?Chapter 93:


    Saul paused mid-move, a chess piece in hand, his expression tightening. “Barely rtives,” he muttered. “Haven’t seen either of them in over ten years.”


    William already knew the background. Haley had stayed in Achury all her life, while Saul had built his world in Sleka. They might’ve shared some blood, but there wasn’t much of a bond.


    “But today’s your birthday, and they made a point to show up,” William said casually. “Looks like they’re trying to gain some favor.”


    Especially after how they embarrassed themselves back in Choria—it wouldn’t be surprising if they were here trying to clean up their image. That clearly rubbed Saul the wrong way. He hadn’t been strict with the guest list today; anyone who wanted to celebrate was wee. But if Haley and Beatrice were here just to cozy up and benefit off his name? They were set up for a big surprise.


    “They can keep dreaming.” The sharpness in his voice made his stance crystal clear—he wasn’t about to let them take advantage of him. He rarely visited Achury, and even if he did, he wouldn’t need Haley to apany him.


    “I mean,” William continued, “they’re already causing a scene. Your birthday celebration’s at risk of turning into a circus. Haley just took a tumble out there. Sure, it’s her own embarrassment, but if things keep escting, your whole party could get derailed.”


    Saul shot a nce at the monitor, clearly irritated, then moved his bishop without a word.


    William moved his queen, smirking. “Checkmate. Looks like I won this round.”


    Saul tore his gaze away from the screen, scanned the board, and let out a scoff. “You crafty bastard.”


    William had been rattling on about Haley and her mother’s social climbing to distract him—and it had worked.


    He’d fallen for it and made a bad move.


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    Not many people could match Saul in chess, and even fewer dared to sit across from him.


    William was one of the few who could go toe-to-toe with him on the board.


    But this win? It didn’t sit right with Saul.


    “You set me up for your little office crush? This round doesn’t count. Let’s go again.”


    William didn’t argue. He just started resetting the board, but added, “She’s not my girlfriend. She works at Briggs Group. I just value her skills.”


    Saul didn’t believe a word.


    There were many employees at Briggs Group, but William had never openly backed anyone like this.


    But he wasn’t about to admit it.


    Saul rolled his eyes. “Anyway, enough of that. One more game. And no distractions this time. I’ll take care of those two outside.”


    Williamughed under his breath. “Fine by me.”


    Once the board was reset, Saul waved at the butler standing quietly behind them. “Go handle it. This is my birthday. If anyone causes a ruckus, toss them out. No exceptions.”


    The butler gave a small bow. He’d heard everything and didn’t need more instructions. “Yes, sir. I’ll take care of it right away.”


    With that, he left the room. Saul rxed and leaned back in his chair.


    “Now, can we finally focus on this match?”


    William didn’t answer—just moved a pawn forward.


    Outside, Haley was still fuming, barely steady on her feet as Beatrice helped her up. She red daggers at Ste. “You really think you can humiliate me and walk away? Do you even know who my father is? We’re here for Saul Vance’s birthday—I’ll have you kicked out of here in seconds!”


    She shoved Beatrice’s hand away and made to charge at Ste again.


    But before her raised hand coulde down, a cold voice rang out. “Who dares to make a scene at Mr. Vance’s birthday?” It was Terence, the Vance family’s butler.


    He stepped between Haley and Ste like a wall.


    Haley scowled. “And who do you think you are?”


    Terence didn’t flinch. His expression was calm, but there was an unmistakable edge to his tone.


    When Saul went abroad to recuperate, he had been busy managing domestic affairs and hadn’t gone along, unaware of how arrogant the Smith family was.


    “I’m Terence Ramsey. Butler to the Vance family. And when I speak, I speak on behalf of Mr. Vance himself.” The room went quiet.


    He continued, his voice firm, “Miss Gilbert is a distinguished guest of the Vance family. Anyone who disrespects her—disrespects us. And Mr. Vance doesn’t tolerate disrespect in his home.”


    Everyone around froze in shock.


    Terence Ramsey? The butler of the Vance family?


    That meant Mr. Vance was Saul himself.


    Just moments ago, Haley had been unting her so-called family connection to the Vances. But now? Saul was openly backing Sylvia.


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