Chapter 287


    After Noelle left with the thermos, Charles turned his gaze back to Sebastian’s piercing eyes, which


    seemed capable of seeing through one’s soul.


    Charles smiled calmly, unfazed by the intense scrutiny. How about a game of chess, sir?”


    Sebastian snorted but stood up nheless. “Fine. Let’s go to the study.”


    Charles followed Sebastian, his smile unwavering. Despite his age, Sebastian was still spry, moving


    with a youthful vigor. Once they reached the study, Charles easily found the chessboard and set it


    up, waiting for Sebastian to join him.


    Sebastian nced at Charles. “Don’t think that just because Noelle spoke up for you, I’ve forgiven


    you. Noelle is my granddaughter, and I know her temperament well.”


    “You’re right, sir,” Charles replied, setting up the chess pieces. “I’ve always known of your skill in


    chess since our school days. How about you give me a two–piece advantage?”


    “You wish!” Sebastian shot Charles a sideways nce. “Don’t think I don’t know what you’re up to.


    When I introduced Noelle to you, you didn’t show much interest. I could tell you weren’t particrly


    eager. You two have no foundational emotional bond.”


    Sebastian moved his first piece, his sharp eyes fixed on Charles.


    Charles was unperturbed. He moved a ck piece on the board. He smiled and picked up another


    ck piece, ying with it between his fingers. “With all due respect, feelings can develop


    unexpectedly and can also be nurtured.”


    N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    He moved his piece on the board and continued, “My feelings for Nelly happened suddenly, but for


    Nelly, it was a gradual process.”


    Sebastian was taken aback by Charles‘ candor.


    He remembered his student as someone who, despite his youth, was veryposed. During his


    school years, Sebastian believed Charles had great potential and was destined for significant


    achievements. Charles had always been someone who acted without making a fuss, yet he always


    achieved his goals. The reason Sebastian introduced Charles to his granddaughter Noelle was


    precisely because of these qualities. Noelle was gentle andcked the assertiveness needed to


    navigate life’s challenges alone. She needed someone like Charles who could provide protection


    and support.


    However, Noelle had been involved in another rtionship at the time and had not been receptive


    to his arrangement.


    Sebastian was not one to force matters, and he had let it go when he saw Noelle wasn’t interested.


    Yet now, not long after, they were married. If he had not found out by chance, he would still be in the


    dark. Though both Noelle, his beloved granddaughter, and Charles, his prized student, were dear to


    him, Sebastian could not help but feel some anger. Hence, his genuine anger the previous evening.


    Charles moved another piece on the board and, seeing Sebastian’s expression, paused before


    speaking. Sir, are you worried about the depth of my feelings for Nelly? Or do you doubt my


    intentions?”


    Sebastian looked up. “Are your feelings for Noelle genuine?”


    Charles hesitated. It was a rare moment of silence for him.


    He met Sebastian’s gaze, and after a long pause, he spoke. “To be honest, my methods in marrying


    Nelly were not entirely honorable. Since you asked, I won’t lie. Nelly is the one I want to spend my


    life with.”