, along with your father, stepmother, and brother, are here
to visit.”
Nathan waved dismissively, “I don’t want to see them. I’d like to live a bit longer, thank you.”
The butler added, “If you don’t want to see them, they’ve specifically asked to see madam.”
Nathan’s face turned stormy with anger, “They dare…”
Seeing him so worked up, Nathalie gently patted his shoulder to calm him down, “Nathan, they’re probably hoping you’ll go easy on them…”
Nathan grimly replied, “They can dream on. Everything he has now came from my mother’s dowry. It’s bad enough he never treated her well, but he’s been heartless to both of us. He doesn’t deserve any of it. I’m taking it back.”
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12:25
AL
Chapter 5
Nathalie had never seen Nathan so upset, and it tugged at her heart.
“Nathan, since you’ve already decided to cut ties with them, it wouldn’t be right for you to meet them. Let me handle it.”
Dominick looked worried, “You don’t know how tricky the Rowland patriarch can be. You might be in over your
head.”
Nathalie looked at Nathan reassuringly, “Don’t worry, I’ll hold my ground.”
Nathan, unsure of his emotions, finally said to Dominick, “Let her go. She should know about my family. Dominick, go with her, and make sure she doesn’t get pushed around.”
His eyes clouded with a shadow of concern.
Accompanied by the butler and Dominick, Nathalie made her way to the villa’s entrance.
