Reborn From Oblivion by Christia Muray

Morris said, "You better hurry up. Otherwise, things at home might get a bit... tense."

Jules didn't respond right away. When he finally looked up, his face was tense, eyes fixed on the chessboard.

"Stop trying to throw me off with chit-chat," Jules grumbled.

Morris just smirked.

Lincoln chimed in, sticking up for Morris. "Come on, Jules, give it a rest. It's no big deal to admit someone else is better. When you play chess with Nathan, it's like your brain cells are dropping like flies, while Nathan's just cool as a cucumber."

Jules shot a glance at Morris, noticing how his eyes kept drifting upstairs, his handsome face softened by a gentle look. He seemed completely distracted.

Feeling a bit humiliated, Jules said, "Nathan, keep your head in the game. Don't blame your loss on not trying hard enough later."

Morris casually picked up a knight and moved it across the board.

Lincoln, being the strategic thinker he was, saw three moves ahead and realized that knight would soon lead to a checkmate. He started to build up his defenses.

But as he planned, he realized no matter what he did, he just couldn't fend off Morris's attack.

He wondered if Nathan really saw that far ahead or if it was just a lucky move. So, he pretended not to notice and made another move.

Morris followed through just as predicted, and

thought you were all that? You lost

Morris with newfound respect for

then, Nathalie, refreshed from a

as he looked at Nathalie. "Nathalie, did you

"Perfectly," she replied.

with a gracious smile. "Hello, Mr.

kind eyes, graceful presence, and intellectual vibe made her

free heavily made-up beauties

of the day.

the girl next door, full of compassion

lucky. You've got a wonderful

"Hmph, and hasn't my precious daughter

quickly apologized. "Alright, alright,

was

vain girls

mistake my precious niece

bad."

sleeve, whispering, "Dad, don't be too hard