How could it be him?


    Where''s mom?


    Yuri was right on their heels.


    Eltham opened the passenger door, gently tapping Brittany on the shoulder. "Bri, we''re here."


    Brittany, deep in sleep, woke up with a murmur, lifting her hand to rub her eyes, unbuckling her seatbelt, and slowly getting out of the car. "Thanks for the ride home."


    Eltham, ever the gentleman, folded the nket neatly. "Get some rest early tonight."


    "You too."


    Seeing this, Daniel''s eyes welled up with tears, and he rushed to Brittany''s side, hugging her. "Mom, howe you''re with Uncle Eltham?"Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.


    "Mom was at a dinner party with him tonight," Brittany gently pinched her son''s cheek. "Say goodbye to Uncle Eltham."


    Despite his dislike for Eltham, Daniel, in front of Brittany, still managed a polite, "Uncle Eltham, goodbye."


    Eltham looked down, smiling gently. "Goodbye."


    Eltham walked to the driver''s side, started the car, and left.


    Watching him drive away, Brittany, holding Daniel''s hand, approached Yuri. "Dad, why are you still up thiste?"


    "Daniel was worried, waiting for you toe back."


    Brittany chuckled softly. "Let''s go inside."


    The three of them entered the Lte Mansion, and Daniel clung to Brittany, begging for a bedtime story. Indulging him, Brittany didn''t get him to sleep untilte into the night. Yuri was still up, sitting in the living room, sipping tea.


    "Come here."


    Brittany knew he had something on his mind.


    "I watched yourpetition today," Yuri said gravely. "You did well. Dad is proud of you."


    Brittany indeed had a talent, perfectly inheriting it from Julie.


    "Dad, I''m sorry."


    Brittany softened. "I''ve been causing you worry."


    Yuri waved it off. "You''re my only daughter. Don''t talk like that. Everything I do is for your good."


    He paused, then added, "About your engagement with Eltham, it''s an injustice to you. Do whatever you want to do; dad supports you."


    If it hadn''t been for him, Brittany wouldn''t have had to humble herself and keep up appearances with Eltham.


    Brittany''s eyes reddened. She got up, knelt before Yuri, and held his hand. "Dad, thank you for understanding me."


    Should she and Eltham openly break off, the Lte family would be the first to suffer. She had hesitated, not wanting to drag the Lte family down, but Yuri supported whatever she wanted to do.


    Yuri reached out, patting her head, warmth transferring through his palm. "It''s gettingte, get some rest."


    Brittany didn''t speak for a while, and only when she felt sleepy did she stand up. "Dad, good night."


    Brittany''s performance in thepetition became the talk of Craneville, with every news outlet covering her achievements!


    Suddenly, Brittany became a household name in Craneville!


    The Chess Association reached out, hoping Brittany would join and be a professional yer.


    After Brittany declined, the Chess Association didn''t give up and sought out Keegan to make a personal visit.


    "Ms. Lte, you''re truly talented. I don''t want you to waste it."


    Keegan wished Brittany would agree to be a professional yer right away. That way, Craneville would y a significant part in the future chess world!


    Brittany understood Keegan''s intentions and declined politely. "Keegan, I have many important things to do at the moment. Chess is a hobby, a passion. I don''t want to mix my hobbies with my profession. I hope you can understand." Keegan persisted, "Ms. Lte, don''t you want to make Craneville proud? If you join the Chess Association, all futurepetitions will be a glorious part of your life."


    Sess and fame.


    A legacy for the ages.


    Who could resist such temptation?


    Brittany was indifferent to fame and glory, not wishing for a legacy. "Keegan, I genuinely don''t have the energy to be a professional yer right now. Please understand my decision." Seeing her determination, Keegan had no choice but to relent.