The Unwilling CEO’s Love Game

Chapter 164

The weather was warmer in recent days, and the elderly residents of the old neighborhood were making the most of it. They gathered downstairs, engrossed in a variety of leisure activities. Some played chess, others engaged in card games. A few rallied at tennis, while several groups danced.

Underneath the shade of an old oak tree, a crowd had formed. All of their eyes fixated on a chessboard where an intense game was unfolding..

One of the players, visibly frustrated and unsure how to turn the game around, sighed repeatedly. He cast a glance at the young man sitting calmly across from him, determined not to be beaten again.

He had already lost five times in a row.

“Hey, Calvin, get over here!” someone suddenly yelled out. “Come give Lucas some backup. He’s been getting crushed the whole afternoon.”

Everyone turned their heads toward the voice.

Calvin just returned from the grocery store on his bicycle. Hearing his name, he pulled over and propped his bike against a nearby fence. “What’s up?” he asked.

“Some hotshot kid has shown up and he’s playing chess like a cold-blooded shark, not giving Lucas a moment’s breath. Around here, you and Lucas are pretty evenly matched, but we can’t seem to figure out who’s the top dog. Today’s the day to settle it – beat this young man and you’ll be crowned the chess king of our block.”

Curious, Calvin made his way through the crowd. “Who around here could possibly outplay Lucas?”

When he reached the inner circle and caught sight of the young man facing Lucas, his brow furrowed.

Wasn’t this the boyfriend of Jocelyn, his former boss, Melvin?

Upon noticing Calvin, Melvin stood up as a sign of respect. “Hi.”

“Do you two know each other?” Lucas asked, intrigued.

Calvin’s face was stern. “No.”

Melvin was silent, a hint of discomfort in his pause.

“It doesn’t matter if you know him or not. Come on, Calvin! I need you to get revenge for me.” Lucas stood and pulled Calvin down into his seat. “I’ve never beaten this guy.”

“No respect for your elders,” Calvin remarked dryly, eyeing Melvin,

Lucas countered, “You can’t be too respectful in a game. Sure, we’re playing for fun, but the spirit of competition is important too. If he lets me win, where’s the fun in that? Nowadays, young people are too deferential. They make us old folks feel good, but it waters down our skills as well.”

“Exactly. There are no kin in battle.” someone else agreed.

on, will you play? If you beat him, I’ll hand over my title of

to hand it over. I used to beat you when I was working. Now that I’m retired, I can defeat you in minutes. You’re just a sore loser.”

just beat him and I’ll concede,” Lucas was getting

took a moment

all business, not the type to patronize

something few could stand up to. It’s understandable though, given that he was the boss

business well?

Jocelyn could handle being married to

with Calvin

started off strong, playing swiftly as if without a

was deliberate, always planning several

20 F 29

silence. The onlookers were equally quiet.

ten exchanges later, the tide of the game began to show.

king,” Lucas couldn’t help but

never

just worried you’ll lose!” Lucas was

was deep in

Melvin, nor reminders and

knight,” Lucas

the knight, he’ll advance his pawn and it’ll be game over.”

mean a loss?” Lucas was

Melvin who was

was

Melvin, Lucas asked, “Kid, how are you

a

a master,”

Melvin went on to play four

leaving Calvin thoroughly

base of the tree and approached to see Calvin and Melvin deep in their game that the atmosphere shifted. “Calvin, what time do you think

too stubborn to admit defeat, ignored her.

win,” Calvin said, his heart racing with

match was tense

soon as he placed his piece, Calvin swiftly moved his “cannon” to

win?” Lucas leaned in with an incredulous face and asked Melvin, “Did you just

mere suggestion of “letting win”