?Chapter 1023:


    With an unmistakable air of victory, Gerald escorted Elena out of the Peak Hotel. Their path wound back to the familiar gates of Hillside Manor.


    Time had slipped by since Elenast crossed the threshold of the Spencer mansion, and Gerald wasted no time in inviting her to the chess table. “Dinner’s still a ways off. Come on, keep me entertained for a while.”


    Elena, true to form, met his every move with her usual intensity—she never once let up on him.


    Despite seeing his defeating, Gerald’s grin never faded. Just the thought of Elena as his future granddaughter-inw was enough to light up his mood. He considered himself fortunate that someone as remarkable as her might join his family.


    “Impressive! Not a hint of rust on your game,” Gerald said, honest admiration in his voice.


    Elena swept up the pieces she had taken from Gerald and replied with casual confidence, “You know, Gerald, I’ve kept my edge, but your skills have definitely slipped. You’ll be checkmated in three moves.”


    Gerald took the setback in stride. “Old age is catching up to me—some days I feel halfway gone already. Keeping pace with the younger generation is no small feat. These days, my only wish is to see Wesley walk down the aisle. Not sure I’ll stick around long enough to see it happen…”


    His gaze lingered on Elena as he spoke, searching for any reaction. She met his look with calm indifference, unmoved by the hint he dropped. A light, teasing tone colored her reply. “The way medicine is these days, you might have at least several decades ahead of you.”


    Of course, Elena saw right through the message woven into Gerald’s words, though she chose to sidestep it, carrying on as if nothing had been implied.


    A look of fondness settled in Gerald’s eyes as he let out a low chuckle. “You’ve got a real talent for making an old man happy. If I hang around for decades more, won’t people start calling me a relic?”


    As he spoke, Elena slid her piece across the board. “Checkmate, Gerald. The game’s yours to lose.”


    All that remained of Gerald’s army was a sparse collection of ck pieces. Elena’s white ones dominated the board with ease.


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    Gerald set his pieces aside and, with a flourish, produced a bracelet, its gemstones gleaming. “Victory earns a reward. This belongs to you now.”


    His offer sounded casual, but Elena’s sharp eyes caught the age and worth in the bracelet’s craftsmanship.


    “This is far too extravagant. I wasn’t ying for prizes—just the pleasure of the match.”


    A sh of irritation crossed Gerald’s face, his words cutting through her protest. “So what’ll it be? Are you saying my gift isn’t good enough? Will you take it or not?”


    A softugh slipped from Elena. Gerald had quite the temper. “Every stone in this is wless, and the colors are stunning. Who would say this is anything but a treasure? But Gerald, this isn’t just a trinket, is it?”


    Realizing she had caught on, Gerald saw no point in pretending. His gaze fell on the bracelet, and nostalgia crept into his smile. “This used to belong to my wife. She had a fondness for beautiful things. Elena, would you do something for me?”


    She paused for a bit before she nodded. “What is it, Gerald?”


    A serious look settled over him. “Keep it safe. Someday, I’ll be gone, and I’d rather see this worn than left in a box. I believe my wife would have liked you very much if she were still around.”


    With those words, Gerald entrusted her with a piece of family history—an heirloom once cherished by Wesley’s grandmother. A sudden weight settled in Elena’s palm as she gripped the bracelet, its meaning pressing down on her.


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