Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism

Chapter 110 The Chess Competition 2

"There are still quite a few competitors left," Nolan noted as he set a glass of water in front of Violeta.

"Just enjoy the experience and not get too caught up in the pressure."

Violeta gave a soft smile. "Do I look worried to you?"

She arched an eyebrow confidently. "Frankly, the competition here doesn't impress me."

Zoren often joked that Violeta was the boastful queen of the White family, and it was easy to see why.

Catching her expression, Nolan chuckled.

"What's so funny?" she asked.

"Nothing, just enjoying the moment," he replied.

"Do you think you can impress me?" Violeta teased.

The smile briefly stiffened on Nolan's face.

He realised that he might be included in her judgment as well.

Shaking his head with a resigned smile, he began pouring tea instead.

Violeta leaned back and looked at Nolan's side profile.

In another life, she would admit Nolan had the charm and presence of a leading man in films.

he would never struggle for

a pity he was so

closed her eyes, ready for the competition to start, while Zelena

Though she could not hear their conversation, the sight of Nolan sitting close to Violeta was enough to stoke her jealousy.

Violeta manage to charm someone

the competition officially

picked up their signs and headed to their assigned chess

competitor, while Violeta, assigned to board number 18, sat opposite an elderly

Benson took his place at board number 16, competing against a young boy of his

win and advance until only

who knew the owner of the chess hall, stood on stage as an observer alongside the vice president of the

announced the director of the chess hall

white pieces and the

elderly man made his opening move, Violeta

offering tea to the players. Violeta sipped her

a sip from her cup, a smirk

knew that the tea Violeta was drinking contained laxatives. Soon, Violeta would be in agonizing discomfort, forced to abandon her game and dash for the restroom. Zelena could not wait to see how

secret sabotage, Zelena swiftly captured two of her opponent's

watched Violeta, yet there was no indication of any abdominal

his forehead, his face began to pale.

his

up, and rushed out of the playing area, leaving his puzzled opponent and the

watched them leave. Then she turned back to Violeta, who remained

Could it be...

realisation hit