Second Chance His Unending Love (Calista Hartwell) novel Chapter 140

Chapter 140

Olivia pushed through the doors of the final competition hall at exactly 8:58 a.m.

The moment she entered, every head in the room turned toward her. By the floor-to-ceiling windows stood a tense gathering of competitors, coaches, and parents.

Their expressions ranged from shock and sharp-edg jealousy to open admiration and forced courtesy.

Olivia paused just inside the entrance, her gaze finding the head judge. “My apologies for the delay.”

Bradley gestured for her to come in. “It’s all right, Olivia. Please join us.”

Across the room, Samuel’s eyes darted toward Nicole before he stepped forward.

“Mr. Ferrer, if we’re holding all contestants to the same standard, shouldn’t Olivia face some consequence for being late? Otherwise, it hardly seems fair to those who arrived on time.”

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A murmur of agreement rippled through the crowd. “She’s held up the entire tournament!” a parent called

cout.

“”My daughter’s focus is already shaken because of this

wait!”

SSamuel seized the moment. “Perhaps a deduction from heer current score would settle the matter fairly.”

Nicole shot him a subtle, appreciative glance bef leaaning toward Austin.

“Heemerves must be shot. Watch-she’ll crumble toda sheewhispered, low enough for only him to hear.

Austin ffoowned slightly. “Nicole, is that blogger a friend of yours??”

“Just focus soon your own game,” she replied softly, a satisfied curved to her lips.

If she couldn’t’gget Olivia disqualified, cutting Olivia’s points was the next best move.

Olivia remained imear the doorway, calmly surveying the 06

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room.

тук

She felt Bradley’s protective intent ass clearly as she sensed the animosity radiating from some of her rivals.

“I accept responsibility for my late arrival. I’m willing to / forfeit two points from my total as a penalty. I ask that you direct no further criticism toward the organizers,” she announced, her voice clear and composed.

Her starting score had been 16. With two points she’d be down to 14-a significant gap in such attig ranked field.

Austin stared, surprised. That deduction would put her level with him.

Even Ethan, usually detached from any drama, looked up, his attention caught.

Once the initial grumbling subsided, Olivia spoke again.

“However, I have one request.”

Olivia stood still, her composure unshaken. Her voice carried a cool, unwavering clarity, dignified and poised.

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when surrounded bed byt hostility.

ey tilted his head. “WhäWhat is it?”

vin all nine of my matchatches today, I want those two s restored. I’ll accept the the penalty for being late, but so like the chance to earned them back through my

rmance,” she said. atd.

already done the math. Ten en players in the final t nine rounds each.

g two points put her four bein behind Ethan, the curre r. If he swept his matches, her cher chances would

was no other choice for her. ber.

ever vielded easily and remained undon moved by the arbund her.

Michallenge-nothing more, nothing less. less.

@bvia could feel the familiar competitpetitive fire

ner bier blood.

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Bradley hesitated, taken aback.

The demand was bold, especially for a sixteen-year-old, and bound to stir controversy.

He was right. The room erupted again.

“How arrogant! What does that say about the rest of the contestants?”

“Who does she think she is? Ethan’s miles ahead!”

“Sounds like the fix is in already!”

Parents muttered and scoffed, some even pulling their

children close.

“See that girl? Make sure you beat her. Teach her some humility,” one father said loudly.

“Chess is about respect. We can’t let someone so entitled

win!”

Then, a pointed voice cut through. “Mr. Frost! Aren’t you going to say something to your daughter?”

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All eyes swung toward Killian.

His face darkened under the collective stare. Enduring the judging looks and hushed whispers from the

surrounding crowd, he was desperate to find an excuse to bolt.

How on earth was he supposed to anticipate that Olivia would make such a preposterous demand?

Her audacious words had utterly embarrassed hin

With one hand clasped behind his back, Killian fixed cold stare on Olivia and barked out a command, “Olivia, enough nonsense. Get on with the game right now.”

But Olivia paid him no heed. Instead, her eyes were filled with anticipation as she focused her gaze on Bradley.

Killian gritted his teeth, his annoyance bubbling over. This was the kind of upbringing she got from Calista. Now, even his own daughter didn’t respect him.

If it hadn’t been for him stepping forward to acknowledge Olivia as his daughter just moments ago, she would have been buried alive by the scathing remarks of those 16:06

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