The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella)

Chapter 1498

The once mocking crowd was now showing an expression of incredulity.

As young was she, she showcased her incredible prowess, which was utterly impressive. The guests erupted into applause, but

there was still someone who felt unconvinced, questioning, "How would you fare with the black pieces?"

Surely, victory wouldn't cas easily with the disadvantage of the black pieces.

Arabella reset the board to the scenadepicted in her painting, this tassuming command of the black pieces. Her explanation

was crisp, insightful, and within ten minutes, she had navigated the black pieces to victory.

The crowd clapped, their earlier doubts washed away by the revelation of her skill.

"This painting - it's her own creation. Perhaps schess master prepped her in secret. I'm not saying that | don’t believe her

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competence. There are a lot of masters here who haven't thought of a solution, while as a young lady, she’s able to resolve it in

two different ways. How could it be?"

He could accept it if she had cup with one, yet she was capable of winning a victory no matter which piece she employed.

Was it obvious that she had already known the answer in advance?

It was Bluno voicing, the man who had arrived at the birthday bash with the sole purpose of persuading Mr. Albright to take his

daughter Lindsay as a protege.

But Arabella's unexpected interference had rattled him. In his eyes, Lindsay was a chess talent with a string of accolades to her

name. For a man like him, wealth was secondary to the prestige his daughter could gain as Mr. Albright's chosen protege - an

honor that would set her apart in high society.

"Let's be frank, many of us cwith the hope of securing that coveted spot as Mr. Albright's protege. Yet, here stands a young

girl, outplaying us and becoming a chosen one with a pre-painted board. It's hard to accept." spoke Vivian, Roxanne's mother, "|

think my daughter is good as well. I'd like to let my daughter to play another round with her.”

"I believe my granddaughter also has great potential." Mabel's grandmother chimed in, "If this Bella agrees, I'd like her to face my

granddaughter in a match."

“Since she wants to becMr. Albright’s protege, she needs to beat all of us. But there are many people here, and if each of all

starts a match with her, we won't see the end maybe even until tomorrow.” Mr. Gardner, brimming with confidence in his

granddaughter, boasted, "My granddaughter has won more chess awards than anyone here, especially the Solterra Youth

Championship this year - she's the champion. Surely, she's the most qualified to challenge this girl."

Phyllis herself added, "Please givethe chance. If | win, it doesn't mean I'll automatically becMr. Albright's protege, but I'm

willing to compete fairly with everyone."

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Arabella found the whole ordeal amusing. Her chess setup, which they were scrutinizing so seriously, was a spur-of-the-moment

creation - no master needed for such a straightforward game. She herself was able to make a few or even dozens of different chess

problems at any time.

Eugene, seeing Bella challenged, declared with a smile, "Alright, I'll make the call. Phyllis will represent everyone in a match

against Bella."

Phyllis beamed, thinking Mr. Albright had set his sights on her, while Mr. Gardner felt a swell of pride. As Eugene's old friend, his

words still carried weight.

Arabella glanced at the clock, it wasn't even eight. Alright, let's play along.

Phyllis, brimming with eagerness, made the first move. Arabella responded casually, her moves effortless.

Eugene could tell Bella was holding back, not even showing a tenth of her true skill against Phyllis.