The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 1496

Alma stood amidst the crowd, her mind a whirl of confusion.

The chess game had reached a point where it seemed to be at a dead end.

Regardless of which side made the next move, it appeared there was no correct play to be made.

At the previous university tournament, Alma had boldly challenged Arabella to a game of chess, only to be utterly defeated within moments.

It was then that Mr. Albright graced the backstage, engaging Arabella in a game that left the onlookers in utter disbelief. To everyone's astonishment, Arabella bested Mr. Albright, the undisputed chess maestro. Even more astonishing was when Mr. Albright openly praised Arabella's exceptional talent, admitting that she had surpassed her mentor and even considering her as his potential successor.

The level of Arabella's chess play had shocked Alma then, but now, as she gazed upon the complex board Arabella had devised, the sense of awe washed over her with even greater intensity.

If Arabella had indeed concocted this intricate game on her own, her unfathomable skill far surpassed that of all the chess masters present, combined.

The thought of her previous victory over Mr. Albright didn't seem so surprising anymore.

With only two minutes left, Mr. Albright, wearing a contented smile, signaled his servant to bring forth his favorite chess set. Carefully placing the pieces according to Arabella's design, he crafted the enigmatic scenario on the board.

"Time is up." Mr. Albright announced cheerily, addressing the guests, "Would anyone care to step up and give it a try?"

The guests exchanged glances, none daring to approach the daunting chess puzzle before them.

Many of them dreamed of becoming his sole mentee, but this challenge was clearly beyond them.

"Lindsay, go on up," urged Bluno, Lindsay's father and a successful man. His life's experiences had taught him the importance of seizing opportunities.

Now, with no one presenting a solution, if his daughter dared to try, even without a strategy, her courage alone might draw Mr. Albright's attention.

"Dad, I'm truly at a loss," Lindsay’s words was not of modesty but of genuine cluelessness.