Chapter 265

“Wow, it’s the legendary chess master of Capitalton!”

“Goodness, isn’t that Ronin Jordan? He’s a real whiz at chess, can beat just about anyone!”

“Nobody stands a chance against him. Looks like Yara is determined to embarrass Calliope.”

“Calliope might be in trouble this time. I doubt she’s that good!”

“Ronin’s remarkable, and it’s impressive that Yara could get him here!”

“Probably because she has some business ties with the Jordan family. Ronin’s a decent guy. He might even like Yara!”

As the chatter continued, Calliope finally laid eyes on Ronin. A flicker of surprise crossed her face when she spotted him.

“Ms. Jewell, let me introduce you to Mr. Ronin Jordan here. You might have heard of him. The Jordan family of Capitalton is quite renowned. He’s the patriarch of the family,” Yara made the introductions.

“No need for that, Yara. Callie and I go way back,” Ronin chuckled. “Are you suggesting I play a game with her?”

“You two know each other?” Yara was stunned, not expecting this connection.

“Know each other? I’ve known Callie since she was yay high,” Ronin gestured, indicating a small child.

Ronin had known Calliope since she was a little girl. Her grandfather and Ronin were good friends, so they met frequently. Her grandfather always brought her along, so she grew up knowing Ronin well.

Not just knowing, she often played chess with him. He was the one who taught her the game in the first place.

Calliope hadn’t expected Yara to invite Ronin.

“Ronin taught me how to play chess,” Calliope said.

“Though I taught her, she’s surpassed the master,” Ronin shook his head with a smile. “Yara, I might have been too cocky saying I’d surely win. This time, I can’t guarantee victory. My opponent’s too skilled!”

The onlookers were astonished by the conversation.

“Ronin’s being modest!”

“Exactly. Ronin is the president of the Capitalton Chess Association. There’s no way he’d lose to a young girl!”

“Everyone knows Ronin’s skill. I can’t believe he’d lose!”

“Calliope’s so young. She can’t be that formidable, can she?”

“But who would’ve thought Calliope knew Ronin since childhood? And Ronin seems quite fond of her!”

“Small world!”

After a brief chat with Ronin, Yara’s team had the chessboard ready. The two sat down, surrounded by curious spectators.

Given the crowd, Yara even arranged for someone to record the match and broadcast it on a screen in the hall.

Ronin took the black pieces, shaking his head with a smile. “Callie already beat me when she was ten. Now, she’s even better. I’m not too confident.”

“Don’t worry. No pressure. It’s just a friendly game, after all. Winning isn’t everything.”

Yara stood by Ronin with a smile. She hadn’t expected Calliope to be a chess player. When Silas mentioned Calliope was multi-talented, she was skeptical. But now, she was starting to believe it.