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Novel Catalog
Chapter 92: Play the Game
Mathew gave Kaliyah a cold look, his voice stern. “I don’t teach people. I don’t really enjoy playing chess either. I just wanted Aisy to come over and play a few rounds with me.”
Kaliyah’s expression shifted. The polite mask she had worn faltered, replaced with a touch of frustration. It was clear now that Mathew had no intention of engaging with her, and she didn’t understand why he treated her so harshly. Why did he like Ainsley so much but have such disdain for her?
For the first time, Kaliyah’s tone became sharp. “Mathew, Ms. Easton is an outsider. I am your family.”
Cason immediately scolded, “Kaliyah, stop talking nonsense!”
“What’s the matter, Cason? Am I wrong? In the end, I’m the one you’re going to marry,” Kaliyah shot back, stubbornness creeping into her voice.
Mathew slammed the white piece onto the board, his gaze now piercing. “Cason, don’t you have work to do? Go back to your company. I’m fine here. Just don’t come to irritate me.”
“Grandpa, then I’ll take Kaliyah home. I’m sorry, Ainsley,” Cason said, his voice apologetic, but Ainsley didn’t even acknowledge him as he spoke. She continued her game with Mathew, focusing on the chessboard.
“Let’s go,” Cason said, taking Kaliyah’s hand as they exited the room.
Kaliyah followed him out, clearly upset. “Why did you suddenly come over?” she asked, her voice a mix of frustration and hurt.
“Cason, I was wrong just now. But what I said is true. The person you’re marrying is me. Why is Mathew so harsh toward me? You didn’t even tell me you were coming here, and then I walk in to see the three of you laughing and talking together. It felt like I was the outsider! I just feel wronged. I want to be your family. I know Mathew has never liked me, but I’ve been trying to get along with him, for you,” Kaliyah said, her voice quivering as she held back tears.
Cason’s heart softened at the sight of her distress. He had always found Kaliyah poised and elegant in front of others, but in private, she was fragile. He wanted to comfort her.
“I was too hasty. Grandpa hasn’t been well, and he really likes Ainsley. You know that,” Cason said, trying to explain. “But I’ll bring you over to build a better relationship with him in the future.”
Kaliyah wiped away a tear and fiddled with her hair, her voice still shaky. “Cason, I understand. I won’t make things difficult for you.”
“Let’s go then,” Cason said, his tone softer now.
“I can drive myself. You go back first. I’ll go visit my mom,” Kaliyah suggested, pointing to her car.
“Alright. Be careful on your way,” Cason said, before watching her drive off.
Back at the Baldry mansion, Ainsley and Mathew had played two rounds of chess, with Ainsley losing each time. She was about to make her move when her phone rang. It was Manuel.
Ainsley answered, frowning slightly. “Mr. Gage?”
Manuel’s voice came through with a slight chuckle. “Where are you?”
“I’m at the Baldry’s mansion,” Ainsley replied.
“What are you doing there? Are you done with work?” Manuel asked, sounding a little confused.
Ainsley felt a twinge of defensiveness at his tone. “Mathew wasn’t feeling well, so I came to visit him and play some chess with him.”
“I’ll come pick you up in an hour,” Manuel said, before hanging up abruptly.
Ainsley stared at her phone, confused. What’s going on?
She glanced at Mathew, who was already looking at her with a knowing smile. “Aisy, what’s the matter?”
“It’s just a friend,” Ainsley replied, “He said he’s coming to pick me up later. I’m not sure what it’s about.”
Mathew’s eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of concern passing through them. “You should finish your rounds first. Then you can go.”
“Of course,” Ainsley agreed, although she was still unsure of why Manuel had called her.
Mathew placed another piece on the board, then glanced at her with a mischievous smile. “Aisy, don’t lie to me. I know you could’ve won the last round. You deliberately let me win, didn’t you?”
Ainsley laughed softly. “Mathew, your skills are superb. There’s no way I could beat you. You’re just saying that to make me feel better.”
Mathew smiled knowingly. “Come on, Aisy. Don’t bother with Cason in the future. I can’t stand him looking at you like that.”
Ainsley could hear the bitterness in his voice and nodded understandingly. “I know.”
Mathew sighed, leaning back in his chair as he watched the chessboard. “Ainsley, you’re such a good person, but the Baldry family… they failed you.”
Ainsley understood. Mathew’s words hit her deeply. He genuinely cared for her, and even though they weren’t related by blood, she could feel the bond they shared.
After a few more rounds, Ainsley got up to leave. Mathew watched her go, his eyes lingering on the empty chessboard. It was clear that Ainsley had deliberately made a mistake to let him win, even though the game had been in her favor.
Mathew smiled to himself. Her acting needs work, he thought.
The butler, who had been quietly cleaning up, added, “Mr. Baldry, would you like to try some of the tonics Ms. Packer brought over? They look expensive.”
Mathew glanced at the tonics with a dismissive wave. “Forget it. Just put them away. I’m not interested.”
Outside, Ainsley waited at the door for Manuel. He hadn’t arrived yet. As she stood there, thinking about everything that had just happened, she was suddenly stopped by a familiar voice.
“Ainsley.”
Ainsley turned quickly, startled to see Kaliyah walking toward her with a tense expression.
“You didn’t leave?” Ainsley said, slightly surprised.
Kaliyah’s tone was far from friendly as she walked up. “I’m waiting for you here. There are some things I need to tell you in person.”
Ainsley raised an eyebrow. “Go ahead.”
Kaliyah’s eyes hardened, her words sharp and deliberate. “Ms. Easton, if you’re a smart person, I hope you’ll stay away from Cason. You’ve already divorced him, and I’m about to marry him. If you keep getting close to him, I can’t guarantee that there won’t be negative rumors in the future. Those rumors will affect you too.”
Ainsley sneered, unfazed by Kaliyah’s threats. “Ms. Packer, rather than worrying about me, why don’t you talk to Cason? I’ve already divorced him. I won’t have anything to do with him in the future. Besides, he doesn’t deserve it.”
Kaliyah’s face twisted with anger. “Then why did you come to the Baldry’s house again? And why did you make me look foolish in front of Mathew? Are you proud of that? Mathew doesn’t like me, but he likes you!”
Ainsley wasn’t phased. “You’re wrong. The reason I came here is that Cason said Mathew wasn’t feeling well, and Mathew wanted to see me. As for why Mathew likes me, you shouldn’t be asking me that. I treat him with sincerity, and of course, he likes me.” Ainsley could barely suppress her laughter. Kaliyah really doesn’t get it, does she?
She used to think Kaliyah was a polite, refined person, but now Ainsley saw her for what she truly was: childish and petty.
Kaliyah’s voice grew cold again. “Ms. Easton, I’m just advising you to stay away from other people’s families. Cason doesn’t love you. If he did, he wouldn’t have divorced you for me.”
Ainsley shot Kaliyah a look of disdain. “Family harmony? How ironic. If Cason really cared about harmony, he wouldn’t have treated me the way he did. Don’t worry, Kaliyah, I’m done with him.”
