Andrew was half-kneeling and setting the piece. But after what Mr. Howel said, he immediately stood up and sat across from him. Mr. Howel and Andrew sat across from each other.

"If I win, I want a reward from you."

"You want to take Avery away," Mr. Howel didn't beat around the bushes.

Andrew didn't cover his intentions. He knew they were clear. Mr. Howel could guess anyway. So he nodded.

"We'll play three games, and if I lose two rounds, I'll do whatever you ask me to."

"Hahaha. This Avery was incredible. I wonder what she does to make two remarkable young men from the renowned families in the city to do her bidding," Mr. Howel waved at Andrew, "fine, let's play."

Andrew was pleased. He smiled, and his eyes went up, so he made the small mark underneath his eye. He thought it was gonna take him forever to meet Mr. Howel. But just playing his favorite game with him gave him a chance to take Avery away. Even if he couldn't compete with Mr. Hamiliton's chess skills, he had to give his best.

Playing chess was a process that required absolute discretion. Andrew was a good player. He always won first prize in high school chess games.

When he was in high school, he used to play games in the school next to his. He found out later that it was Avery's school.

It was a pity that they kept missing each other.

Mr. Howel was a brilliant player.

With every attack, Mr. Howel defended back. The best offense was the defense. As they played, the situation became harder and harder to tell. The environment was stern. They almost walked into a dead-end.

"It's your turn," Andrew rushed Mr. Howel.

Andrew would never say no to Mr. Howel on other days. But it was the game that decided whether he could take Avery away or not. Apart from strategies, he had to apply to psychological wars.

Mr. Howel held the black chess pieces. The working strategy for him was moving one piece to the right.

However, Andrew had his defense pieces on the right.

Mr. Howel's piece was stuck in the middle and could go nowhere.

Mr. Howel touched his jaw.

"Andrew, you're not bad."

"Thanks, Mr. Howel. You're quite a player too."

"Hahaha," Mr. Howel began to sway his body because he was into the game, "nothing is quite sure yet."

Then he moved his piece to eat Andrew's queen.

Mr. Howel confused Andrew with the attack. But he was too preoccupied with attacking and ignored defense. So his queen was eaten. He lost the first round.

Mr. Howel won. Looking at the chessboard, he had a bright light in his eyes. He was quite pleased.

Andrew was a bit upset. But his spirits were rekindled soon.

"Let's play again."

The second round.

Mr. Howel raised his eyebrows. He thought Andrew would start with removing the rook. But Andrew started with the bishop.

Mr. Howel was good at tackling such bishop-first move. Also, he didn't believe Andrew could win with the bishop move with his skills.

Mr. Howel kept his queen unremoved. He took the first attack. This was the initiative he took to overpower Andrew while he had no time to react. His every move made paths for the next move. He tried to keep ahead and make the situation clear.

Andrew's every move seemed not attacking. He put his emphasis on defense in this round. But he felt a bit tough to keep going now.

But he already lost one round. If he lost another, he couldn't take Avery away.

Andre bit his teeth. He put his hands clenched together because of the nerve. Looking back, he wasn't this nervous at the wedding of him and Avery.

Mr. Howel's every move attacked at full throttle. His defense was his attack. He kept zoning in on Andrew to give up.

They played four rounds. Andrew got the downwind. All the pieces he got on the chess set never even crossed the central line. Only a knight did. But its position was not ideal. It could be eaten anytime by Mr. Howel's piece.

But Mr. Howel already had his bishop, knight, and king on Andrew's side. He might launch a storming attack on Andrew at any time.

The ending of the game was almost predictable. Mr. Howel was sure he would win. He picked up the teacup and took a sip enjoying the scent.

Andrew slightly bent over on the couch. He put his elbows on both his legs. He kept staring at the game and was devoted.

Andrew was studying the game. The more he studied, the more bad feelings he had. Mr. Howel had such great luck at playing. Each piece of his was at the right place.

Andrew felt hopeless about the game. Then he suddenly changed his move. He moved his bishop to take out Mr. Howel's knight. The situation changed.

Mr. Howel immediately put down the teacup. He couldn't help patting his lap out of excitement.

"Avery, it's a great move!"

Andrew was released. Then he had to hold his breath again. Mr. Howel did have more experience than he. He moved his bishop and knight to lock every move Avery could have. They both knew there was nothing that could be done to change the outcome.

The rules were Andrew had to win two games out of three. But he already lost two. He had a chance to win.

Mr. Howel grabbed a bishop to play with. He caressed it with his finger. Not only was the chessboard made of jade, but the chess pieces were also made of precious stones. Mr. Howel felt the coldness upon touching it. He couldn't help to compliment.

"It's such a great piece."

Andrew was troubled with frustration. But he had to smile to keep his manners.

"Mr. Howel, I lose. According to our agreement, I will do whatever you ask me to. Do you have anything you want me to do?"

Mr. Howel looked up at the bodyguard, and he came to collect the chess set. The pieces were made of precious stones and are collection worthy. So the bodyguard wore the white glove in advance and put the piece carefully in a wooden box with delicate carvings one by one.

"I'll take your gift. As for Avery..." Mr. Howel watched as the bodyguard finished packing and took his walking stick again. He smiled at Andrew, not in a hurry to finish.

He was creating suspense.

Andrew felt uncertain. But he couldn't breathe properly hearing Avery's name. He knew Mr. Howel always meant what he said. His actions were vigorous and effective. He barely had any odds to successfully persuade Mr. Howel.

He even became more restless when he saw the conniving and scheming look in Mr. Howel's eyes.

Mr. Howel looked up and down on Andrew. Young people always tended to be impulsive.

After he took a sip, Mr. Howel said.

"You can take Avery away."

Andrew looked up at Mr. Howel in surprise.

"I can?"

Has he heard him, right?

After he lost the game, he could still take Avery with him?

Mr. Howel slowly nodded. He didn't mention it. But he already spotted Andrew's hope in his eyes. He looked pretty upset before.

Mr. Howel's "however" threw ice on Andrew's hope.

"It's not easy to take her away."

So it was not that simple.

Andrew's smile already froze at "however." He asked with curiosity.

"What do you want me to do?"