NovelEnglishEugene had barely finished speaking when a few more guests approached.
"Mr. Albright, it's been ages! Remember me? I'm Bluno, Bluno Marsh! Back at the chess tournament, my dad took third place, and
we met backstage. | told you that when | grew up, | wanted to be a chess champion just like you, and you even complimented me."
The man speaking was a successful gentleman, whose eyes, even when smiling, held a businessman's shrewdness.
He had brought his daughter along, but before he could delve into his purpose, another guest interrupted.
"Oh Eugene, it's been so long, and you still look as dashing as ever. My late husband would've been so thrilled to see you in such
high spirits."
The speaker was a well-dressed elderly lady, her eyes brimming with tears as she clutched Eugene's hand and said, "It must have
been seven or eight years since we last met. Last year, my husband fell seriously ill and on his deathbed, he still talked about
wanting to play one last gof chess with you. He said you were the most admirable and formidable opponent he ever
encountered in his lifetime."
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The successful gentleman couldn't help but internally scoff at the old woman's theatrical display, which completely overshadowed
his earlier attempt to engage Eugene.
As he thought this, he reached out to shake Eugene's hand, only to be preempted by the elderly lady.
"Eugene, letintroduce someone. This is Mabel. My husband taught her everything he knew about chess. He always hoped
she'd have the chance to match wits with you, as a way to fulfill his last wish. Oh dear, talking about such somber things on this
joyous occasion. We can arrange a gwhen you're free."
The elderly lady knew how to advance by retreating. She cast a fond look at Mabel Remington.
Mabel quickly spoke up, "Mr. Albright, I'm so thrilled to be here for your 60th birthday. | finally get to meet the respected opponent
my grandfather always spoke of. Indeed, as he said, you are the epitof vitality, an outstanding person. This was my
grandfather's most treasured possession, and though many offered a handssum, no one could buy it from him. He made us
promise to give it to you if we ever had the chance, believing only you are worthy of it."
With both hands, Mabel offered Eugene a gift box.
"This gift is far too precious forto accept," Eugene demurred.
He had invited her grandfather to his birthday because he truly admired the man as a great chess player and had a favorable
impression of him. Eugene hadn't realized he had passed away last year.
In recent years, Eugene had retreated to the countryside, living a life of leisure with a few old friends, paying less attention to the
outside world. His main concern was to see Arabella succeed and carry on his legacy.
He wasn't even aware of his old friend's passing.
"Mr. Albright, please accept it. There's no one in the world more deserving than you. It's also fulfilling my grandfather's last wish.
Please, take it," Mabel urged gracefully.
"Well then, | would be remiss to refuse." Eugene said, accepting the gift and gesturing, "Please, cinside."
The elderly lady gave the successful gentleman a smug look and led her granddaughter inside.
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The successful gentleman, used to dominating the business world, couldn't stomach this slight. He quickly said, "Mr. Albright, |
haven't yet introduced my daughter, Lindsay Marsh."
"Nice to meet you." Eugene nodded, and seeing more guests approaching, he invited them all, "Please, cinside."
Seeing the crowd around Eugene thicken, Bluno had no choice but to lead his daughter inside.
"Lindsay, you better make your old man proud later and outshine that Mabel! What kind of nis Mabel, anyway? It doesn't hold
a candle to Lindsay. Did you remember to take photos of your trophies before we left?"
Lindsay nodded, "I did."
"Good. You'll need to find a way to charm Mr. Albright. If you can bechis protege, this trip will have been worth it!"
Arter all, they had the money; what they sought was prestige.
If his daughter could gain fame, she would have no trouble marrying into an even better family.
"But Dad, | want to be Jamie Noelle's protege. | love the violin."
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