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

closed her eyes, ready for the competition to

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

Violeta manage to charm someone like

later, the competition officially

and headed to their assigned chess

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

board number 16, competing against a young boy of

rules were simple: win and advance until only one competitor

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

director

used white pieces and the younger used

made his opening

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

by others, Zelena watched Violeta take a sip from her cup,

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 Violeta would

swiftly captured two of her opponent's pieces, her

Zelena continuously watched Violeta, yet there was no indication of any abdominal distress

down his forehead, his

his

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

confusion deepened as she watched them leave. Then she turned back to Violeta, who

Could it be...

sudden realisation