Second Chance His Unending Love (Calista Hartwell) novel Chapter 145

Chapter 145

Killian had no inkling of the private bargain Nicole had made with the influencer. But one truth was glaringly

clear: whatever it was, it would spell trouble for the Frost Group’s reputation.

To draw a definitive line under the debacle, his voice dropped, firm and controlled.

“On behalf of the Frost Group, I apologize for your losses. We will cover them in full.”

This wasn’t about shielding Nicole. It was about shielding the Frost name from disgrace.

“Humph.” Samuel held up two fingers, his expression granite. “Two hundred thousand dollars. Not a penny less.”

“Agreed.” Killian’s reply was swift, devoid of hesitation. “Provide your account details.”

A few taps on his phone later, the transaction was complete, and Samuel finally departed.

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An oppressive silence reclaimed the dining table.

The untouched meal sat cold, the air thick and stagnant,

choked with everything left unsaid.

Frustrated tears pricked Nicole’s eyes as she stared at her phone, one unanswered message after another sent to Tylan.

“Killian… I was deceived too,” she pleaded, her voice trembling.

But Killian’s patience had evaporated. He turned away his tone glacial. “From now on, refrain from speaking carelessly about matters you’re unsure of. And never involve the Frost family name in your dealings again.”

Stephanie’s disapproval was just as cutting.

“Ms. Anderson, if you cannot fulfill a promise, it’s best not to make it. The Frost family is not some inconsequential household where a little embarrassment is harmless. Our reputation has tangible consequences

-it affects everything, even stock valuations. I trust you understand.”

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Austin kept his head bowed, wishing the ornate tablecloth would swallow him whole.

The shame was a physical weight.

Burning with a helpless rage, Nicole had no choice but to swallow her pride.

She reached for Killian’s arm, her voice softening into a whisper. “Killian… Mrs. Stephanie Frost… I’m so terribly sorry. Please, don’t be angry.”

Almost instinctively, Killian’s gaze flicked toward Calista.

She paid him no mind whatsoever, instead sharing a warm, laughing conversation with Evander.

They were probably quietly mocking this whole spectacle.

What wretched luck. First, his daughter’s remarks tarnished his image this morning; now, Nicole had dragged him into another public mess.

It seemed no one around him could simply make things

easier.

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His stern gaze finally settled on his son.

“Austin, those destined for significant achievements do not dwell on minor setbacks. Win the championship, and these whispers will fade. The Frost family’s honor now rests with you.”

Austin nodded, resolve hardening his features. “I’ll do my best, Dad.”

Whoever Wesley’s secret apprentice was, only three matches remained this afternoon: his own against Ethan, against Olivia, and against Mia.

With Mia ranked seventh, she posed little threat.

Olivia was just one point ahead-he was confident he could secure a win.

Ethan was the true variable, the real worry.

Could he be Wesley’s student?

Perhaps certain measures needed consideration.

Across the room, Calista felt little about the earlier, 16:09

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drama.

Her main sympathy was for old Wesley, who surely hadn’t anticipated such a scare at his age.

Evander’s voice broke her reverie. “That Nicole… what do

you know about her?”

Both Calista and Olivia looked up.

Olivia was the first to reply, her voice laced with disdain. “She’s a shameless home-wrecker. Just looking at her

makes Mom feel… unclean.”

A head shake from Calista followed. “I haven’t heard much. Just that Killian treats her… differently. What makes you ask?”

After a thoughtful pause, Evander simply said, “No reason. At least, not yet.”

*****

After lunch, some competitors laid out their chessboards right on the dining tables, mentally preparing for the afternoon matches.

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Others sought refuge in the hotel’s small garden, hoping the fresh air would clear their minds.

Games would resume at two.

Around one o’clock, in a secluded, dappled corner of the garden, Ethan sat utterly absorbed in a chess manual.

Nicole approached silently, positioning herself deliberately to block his light.

Ethan frowned slightly and shifted his chair.

However, she moved again, stubbornly casting her shadow over his page.

He turned a page calmly, his eyes never leaving the text. “Can I help you?”

Nicole looked down at him, arms crossed over her chest.

I know your family situation isn’t… affluent. You play in these tournaments for the prize money. But this one’s payout is modest-only 30 thousand for the champion. Is straining yourself truly worth it?

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His tone remained even, unnervingly mature for fifteen. “And your point is?”

A faint, calculated smile touched Nicole’s lips. She had already checked-this quiet corner was mercifully free of surveillance cameras.

That security gave her the audacity to speak plainly.

“I’ll give you 50 thousand dollars, Ethan.”

“To lose to Austin?” He saw right through her the moment she had approached.

“Precisely.”

“Miss, I’ve had offers like this before. In tournaments. But they all started at 100 thousand. They were… more generous,” he said, his gaze still on his book.

Expecting results while reluctant to invest-don’t assume his youth made him easy to fool.

The indirect jab hit its mark. A flush of irritation colored

Nicole’s cheeks.

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