Charlene was going over their chess match in her head when something caught her attention.


    Just then, she overheard Vesta saying, "Quintin, after watching your game, I''m really tempted to give it a try, but I''m afraid I''m not quite skilled enough yet to take on Thorne."


    "Oh, don''t worry about it," Quintin chuckled. "I was just joking earlier. If you''re interested, go for it."


    Vesta was about to respond when someone chimed in with augh, "If Ms. Hawkins is ying, the oue really is anyone''s guess, haha."


    "Exactly! Even if Mr. Henderson is a chess whiz, if he beats Ms. Hawkins, he might end up sleeping on the couch when he gets home," another quipped.


    The crowd erupted inughter at thement.


    Quintin hadn''t realized there was a connection between Vesta and Thorne. Looking at Vesta, who was strikingly beautiful and carried herself with confidence, he could see why she was a good match for Thorne. With a teasing grin, he turned to Thorne and said, "Oh? Well, in that case, I''m eager to see if you can keep your cool like you do against us old-timers when you''re ying in front of your girlfriend."


    Vesta, not bothered by the spotlight, gave Thorne a confident smile and said, "I can handle losing. Let''s just y fair and square."


    Thorne gave a subtle, charming smile, "Alright."


    Someone couldn''t help butment, "They haven''t even started ying yet, and they''re already showing off their romance."


    "Showing off or not, Ms. Hawkins is a top-notch PhD graduate from one of the best universities in the world. If she''s speaking so confidently, she must have some serious skills."


    Quintin, who hadn''t known about Vesta''s academic background, remarked with surprise, "A PhD, huh? You''ve got quite the eye, Thorne."


    Stewart rolled his eyes at the banter. He had been about to suggest to Charlene that she should give it a try, but Vesta had interrupted before he could say anything.


    Now watching the scene unfold, he muttered under his breath, "Enough with the chit-chat. Just start the game already."


    Though his voice was low, Charlene and Granger caught his words. Charlene merely smiled.


    Granger nced at Charlene, noting herposed and calm demeanor, which put him at ease.


    Finally, Thorne and Vesta began their chess match.


    Charlene could see that Vesta was no novice at chess. She clearly knew her way around a chessboard, and she was far from being a beginner. But...


    After watching for a while, Charlene shifted her gaze away.


    Stewart, after observing the game for a bit, rolled his eyes again, feeling like he couldn''t endure another


    moment.


    Noticing Charlene seemed disinterested as well, he asked, "Want to head back to the lounge and grab something to eat?"


    Charlene shook her head, "No, let''s wait a bit longer."


    Granger had noticed Charlene''s dwindling interest in the game much earlier than Stewart. When Thorne and Quintin were ying, Charlene had been intently focused. Now, with Thorne and Vesta, she''d only watched briefly before her attention waned, despite the back- and-forth of the game.


    10:11


    Even though Vesta was managing quite well, it was clear that her skills weren''t on par with Quintin''s, let alone Thorne''s. Still, she was certainly impressive. Charlene''s reaction said it all.


    "Not bad at all," Campbell''s voice suddenly piped up from nearby.


    He and York had somehow arrived on the scene, now standing beside Quintin.