The Returned Heiress Who Had It All (Cassia) novel Chapter 230

Chapter 230 Grandmaster–level Players

Chapter 230 Grandmaster–level Players

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One of them was named Randy–the youngest of Mr. Sawyer’s five personal protégés, ranked fifth, yet paradoxically the one Mr. Sawyer trusted the most.

That morning, he stood at the mountain gate, awaiting an honored guest on his mentor’s behalf.

“Randy, it’s been a long time.” Aspen extended his hand.

Randy shook it firmly.

“I hope you’ll go easy on me today, Randy.” Aspen’s primary purpose for coming was to challenge Randy to a chess match, hoping to impress Mr. Sawyer enough to be taken as a student.

His secondary goal, however, was far more tantalizing–to finally meet the legendary player who had once defeated Mr. Sawyer on the international stage.

The one rumored to have accepted Mr. Sawyer’s invitation to today’s gathering.

In the chess world, many had speculated that M Sawyer, humiliated by that crushing defeat, could no longer face the competitive circuit. That was why he had sealed his boards and retreated into the mountains, living in seclusion

But the truth was more nuanced. Though defeated and withdrawn, Mr. Sawyer showed no bitterness. Instead, he took in students generously. From time to time, he even opened his manor to host chess gatherings, inviting masters from all over to play and exchange ideas.

This time, he had gone so far as to invite that elusive player, someone who had barely appeared in public since that international match, to attend the gathering.

By all logic, old rivals meeting again should have meant sparks flying. If Mr. Sawyer truly bore resentment, the invitation should never have been accepted. Yet the legend had agreed

to come.

People said it proved Mr. Sawyer’s magnanimity that he held no grudges and simply wished to befriend a worthy opponent.

But what the truth actually was, no one could say

Aspen wasn’t the only one curious; nearly everyone attending the gathering had come for the same reason. To see what kind of person it took to defeat countless masters, to push Henry Sawyer himself out of the competitive world, and to shake the entire chess community.

“I heard you’ve reached Solid Grandmaster now Randy said. “Last time we met, you were

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Chapter 230 Grandmaster–level Players

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still a FIDE Master. Your talent is remarkable.” He wasn’t merely flattering. Mr. Sawyer had mentioned more than once that Aspen showed promise, though he remained undecided about taking him on.

“You flatter me,” Aspen replied modestly. Remembering his father’s instructions, he turned and began introducing the people beside him.

“These are my younger sisters. This is Brie–something of a polymath, really. Music, art, literature, and chess. She plays at an International Master level.”

As Aspen spoke, Brie glanced at Randy, her expression hesitant yet unmistakably curious.

Randy was a Top 10 Super Grandmaster, hailed as a prodigy since childhood.

She had studied chess since she was young, so his name was one she had known for years.

He is more striking in person than in tournament streams, she noted.

A shame she was already with Kaleb. Otherwise, she might have considered him.

Romance was out of the question, but friendship wasn’t. If she could become close to him, her father would undoubtedly regard her more highly.

“And this is Danica,” Aspen continued. “Like her sister, she’s loved chess from a young age. She’s already reached National Master level.”

Loved chess? Danica scoffed internally. If it weren’t for Dad’s ambitions, I wouldn’t be caught dead in this remote place. Even Brie and Aspen are only here for him.

But one look at Randy’s handsome face made the trip feel slightly less tedious.

At the mention of her own achievement, she lifted her chin proudly.

“Mm. That’s impressive,” Randy said indifferently.

Near adulthood and only reaching amateur levels? He and his fellow disciples had already made names for themselves at that age.

“Shall we, Randy?” Aspen gestured toward the nor gates.

“Our match can wait. I have something important to attend to first.” Randy’s eyes remained fixed on the winding mountain path below.

Where are they?

Aspen followed his gaze. Could he be waiting for the legend?

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Chapter 230 Grandmaster–level Players

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Just then, movement caught his eye. A figure was walking up the path with light, steady steps.

Cassia.

Hadn’t she started up before them? Why was she only arriving now?

“Cassia?” Brie murmured in surprise.

Danica planted her hands on her hips, a smirk playing on her lips. “Bet she got turned away by Randy earlier. Now that she sees we’re allowed in, she’s scrambling back up.”

Randy turned to Aspen. “And this is?”

She looked familiar, somehow.

“She’s also my sister. My father’s eldest daughter‘ Aspen assumed Danica was right–Cassia was trying to slip in with them.

But Randy’s puzzled expression suggested he’d never seen her before.

Then again, many visitors came and went; no one could remember every face.

Randy shook the thought away.

Randy’s brow furrowed with polite regret. “You may not have noticed the rule, Mr. Wood. Mr. Sawyer’s instructions were clear: Only Grandmaster–level players are permitted entry to the manor.”

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