Second Chance His Unending Love (Calista Hartwell) novel Chapter 136

< Second Chance, His Unending Lo…

Chapter 136

Ethan, with a wealth of experience from numerous chess tournaments, large and small, let the remark slide without much thought.

“Perhaps.”

Truth be told, he hadn’t taken his opponent

seriously from the beginning and had even held back unconsciously.

What was the point of achieving a perfect score and making the finals utterly predictable? That would hardly be entertaining.

Deep down, Ethan knew full well that playing to his usual standard today would make the championship title his to

claim.

“Ethan, look-the third-place contestant just arrived.”

Nearby, a chatty group turned their heads toward the entrance as Austin made a rather flashy appearance.

Hegvas flanked by Killian, Nicole, and Stephanie, along:04

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< Chapter 136

with two chess instructors.

The five adults surrounded the teenager as they swept

into the venue.

Trailing close behind were several popular online influencers, phones raised to livestream the event, already building anticipation for what promised to be a compelling competition.

And there was plenty to watch for.

First, the match-up between a grassroots chess prodigy and New York’s academic standout, Austin.

Then, the rumor that the second- and third-place winners were twins—leaving everyone wondering which sibling was truly stronger.

And whispers suggested Grandmaster Wesley would attend as a spectator, lending an air of prestige that elevated this youth chess championship to another level entirely.

Reporters and influencers alike had gathered, ready to capture every trending moment.

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Ethan only glanced over briefly before losing interest/

He settled into his seat, closed his eyes, and rested.

Even so, murmurs of awe from the surrounding crowd still reached his ears.

“That’s Mr. Austin Frost from the Frost Group-I heard he aced the SSAT, too!”

“Brilliant, rich, ridiculously talented at chess… I can’t believe I’m sharing the room with someone like him.”

“He’s my type! Okay, I’m totally rooting for him to win

now.”

Surrounded by flattery from every side, Austin finally felt his confidence return.

He was meant to be the center of attention wherever he

went.

If it hadn’t been for Olivia’s careless remarks at the awards ceremony, he wouldn’t have faced such criticism.

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His gaze swept toward Ethan’s direction, resolve hardening within him.

Defeating Olivia today-and then beating that arrogant Ethan-would fully restore his reputation.

Olivia, however, still hadn’t shown up.

After scanning the room, Austin turned to Nicole. “Any word on when Wesley is arriving?”

“Not sure.” Nicole shrugged. “But don’t worry-Sir Winchester told my friend himself that he’d be here. H might already be with the judges’ panel.”

Stephanie took Austin’s hand and patted Nicole’s shoulder warmly.

“Nicole, we owe all of this to your arrangements. Once

the tournament wraps up, you must join us for dinner at

home.”

Nicole glanced shyly at Killian, who offered no objection, then nodded. “I’d love to, Mrs. Stephanie Frost.”

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At the judges’ lounge, Bradley checked his wristwatch and turned to his assistant.” Haas Olivia arrived yet?”

“Mr. Ferrer, all nine competitors are here except Ms. Frost.

“The matches begin at nine, with loopponents randomly generated by the system. If sheisst here by then, she’ll be disqualified…” the assistant reebeed, a hint of concern im his voice.

“Mim aware,” Bradley said, his brow furrowing slig Sitill his tone remained calm. “Speak toolthe host. Ad judges’sspeech segment to the programm-bbuy some time.

“Understood. I’ll see to it right away.”

The road to the competition hall was a solid gridlock.

Calista scammed for any gap in the traffic, but three vehicles heter firmly boxed in. Saturday moreingg traffic had peaked, turning escape into a distant hoppe.

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Illime was bleeding away. A slow frown settled on her

brow.

Parking and hailing a cab crossed her mind-she could take Olivia and make a run for it.

Yett iff their pursuers were this determined to delay them, a taxi would likely be blocked just the same.

Renting an escooter was another possibility, but it y too risky with someone deliberately stirring up tro

She wouldn’t gamble with her daughter’s safety.

“Olivia, find the nearest subway station. We’ll take the train,” she said, turning toward the girl. Once underground, surely they couldn’t follow.

“Okay!” Olivia’s fingers flew across her phone, pulling up the navigation app.

Just then, Calistal’s soreen lit up with an incoming call.

Evander’s name glowed on the display. Her hands. tightened around the steering wheel as if clutching a lifeline, and the churning anxiety inside her began to

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< Chapter 136

settle.

As soon as she answered, Evander’s calm and clear voice came. “Calista, where are you and Olivia?”

“Stuck. Three cars have been tailing us the whole way-/ they’re acting strange.” She let out a tense breath. “You’re back? Is the mission over?”

“Yes. I returned to base and came straight to the venue. When I didn’t see you, I called.”

His voice was like newly added firewood in a winter hearth, its crackling warmth dispersing the lingering chill in her chest.

Even if he did nothing at all, simply knowing he was nearby made every taut string loosen by itself.

“We’re heading for the subway. Should take about thirty minutes to reach the hall.”

A glance at the clock showed 8:30 a.m.

The host’s opening remarks began at 8:50, matches at

ning.

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Time was critically tight, but no better options remained.

Evander was quiet for a moment. “Calista, have Olivia share her live location. Keep driving forward for now-I’ll come to you.”

“But these cars are trouble. They’re hard to shake, and the roads are packed. Even if you come-

“Don’t worry. I’ll handle it.”

His words caught in her chest, stirring a swell of emotion.

He had always been this reliable, pulling her back from the edge time and again.

Following his instructions, she had Olivia send over their coordinates.

Olivia relaxed into her seat. “I don’t know why, but whenever Mr. Hayes is around, everything just works

out.”

Calista nodded softly, emotions swirling within. “Yeah.”

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