Chapter 287

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 nonetheless. “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 glanced 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 glance. “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 particularly 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 black piece on the board. He smiled and picked up another black piece, playing with it between his fingers. “With all due respect, feelings can develop unexpectedly and can also be nurtured.”

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 very composed. 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 and lacked 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 relationship 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.”