Too Late to Hold Me Back novel Chapter 1144

Under the grapevines a short distance away, two elderly men were battling it out over a chessboard, surrounded by a small crowd of spectators. The caregivers were cheering them on, occasionally shouting words of encouragement.

"Come on!"

"Push forward! What are you waiting for, make a move!"

"That's a trap, why would I move there? If you don't know the game, keep quiet."

...

The wicker chairs creaked as Leonard let out a hearty laugh. "Don't panic. My knight has the corner guarded."

His opponent wasn't backing down. "Your knight's about to be a sitting duck."

"Then I'll sacrifice my bishop to take your queen."

Leonard slammed his hand on the table. The force of the captured piece hitting the board made the lids of their teacups rattle.

The onlookers leaned in closer. Someone couldn't help but chime in, "That's a risky play!"

Leonard stroked his chin, nodding confidently. "Gutsy. But..."

He suddenly moved his piece across the board. "Checkmate. Your king is dead."

Right at that moment, Owen called out, "Grandpa!"

The old man looked up. "Why are you here again?"

With that, he dropped his head and went back to staring at the board.

A bystander asked enviously, "Is that your grandson? He's so tall and handsome."

"No idea. He says he's my grandson, but I haven't agreed to it. Who knows if he's a relative or a con artist?"

Owen was speechless.

The old man across the table pointed at Leonard's head. "A con artist? What could he possibly scam out of you? You're talking nonsense!

Would a scammer pay your astronomical sanatorium fees every month? Unbelievable."

The man then turned to Owen. "Dementia. He's just like this now."

Shoo. Get out of here."

Owen sighed inwardly. If I wanted a sugar daddy, I'd just let Mira support me. Why would I leech off a cranky old man?

Resigned, Owen pulled out a few bags of premium snacks made by the Solflare Grand Hotel and handed one to each of them.

"Mmm, these are fantastic. Thanks," the old man across the table said after trying a piece.

The old man across the table opened his bag, tasted a piece, and praised it highly.

These were the newest snacks produced by the Solflare Grand Hotel. Made with sugar-free substitutes, they were perfectly sweet but not heavy, low-sodium, and completely free of artificial additives. They were crispy, delicious, and ideal for both children and the elderly.

Mira had reminded Owen to bring some along for their visit today.

"Don't mention it. I appreciate you all looking out for him."

"Don't worry, we drag the old guy out to play every day. Everyone here exercises and eats on a strict schedule. You have absolutely nothing to worry about," the old man assured him.

Out of nowhere, Leonard grumbled, "Who needs them to look out for me? I'm the one babysitting them."