'The Sanders family's shocking secret. All eyes shot toward Francis Larson. What happened to the Sanders family?'

Along the way, they had already learned that Yvette Larson had been captured by the Sanders family. 'But what does that have to do with the Sanders family's shocking secret?'

​​

"I won't talk about my daughter. I'll cut to the chase and talk about the Sanders family. Three months ago, the Sanders family's head—Grant Sanders—was diagnosed with end-stage lung cancer. It's clear that Joshua Sanders is back to inherit the family business; otherwise, he should've stayed on to finish his last year of college."

The members of the younger generation nodded. 'So this is the Sanders family's shocking secret. But how does this have anything to do with the Larson family's survival? Is Francis Larson trying to scare us just to save his own daughter?'

Although nobody dared to say a thing, their gazes made their thoughts clear as day.

"I know what you're thinking. All I can say is that you're all fools. Once Grant Sanders passes away, the positions of San Francisco's four most prominent families will definitely be shaken. Moreover, Joshua Sanders is young. How will he establish himself after taking the helm of such an important family like the Sanders family? He'll definitely need a chance to show off his prowess. It's just that I never expected him to try to do so through the Larson family."

"The Larson family freed itself from the Sanders family, and my daughter—Yvette—was betrothed to him as a mistress. Now, he's using both of these things against us and forcing us to listen to him. If we do so, the late Old Master's years of efforts will have been in vain, and our Larson family will never be able to make a name for ourselves again."

"On the other hand, if we choose not to listen to him, the Sanders family will make it difficult for us to survive in the business world. Then, we'll have no way out either. The Larson family is already being threatened to such an extent, yet none of you have felt it?"

Francis Larson's words stunned the whole Larson family and made them change their minds about him.

In their minds, Francis Larson was a weak, timid, and useless man who was a slave to his wife. That was why their grandpa preferred the Larson family's second family even though his family was the eldest.

But this time, he hit the bullseye with his analysis. Everything he said sounded reasonable and even touched their hearts.

This was his true nature. His past self had been nothing more than an act.

Even the Old Master, Joseph Larson, took a second glance at his eldest son. 'It turns out that he's such an opinionated man.'

"Alright. Since we're all clear about the situation now, let's discuss our views and plans."

…

In the end, Yvette Larson arrived at the Sanders family's house with her husband.

The Sanders family owned acres of land, and the main building was situated right in the middle of that plot of land. Rumor had it that the building alone cost 20 million dollars.

William Sanders led Finn Taylor and Yvette Larson in alone. He had ordered everyone else to back down.

The trio walked up the stairs, arriving at a pavilion on the west side of the estate.

As they walked through the corridor, Finn Taylor glanced around him. 'These artificial mountains and ponds are placed in very interesting configurations. It's as though a master had been consulted on this matter. It seems obvious as to why the Sanders family is still able to maintain their position in society.'

Within the pavilion, two men were playing chess.

Finn Taylor already recognized one of them: Joshua Sanders.

In front of Joshua Sanders sat a mature, middle-aged man. Without even asking about him, Finn Taylor guessed his identity. 'That would probably be the Sanders family's head, Grant Sanders.'

"Master Sanders, she's here."

Grant Sanders turned slowly, and his gaze landed on Finn Taylor. "That's interesting. I didn't expect you to be here either."

"Uncle Sanders, you can talk to me if you have anything you want to tell me. Finn Taylor doesn't know anything." Along the way, Yvette Larson had already made her intentions known to her husband.

Once they arrived at the Sanders family's house, he was to remain silent and not say a word. She would be the one speaking for both of them.

"Yvette, don't be nervous. I only got William to bring you over because I missed you. Did Grant scare you?" With that, Grant Sanders's expression turned into one of anger. "William Sanders, look at how much you've scared Yvette."

With a thud, William Sanders immediately kneeled down on the ground. "Master, please forgive me. I deserve to die."

Grant Sanders ignored him, letting him kneel on the ground.

Not only did this not make Yvette Larson feel relaxed, but it even caused her to feel more tense.

"Yvette, I heard that you haven't had a good life in the past few years because you got married to a matrilocal son-in-law. Sigh, I like you very much. I always wanted you to be my daughter-in-law. It's such a pity that fate makes a fool of all of us. This must be that legendary Finn Taylor." Grant Sanders wagged his finger at Finn Taylor.

"Uncle Sanders, our relationship is fine. Thank you for your concern." The more concerned Grant Sanders was, the more frightened Yvette Larson was.

"Young man, do you know how to play chess? Shall we have a game?" Grant Sanders wasn't asking a question. Instead, he was giving an order.

As for Joshua Sanders, he had already stood up to give way to Finn Taylor.

As though she was dealing with an enemy, Yvette Larson quickly stood in front of her husband. "Uncle Sanders, he's a piece of trash. Doesn't the whole of San Francisco say that? Do you think he'd know how to play chess?"

Grant Sanders smiled and shook his head. "Sometimes, what others say may not always be true. It's best to see it yourself. Only when you see it will you know what the truth is. Come on, young man. Have a round with me; it doesn't matter even if you lose."

Yvette Larson shook her head, advising her husband not to do so.

To her surprise, Finn Taylor let go of her hand. Then, he sat down in front of Grant Sanders.

"Good! Good! Good!" Grant Sanders affirmed.

Each word was like a giant bell ringing within Yvette Larson's heart. She was scared stiff!

It was a game of chess!

Nonetheless, the game began.

Grant Sanders and Finn Taylor were head-to-head on the chessboard.

"Not bad; the young man's skills are decent. Yvette, your husband isn't a piece of trash. Look, he can play chess at the very least. Don't you think he's good?"

Yvette Larson had to suppress the urge to lash out at her husband. She had to resist the urge to punch him as well. 'Tell me. Are you dumb? Why did you insist on playing this game of chess? Do you think we'll get to leave if you anger Grant Sanders?'

"Uncle Sanders, I think he only knows the basics. He won't be able to win—that's for sure."

"Haha. Yvette, I think you're wrong. He's playing a very interesting strategy. Young man, play well. If you win, I'll let you guys leave."

That last sentence was filled with murderous intent. Then, the pavilion fell into pin-drop silence.

Neither Finn Taylor nor Grant Sanders was going easy on the other.

One move and then another.

The sounds of the chess pieces moving sounded like sonorous thunder in the sky.

Yvette Larson, Joshua Sanders, and William Sanders had their eyes glued to the chessboard.