The Inescapable Celibate Heir Chapter 109: Encounter at the Chess House

Ethan wanted to tag along, but Victoria put her foot down. She shot him a look, a mix of concern and mild annoyance. 

"You've been coughing non-stop since we got here. Don't overdo it. Do you really want to pass your cold to me before you get better?"

Ethan muttered, "No." He knew she was just looking out for him, so he didn't push it. He called for a driver to take him home.

Ella and her friends had shown up early, but they had no clue where Leon was. They pretended to take photos while they searched for him. 

Ella had even hired a photographer to snap some good shots of her for social media, hoping to catch some attention. 

If she could snag the title of Nexus College Campus Queen, gaining followers would be a breeze. 

But Victoria had already claimed that title, which only fueled Ella's resentment as she posed for the camera.

Jasmine and Tony were on a mission to find Leon, hoping to cozy up to him and improve their standing with the Murphy family. 

When they finally spotted him, Victoria was standing across from him, with Ethan nearby. 

Jasmine was about to make her move, pretending it was a chance encounter, but Tony held her back. "Hold up, that guy next to him is Ethan. If we go over now, it won't end well for us."

Ella noticed Victoria too and sneered. "Victoria's here, all smiles. No wonder Leon sticks up for her at school." 

Victoria was usually stone-faced and cold towards Ella. Turns out she could smile, but only for people who were useful to her, like Ethan and Leon. 

"Jasmine, if we go over now, won't Leon think we're trying to get close to him on purpose?"

Jasmine hesitated. "Yeah, probably. Leon hates social climbers. Looks like today was a bust."

Ella's eyes lit up with a new idea. "I saw a chess house nearby with a tournament today. Leon likes chess. We can wait for him there." 

She knew how to play chess and could pretend she was there to compete, making it seem less obvious. 

Ella had learned chess just because she knew Leon liked it. She figured if he saw a young, pretty girl who could play chess well, he'd definitely notice.

Tony laughed. He had also learned chess from a young age because Jessica said many wealthy and influential older people liked it. 

It was a way to win favor with the elders of the Murphy family. He hadn't expected it to come in handy today, giving him a chance to impress Leon first.

Jasmine, seeing Tony laugh, clapped her hands and smiled. "Perfect! Tony knows how to play chess. Tony, make sure to impress Leon today; he'll definitely like you." 

Ella frowned slightly. If Tony played too, she wouldn't stand out as much. But she couldn't ask Tony not to compete now. She wished she had only brought Jasmine.

The three of them quickly turned and left the park, taking a shortcut to the chess house to register. 

Meanwhile, Victoria and her group walked out leisurely. It was still early, and she made sure Ethan got into the car before feeling relieved. 

Leon teased her, "What, can't bear to see him go? If you miss him, go after him."

Victoria glared at him but not too obviously. She hadn't expected the highly respected Leon to be so mischievous. "We're not what you think. We're just friends."

Leon didn't argue, but he thought to himself, 'Not now, but that doesn't mean never.'

Since pets weren't allowed in the chess house, Victoria instructed the driver to take Flora home first and then come back for her. Chess tournaments took a long time, so there was plenty of time. 

When Victoria registered, she saw Ella's name on the same page. To her surprise, Tony had also signed up. She wondered how good he was at chess.

It seemed she was right. Ella had used today's chess tournament to join the chess association and win Leon's favor. 

This later led to Ella starring in a movie directed by Leon, alongside Dennis. The movie gained Ella many fans and won her the Best Newcomer Award that year. 

Meanwhile, Victoria, having lost the role to Ella, was left to play minor roles, even as a stunt double, without any screen time.

Remembering her past experiences, Victoria felt a surge of resentment. She licked her lips and glanced at Ella. 'Today, I won't let Ella get her way.'

Ella saw her too and sweetly greeted her, then casually said hello to Leon. 

Leon didn't even look up, just nodded and went into the venue; he wanted to catch up with some old friends and would come back to watch the finals.

Victoria sat alone outside, waiting for the tournament to start. 

Ella, Jasmine, and Tony sat together. Jasmine whispered, "Does Victoria know how to play chess? Are there really that many people who play chess now?" 

Ella shook her head. "She doesn't. She's probably pretending to impress Leon. Victoria is that kind of hypocrite." 

Jasmine smirked. "I can't wait to see her lose badly. Leon should see her make a fool of herself."

Ella remembered how dazzling Victoria had been in the past, always outshining her. 

Of course, there were things Victoria couldn't do, like play chess. 

Ella clenched her fist, hoping to draw Victoria as her opponent and defeat her head-on!