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.

his looks, he would

was a pity he was so easily mistaken about

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

not hear their conversation, the sight of Nolan sitting close to Violeta was enough to

did Violeta manage to charm

later, the competition officially

up their signs and headed to

was on board number 17, facing a middle-aged competitor, while Violeta, assigned to board number 18, sat opposite an

Benson took his place at board number 16, competing against

win and advance until only one competitor

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

underway," announced the director of the chess hall

older player used white

elderly man made his opening move,

tea to the players. Violeta sipped her tea as she contemplated her

watched Violeta take a sip from her cup,

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

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

yet there was no indication of any

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

his stomach and

abruptly stood up, and rushed out of the playing area, leaving his puzzled opponent and the audience behind. Hattie shouted his name

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

Could it be...

sudden realisation