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.

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

Aside from Lyman, no one else in the house could ever beat

the initial shock faded, everyone started to suspect Lyman had helped Effie

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

slowly gathered himself, trying to appear unfazed.

goes-sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. Perfectly

then added,

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

head firmly. "No! No

her win, but this time he'd lost for real-and he

"...Alright then," Effie agreed.

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

look, and Graham

and said, "Hey, can I ask you something? Mind coming over here for

their little scheme. Effie's victory hadn't

suspect what they want,

would

nex

when