The Inescapable Celibate Heir Chapter 132: Solve the Puzzle

Calista glanced at the chessboard and asked, "Hey Victoria, do you know how to play?" 

She knew the basics but had never really gotten into it, so she couldn't offer much help.

Victoria studied the board intently. It looked like the white pieces had the upper hand, and the black pieces were in a tight spot. 

The puzzle probably wanted to know the best move for the black pieces to turn things around. 

She thought it over and nodded, "I can give it a shot." 

But after running through several scenarios, none seemed to work. As long as the white pieces kept playing smart, they'd win. 

Victoria pondered for about ten minutes when her phone suddenly rang. It was Samuel, reminding her to come back for lunch.

Victoria promised she'd be back soon but didn't want to give up just yet. She asked Ruth if she could snap a picture of the chessboard. 

She wanted to mull it over more and, if she figured it out, come back to buy the reindeer wood carving.

Ruth kindly pushed the box towards her. "Sure, go ahead. You're welcome to come back anytime."

Victoria happily took the photo and headed back with Calista. 

Calista asked, "Do you really like that reindeer wood carving that much?" 

Victoria nodded, then quickly shook her head. "It's not just about the carving. I'm really into solving the chess puzzle." 

She did like the carving, but she loved the challenge even more. If it was something she knew nothing about, she wouldn't mind giving up. 

But chess was something she had recently learned and had some insights into, so how could she pass up this opportunity?

During lunch, Victoria was still thinking about the chess puzzle and was a bit distracted. 

Ethan noticed her putting a chili pepper directly into her mouth. She quickly spat it out and looked for water, her face contorted in discomfort. 

He handed her a glass of milk. "Here, drink this; it helps with the spiciness." He had wanted to warn her but hesitated, thinking she might actually like spicy food. 

He didn't expect her to be so unaware of what she was eating.

Samuel laughed, "Victoria, what's on your mind? You're not even paying attention while eating." 

Victoria was too busy gulping down the milk to answer. The chili was incredibly spicy. 

Calista laughed and said, "We came across a chess puzzle while shopping today. Victoria's really into solving it, so she's probably thinking about that."

Nick swallowed a bite of fish and eagerly said, "Chess? Why didn't Victoria ask Ethan? He's been playing since elementary school and is better than most pros!" 

Eric and Roy nodded in agreement.

Victoria put down the milk, suddenly realizing it was probably Ethan's. 

Because of his injury, the doctor had advised him against drinking alcohol and coffee, so he could only have milk or water. 

She blushed slightly and glanced at Ethan, then quickly looked down at her plate, smiling awkwardly. 

"I want to think about it myself for a while. If I can't figure it out today, I'll ask Ethan for help." 

They were leaving in a couple of days, so Victoria didn't have much time to solve the puzzle.

After lunch, Victoria sat on a swing in the hotel courtyard, with Ethan gently pushing her. 

Mid-swing, she suddenly turned and asked, "Is your injury better?" 

Ethan steadied the swing and rolled up his left sleeve to show her. "Yeah, the scab's fallen off."

Victoria reached out to touch the new skin. This injury was because of her. She softly asked, "Will it leave a scar?" 

Her gentle touch made Ethan quickly pull his hand back, a smile tugging at his lips.

Ethan said, "Nah, it just itches a bit." The wound wasn't deep, and the treatment was timely. He wasn't prone to scarring, so it was unlikely to leave a mark. 

The itching was bothersome, especially at night, but he was glad it was him suffering and not his beloved Victoria.

Soon, Nick came to call them to watch a nearby dog sled race. Everyone went. 

The sled dogs were mostly Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, and Samoyeds, all medium to large breeds with thick fur suited for the cold. 

The race was lively, with dogs of various colors and breeds. 

Ethan, who owned dogs himself, was familiar with different breeds and patiently explained to Victoria. 

"That gray short-haired dog is an Alaskan Husky, bred for racing. Its short fur isn't as good for warmth but reduces drag, allowing it to sprint up to 30 miles per hour."

Victoria asked, "Will its owner win?" The gray dog was currently in the lead, its owner a bearded man.

Ethan shook his head. "Not necessarily. The breed isn't the most important factor. Anything can happen in a race. Being able to adapt is key to winning."

Victoria thought of the chess puzzle and murmured, "Sometimes you have to give up something to gain something better. Like the racing dog giving up long fur for speed."

Ethan didn't catch what she said. "What did you say?" 

Victoria suddenly realized how to solve the puzzle. She beamed, her smile dazzling Ethan. 

"Nothing. I'm going to buy something. Can you tell Samuel for me?" She turned and ran off before Ethan could react. 

He wanted to follow but lost her in the crowd.

When Ethan called, Victoria was already in a cab. He asked which store she was going to, wanting to join her. 

Victoria replied lightly, "I'll be fine on my own. You don't need to come. Besides, I want you to see who wins the race." 

She figured she'd be quick and might even return before the race ended. Ethan was convinced and didn't follow.

Unexpectedly, as the cab neared Ruth's store, Victoria heard a commotion ahead, as if a fight had broken out.