"Elijah?"Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    "Technically, it''s Caspian." The private investigatorid out the facts: "Caspian''s timing was almost too perfect, nearly ovepping with Isaac''s disappearance."


    Piper''s expression froze: "You mean, Caspian is Isaac?"


    How could that be?


    After that car crash, Isaac was dered missing, presumed gone for good.


    The Lte family scoured all of Craneville and found no trace of him. How could he possibly now be Caspian?


    And if he really were Isaac, why would he be working for Elijah?


    "We can''t be sure yet."


    "What about Brittany? Any progress?"


    "Ms. Lte''s records have been wiped clean, but rumor has it she''s been resting at home, staying away from the public eye." The investigator seemed to recall something else: "She was reportedly seen at the hospital a while back." "Look into it."


    "Will do."


    After hanging up, Piper was steeped in confusion.


    But before she could ponder any further, the much-anticipated inter-school chess tournament was about to begin.


    Though it was just an inter-school event, the chess club members were all fired up, determined to make a strong showing.


    The preparation for the tournament was nothing short of spectacr, capturing the attention of the entire town on the day of the event.


    Brittany was among the invited guests.


    Piper led her team into the venue,ing face to face with the Wndia team.


    Before the first match could start, Wndia''s representative yer made some bold ims in front of the media that nearly set the chess club off.


    Their yer, a renowned young chess prodigy from Craneville, faced off in a fierce battle.


    Brittany watched with keen interest.


    Eltham, ncing at her profile, was smitten: "Bri, you seem really into chess. Why didn''t you join the chess club?"


    "I''m no pro, just somewhat knowledgeable."


    Brittany felt there was still a significant gap between her and the professional yers.


    Eltham agreed: "This tournament is crucial. I hope wee out on top."


    As the first match concluded, Wndia''s yer demonstrated exceptional skill,pletely outying Craneville''s contender.


    At the moment of victory, their yer boasted: "So this is Craneville''s so-called prodigy. Not much to speak of!"


    The young yer, cheeks flushed with anger, managed to keep his emotions in check as he respectfully exited the stage. Following their win, Wndia''s morale was sky-high: "Who else dares to challenge me?"


    Piper scowled.


    Wace stood up: "I will."


    Their yer scoffed, clearly underestimating Wace.


    As the chess club''s top talent, Wace''s skill was unmatched. In less than half an hour, he had his opponent begging for mercy. "This time, consider it a lesson."


    Wace''s approach shifted from his usual calm to a fierce, aggressive style, dominating the game.


    The defeated yer left in a huff.


    Per the rules, Wace''s win allowed him to continue to the next match.


    Wndia''s delegation turned to Ulysses: "Ulysses, your turn."


    Against Wace, only Ulysses stood a chance.


    Ulysses, who had been dozing off from the start,zily opened his eyes: "If I y, they won''t stand a chance."


    The delegation was silent...


    They knew of his prowess, but his confidence bordered on arrogance.


    "Go on, then."


    Ulysses stood, slowly approaching Wace.


    The anticipation was clear on Wace''s face as he got ready: "Please, take a seat."


    Ulysses smiled faintly, settling down with ease.


    "Do you prefer a graceful loss or an embarrassing one?"


    Wace''s expression darkened: "Ulysses, we haven''t even started, and you''re already this cocky?"