Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

Chapter 419

Gradually, Bancroft began to feel the game slipping from his grasp.

He glanced over at Lyman, who sat calmly on the sidelines, barely moving a muscle, unfazed and unreadable.

Could it be...

Bancroft didn't dare underestimate his opponents any longer. He sat up straighter, sharpening his focus.

In the end, it was Effie who broke the silence with a soft, "Checkmate."

Bancroft blinked and stared at the board in disbelief he was out of pieces.

He'd lost. To Effie.

The room, which had been filled with casual conversation, suddenly quieted as Bancroft's surprised exclamation drew everyone's attention. Heads turned, curiosity piqued.

"Did Grandpa let Effie win on purpose?" Marcia whispered, her voice barely audible.

The others looked just as bewildered. None of them had paid much attention to the match, so no one really knew what had happened.

No one answered Marcia, but every gaze drifted to the chessboard. It was obvious-Bancroft had only a handful of desperate pawns left, no hope of turning the tide.

in, Marcia whispered to Fowler, "Grandpa's always been the best

Lyman, no one else

shock faded, everyone started to suspect

bit embarrassed, said, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean

gathered himself, trying to appear unfazed. "No need

you win, sometimes you lose.

paused, then added,

someone else should play? You must

his head firmly. "No! No

but this time he'd lost for

"...Alright then," Effie agreed.

beaten Bancroft once, everyone was on high alert as the second game began. No one wanted to miss a single

look,

to Lyman and said, "Hey, can I ask you

saw through their little scheme. Effie's victory hadn't been his doing, but

what they want,

would win

nex

when she