Chapter 106
“Normally, it’s not allowed Roman said with a grin. “That you can come upstairs with me and leave them on the second floor
Kombat was a regular at the chess hall with firyson, and the staff there knew him well. Cute Pie could be left on the second floor, where Roman wonild pick it up after the game.
Elana nodded. “Okay, let’s go then.”
The three of them left the park and approached the west entrance. Their path coincided perfectly with Willow, Wendy, and Shane’s route, and before long, they crossed paths.
Wendy was the first to spot Bryson and the others, and a pleased unile spread across her face. She felt lucky–she hadn’t expected to run into Bryson here.
but that smile quickly faded when she saw who was walking alongside him—Eliana.
Why was Eliana here again? What terrible buck!
Willow, look over there”
Willow’s eyes swept over the approaching group. At first, her expression lit up with delight, but it quickly darkened when she saw Eliana. “Why is she here, too!!!
Wendy scoffed. “She’s playing her cans well. No wonder she’s close to Mr. Thompson–clever little schemer, using Roman as her way in
Willow gritted her teeth in frustration.
Willow thought, “Roman was the man I had set my sights on. At school, I had been paying close attention to the interactions between Eliana and Roman, but I hadn’t seen anything that raised suspicion. What I hadn’t expected, though, was that Eliona was sneaking around with him on the werkends. It was utterly shameless–1 had underestimated her
“Let’s go say hello!”
Wendy hesitated. “Mr. Thompson can’t stand flattery. If we show up here uninvited, he’ll think we’re trying to get close on purpose, and it could easily backfire.”
Willow suggested. When I was here earlier, I noticed a chess hall nearby holding a competition today. They’re probably heading there. How about we’run into them there instead?”
The chess hall tournament presented a perfect chance for Willow to shine. Her skills would surely impress someone as passionate about chess as Bryson. That connection could lead to more opportunities and shared topics of interest.
Wendy, however, wasn’t much of a chess player and didn’t feel strongly about the plan. Then, an idea struck her. She turned to Shane and smiled. “Hey, Shane, you’re good at chess. Why don’t you join the tournament! I’ll leave a great impression on Bryson!”
Willow froze for a moment. Wait, what?
If Shane joined the competition, wouldn’t that mean another rival for attention? But Shane nodded. “Alright”
And so, the three of them quickly turned onto a shortcut, heading to the chess hall to register ahead of the others.
Ten minutes later, with pets in tow, Eliana and her group arrived at the chess hall. They entered through the back door and brought Lunchie and Cutie Pie to the second floor before heading to the registration desk on the first flour,
The staff greeted Roman warmly. “Homan, here to compete today?”
koman shook his head. “Not this time.
The staff glanced curiously at Eliana. “And who’s this lovely young lady? Your girlfriend”
“No, I’m his junior, Eliana gave a stiff reply before turning and heading toward the front door to find Bryson.
The staff, taken aback by her tone, chuckled awkwardly. “Your junior’s got quite the attitude.”
Roman’s expression darkened. “That joke wasn’t funny: Don’t say stuff like that again.”
At the front entrance, Eliana registered for the competition. By then, Bryson was caught up in conversation, surrounded by a group of familiar
Chapter 106
While filling out her form, Eliana’s eyes fell on the name ahead of hers on the list: Willow.
Her gaze swept the room, confirming her suspicion. There, seated on the sofa in the hall, were Willow, Wendy, and Shane. She pondered, What a sinall world. Looks like my guess was right.
Willow had used this opportunity to secure her place in the Chess Association, capitalizing on the opportunity to make a favourable impression on Игулоп
In her past life, Willow starred in one of Bryson’s films, Moonlight City, playing the female lead opposite Roman. Her casting in the role was no accident—it resulted from her stealing Eliana’s first post–graduation role: a Western danger in the hit TV series Street Jazz. That role launched Willow’s career, carning her the Best Newcomer award the same year.
Her luck had played a significant part, too, as at the time, she was the only actress in the industry who fit the criteria for the lead role in Moonlight City. Having previous experience in historical dramas and a solid fanbase, it was no surprise that Bryson chose her for the part.
With a successful TV drama and a movie, Willow’s career skyrocketed. Within just one year, she had become one of the industry’s most popular and sought–after stars, with her schedule booked solid for the next three years. Meanwhile, despite being the top graduate of her class, Eliana had been reduced to doing stunt work, struggling to survive.
As the memories flooded her mind. Eliana lowered her gaze to hide the bitterness in her eyes. She continued filling out the form, her determination unshaken.
She thought. Not this time. In this life, you won’t take what’s mine
After registering, Eliana entered the hall and sat off to the side. Willow and her companions noticed her immediately. Wendy whispered to Willow, “She knows how to play chess?”
Willow shook her head emphatically. “She doesn’t”
Willow, of all people, knew Eliana’s strengths and weaknesses inside and out. She had studied her rival obsessively, driven by envy and resentment. Chess was not in Eliana’s skill set. She’s no threat.
Wendy sneered. “Then she’s pushing her luck. Trying to compete to catch Mr. Thompson’s eye! Watch her embarrass herself out there.
Willow smirked. “Who knows? Maybe she’ll get lucky and win
Wendy sneered “Lucky! What, you think she’s some fairy blessed by fortune?”
That wasn’t necessarily true.
Willow said nothing but frowned slightly. Something about this life felt different. She pondered, ‘Ever since the Fall Festival, where Eliana had stolen the spotlight with my stunning dance, it sent a chill down my spine. Eliana wasn’t the same person she used to be. And so, to ensure my plan went off without a hitch. I had taken a few extra precautions”
“Wendy, I’m going to the restroom,” Willow said, rising from her seat.
“Alright.”
Willow made her way backstage toward the water station. With a subtle motion, she reached into her bag and pulled out a packet of laxatives, a thcker of dark intent crossing her eyes.
She knew Eliana wasn’t any good at chess, but just in case Eliana pulled off some unexpected miracle, it was better to ensure she never even stepped foot on that stage. That would be the most brilliant move
