The Unwilling CEO's Love Game novel 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.

Lucas, eager to get on with it, urged Calvin, "Come on, will you play? If you beat him, I'll hand over my title of chess king that I've held for years."

Calvin snorted. "Sounds like I need you 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."

"Enough talk. You just beat him and I'll concede," Lucas was getting impatient.

Reluctantly, Calvin sat down and took a moment to assess Melvin.

Melvin was all business, not the type to patronize the elderly.

That made sense — back in the office, his presence was something few could stand up to. It’s understandable though, given that he was the boss of a big company. Without a strong demeanor, how could he run the business well?

Calvin wondered if Jocelyn could handle being married to such a man.

The chess game began with Calvin moving first.

Melvin started off strong, playing swiftly as if without a second thought.

Calvin, on the other hand, was deliberate, always planning several moves ahead.

The two played in silence. The onlookers were equally quiet.

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

"Calvin, he's gunning for your king," Lucas couldn't help but blurt out, with excitement in his voice.

Calvin frowned. "A true gentleman never comments during a game."

"I'm just worried you'll lose!" Lucas was anxious.

Melvin glanced at Calvin, who was deep in thought and hesitating to move.

Neither rush came from Melvin, nor reminders and concessions.