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

place,

accepted the coffee cup, took a slow sip, and met Baxter’s confident yet eager gaze. A faint smile touched my lips as I praised, “Excellent. It’s smooth on the palate, has a subtly sweet aftertaste, and a lingering

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

with a light laugh, “I’ve been traveling between packs these past few years and got so caught up with certain matters. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to find you–it’s just that you’ve been so reclusive, making yourself rather hard to

chuckled heartily. “Ah, that would be because of the Aetherfall Gambit. I vowed not to see you again until I’d devised a winning

respectful, entirely devoid of the disdain

high regard anyone who surpassed him

feigned annoyance and said, “Alright, that’s enough. If you keep being

got to keep things casual

not arrogant at all!” Baxter’s eyes held even greater admiration as

rounds of chess? And you

“Sure,” I agreed readily.

smile, remarking, “I never would have guessed a young

master of chess,

Truman fixed his deep, intense

didn’t respond, focusing

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