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.

"Grandpa's always been the

nodded. Aside from Lyman, no one else in the house could

everyone started to suspect

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean

gathered himself, trying to appear

way chess goes-sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. Perfectly

added,

else should play? You must be bored playing with me,

head

but this time he'd lost for real-and he hated the feeling of

"...Alright then," Effie agreed.

was on high alert as the second game began. No one wanted to

Graham a knowing look,

I

instantly saw through their little scheme. Effie's victory hadn't been his doing, but none of

them suspect what they

Effie would win

nex

him-and when she