Morris said, "You better hurry up. Otherwise, things at home might get a bit... tense."


    Jules didn''t respond right away. When he finally looked up, his face was tense, eyes fixed on the chessboard.


    "Stop trying to throw me off with chit-chat," Jules grumbled.


    Morris just smirked.


    Lincoln chimed in, sticking up for Morris. "Come on, Jules, give it a rest. It''s no big deal to admit someone else is better. When you y chess with Nathan, it''s like your brain cells are dropping like flies, while Nathan''s just cool as a cucumber."


    Jules shot a nce at Morris, noticing how his eyes kept drifting upstairs, his handsome face softened by a gentle look. He seemedpletely distracted.


    Feeling a bit humiliated, Jules said, "Nathan, keep your head in the game. Don''t me your loss on not trying hard enoughter."


    Morris casually picked up a knight and moved it across the board.


    Lincoln, being the strategic thinker he was, saw three moves ahead and realized that knight would soon lead to a checkmate. He started to build up his defenses.


    But as he nned, he realized no matter what he did, he just couldn''t fend off Morris''s attack.


    He wondered if Nathan really saw that far ahead or if it was just a lucky move. So, he pretended not to notice and made another move.


    Sure enough, Morris followed through just as predicted, and Lincoln''s king was cornered by a rook.


    Lincoln burst outughing. "Ha! Jules, you thought you were all that? You lost in just fifteen moves."


    Jules was amazed, staring at Morris with newfound respect for his talent and smarts.


    Just then, Nathalie, refreshed from a nap, came downstairs.


    Morris''s gaze softened as he looked at Nathalie. "Nathalie, did you sleep wellst night?"


    "Perfectly," she replied.


    Nathalie approached Jules with a gracious smile. "Hello, Mr. Jules."


    Jules studied Nathalie closely. Her kind eyes, graceful presence, and intellectual vibe made her stand out


    free heavily made-up beauties


    of the day.


    She was like the girl next door, full ofpassion and gentleness. Truly remarkable.


    "Lincoln, you''re really lucky. You''ve got a wonderful daughter," Jules said.


    Lincoln gave him a side-eye. "Hmph, and hasn''t my precious daughter put up with enough of your nonsense?"


    Jules quickly apologized. "Alright, alright, t, I''m


    sorry. I was blind to


    of those vain girls outside


    mistake my precious niece


    bad."


    Nathalie tugged on Lincoln''s sleeve, whispering, "Dad, don''t be too hard on Jules. Everyone makes mistakes."


    Lincoln pointed at Jules with a teasing jealousy. "You''ve got a great niece too, you know."


    Jules beamed. "Yeah, my Vivian is truly a gem."


    But then, he sighed with a hint of sadness. "Unfortunately, I don''t have the luck of having a son to


    on


    my legacy." Content belopar


    Nathalie sneaked a nce at Morris.


    Morris stayed calm, as if Jules''s words didn''t affect him at all.


    Nathalie had a sudden idea. She had to do something to bring father and son closer.


    "Jules, it''s almost lunchtime. Why don''t you stay and have a meal with us? I''ll whip something up," she suggested.


    Jules was genuinely touched. "I''d love to. When my niece invites me, I''ll always make time."


    Nathalie turned to Morris. "Nathan, would you give me a hand in the kitchen?" Morris nodded lightly. "Sure."