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.

looks, he would never

a pity he was so easily

away, Violeta closed her eyes, ready for the competition to start, while Zelena sat across from

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

to charm

minutes later, the competition

picked up their signs and headed to their assigned

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

number 16, competing

rules were simple: win and advance until only one

stage as an observer alongside the vice president of

is now underway," announced the director of the chess hall

the older player used white pieces and the younger

made his opening move, Violeta

hall, offering tea to the players. Violeta sipped her tea as she contemplated her

watched Violeta take a sip from her cup, a smirk spreading across

would be in agonizing discomfort, forced to abandon

of her

watched Violeta, yet there was no indication of any

slowly dripped down his forehead, his face began to pale. Seeing this, his young opponent asked with concern, "Are

his stomach

playing area, leaving his puzzled opponent and the audience behind. Hattie shouted his

deepened as she watched them leave. Then she turned back to Violeta, who remained completely unaffected. What's

Could it be...

sudden realisation hit