I stared at Michael Ashworth, the weight of his words settling over me like a cloak of lead. The chess pieces between us seemed to mock the real-life game we were ying—one with far higher stakes than any board could contain.


    "There''s always a third option," I said, meeting his gaze steadily.


    Michael''s eyebrows rose slightly. "And what might that be?"


    "I stay with Isabelle, and we face whateveres together—without running, withoutpromising."


    A sh of something—respect, perhaps—crossed his weathered features before his expression hardened again.


    "You would risk everything? Your life? Your growing reputation? For my granddaughter?"


    "Without hesitation."


    Michael leaned back in his chair, studying me with renewed interest. "Even the considerable resources I''m offering you? You could establish the Knight family name as one of power and influence. In time, you could even rival the Ashworths."


    I shook my head. "I have no interest in building a dynasty, Mr. Ashworth. My only concern is Isabelle''s happiness."


    "And you believe you''re the key to that happiness?" There was no mockery in his tone—only genuine curiosity.


    "I believe that''s for her to decide," I replied. "But I won''t abandon her to satisfy your conditions, no matter what you offer."


    Michael''s fingers drummed softly against the chess table. For a long moment, neither of us spoke. The garden around us was silent except for the gentle rustling of leaves in the morning breeze.


    "Very well," he said finally. "Let''s y one more game."


    I tilted my head, confused by the sudden shift. "I thought we were discussing Isabelle''s future."


    "We are." He gestured to the board. "But I find chess reveals more about a man than his words ever could."


    Without waiting for my response, he began setting up the pieces. This time, he gave me white.


    I made the opening move, advancing my pawn cautiously. But as the game progressed, I changed my approach. Instead of the defensive wall I''d built in our previous matches, Iunched a fierce attack. My knights cut through his defenses while my queen and bishop coordinated a devastating assault on his king.


    Michael''s eyes widened as my strategy unfolded. He fought back admirably, but the tide had turned. Within twenty minutes, his king was cornered.


    "Check," I dered, my rook sealing his fate.


    Michael stared at the board, a slow smile spreading across his face. "And mate in three moves." He knocked over his king in surrender. "You weren''t ying to your full potential before."


    "I was learning your style," I admitted.


    He chuckled, a sound that seemed to surprise even him. "Just like your father."


    My head snapped up. "You knew my father?"


    But Michael waved the question away. "Another conversation for another time, perhaps." His eyes gleamed with new energy. "Tell me, Mr. Knight, what would you do if I gave you my blessing to court Isabelle openly?"


    I considered my answer carefully. "I would continue to protect her as I have been. Neither her name nor her fortune matters to me."


    "And if Corbin moves against you both?"


    "Then he''ll learn what happens to those who threaten what I hold dear."


    Michael''sughter rang through the garden, stronger than before. "Good! That''s the fire I wanted to see." He leaned forward. "You know, half the guests at that charity auction were convinced I was at death''s door. The other half thought I was already dead and you were speaking to a ghost."


    I smiled despite myself. "You don''t strike me as a man who''s ready to haunt the hallways just yet."


    "No indeed." His eyes twinkled with mischief. "Though I admit, I do enjoy letting certain people underestimate me."


    The sound of footsteps on the garden path made us both turn. Isabelle approached, surprise flickering across her face at the sight of us together.


    "Grandfather? Liam? I didn''t expect to find you both here."


    She looked radiant in a simple sundress, her hair catching the morning light. My heart stuttered in my chest, as it always did when I saw her.


    "Mr. Knight was just demonstrating his chess prowess," Michael exined, giving her a warm smile. "And I must say, I approve."


    Isabelle''s eyes widened slightly. She nced between us, clearly trying to decipher what had transpired. "You approve... of his chess skills?"


    "Among other things." Michael winked at her, then turned back to me. "You have my blessing, young man. But remember—chess is won by the yer who thinks several moves ahead."


    With that cryptic remark, he rose from his seat, leaning heavily on his cane. "Now, if you''ll excuse me, I have some business to attend to. Isabelle, why don''t you show Mr. Knight the new rose garden? I believe you''ll find it... illuminating."


    As he shuffled away, Isabelle took his vacant seat. "What was that about?"


    I reached across the table and took her hand. "Your grandfather was testing me." <em ss="in-imprint-a">Text acquired from M|V|LEMP&YR.</em>


    "And you passed?" Her eyes searched mine.


    "Apparently so."


    She let out a small sigh of relief. "I''ve never seen him warm to anyone so quickly. Usually, he tortures potential suitors for weeks before rendering judgment."


    I smiled, running my thumb across her knuckles. "I think he recognized something in me that he values."


    "And what''s that?"


    "The willingness to fight for what matters."


    Her cheeks flushed slightly. "And I... matter to you?"


    "More than anything," I said simply.


    Isabelle''s smile lit up her entire face. "I was thinking of making lunch. Would you like to join me in the kitchen?"


    "You cook?" I couldn''t hide my surprise.


    Sheughed. "Don''t sound so shocked! I may be an Ashworth, but I do have some practical skills. Come on."


    As we walked toward the house, I felt a lightness I hadn''t experienced in years. For the first time since meeting Isabelle, I didn''t feel like an outsider looking in. Something had shifted—both with Michael''s approval and within myself.


    Meanwhile, in his study, Michael Ashworth stared out the window, watching us cross the garden. His steward, Maxwell, stood quietly by the door.


    "Sir, there are rumors circting about your health," Maxwell reported. "The business partners are getting nervous. Mr. Corbin has been holding private meetings with several board members."


    Michael''s expression darkened. "As expected. The vultures circle even before the body is cold."


    "What would you like me to do, sir?"


    Michael turned from the window, his eyes glinting with determination. "Prepare for a banquet. We''ll call it my birthday celebration."


    "But your birthday isn''t for another four months—"


    "It doesn''t matter," Michael cut him off. "I want everyone there—family, business partners, rivals. Even those insufferable ckthornes."


    Maxwell nodded, making notes. "And the purpose of this gathering?"


    "To remind them all that I''m not dead yet," Michael replied coldly. "And to introduce them to Liam Knight."


    "Sir?" Maxwell looked up, confusion evident on his face.


    "You heard me. It''s time everyone met the man who will carry the Ashworth legacy forward." Michael''s gaze drifted back to the window, where he could see Isabelleughing at something I had said. "Prepare the guest list immediately. This will be a night Havenwood City won''t soon forget."