Alpha Hayley's Destined Mate by Andrea Townsend

Chapter 831 Unsuallt Colored Gemstones

Hayley’s POV:

Truman arched a brow, a playful grin spreading across his face. “If even Mr. Southwell defers to you, what’s left for me to prove? I’d rather join you and sample that renowned coffee.”

As we turned to leave, a distinguished elderly man with silver hair tied neatly back and dressed in a tailored tailcoat emerged from the crowd. He approached with measured inquired politely, “Ms. Carson, mind if I join you for coffee?”

grace and

Hera’s senses immediately identified him–the Alpha of the Newmoon Pack and CEO of Rufus International Corporation, Rufus Covington.

I was still considering his request when Baxter interjected enthusiastically, “Mr. Covington is also a formidable chess player. This is a perfect opportunity for our master to showcase her skill.”

Rufus offered me a respectful nod, his eyes alight with anticipation as he fell into Baxter.

step beside

Truman caught my eye with a subtle, knowing glance–a silent signal that our objective was all but achieved, and success was within reach.

I responded with a faint, confident smile.

was known for two great passions–chess and coffee. The beans he reserved for esteemed guests were exquisitely rare, valued at a small fortune per

arrived at his place, he personally prepared

smile touched my lips as I praised, “Excellent. It’s smooth on the palate, has a subtly sweet aftertaste,

slight, respectful nod. “Coming from you, such praise carries weight. By the way, when did you arrive in our pack? Why didn’t you seek me out for a game of

briefly, then replied with a light laugh, “I’ve been traveling between packs these past few years and got so caught up with certain matters. It

Aetherfall Gambit. I vowed not to see you again until I’d devised a winning strategy.

tone was deeply respectful, entirely devoid of the disdain others often showed me for being a

in high regard anyone who surpassed him

elder treat me with the level of deference typically reserved for a high–ranking Alpha, excessively polite and almost reverent, I feigned annoyance and said, “Alright, that’s enough. If you

I can be your master, but we’ve got to

not arrogant at

chess? And you can

“Sure,” I agreed readily.

smile, remarking, “I never would have guessed

such a master of chess,

Truman fixed his deep, intense gaze on

focusing instead on the

an hour later, Baxter started to feel tired, and the gathering ended