Chapter 304

There were only two Azure Mermaid’s Tears in existence-priceless heirlooms of the Richards family.
To show the world just how much Caitlin meant to them, Dowager Hannah Richards, after discussing with her eight sons, decided to present one of these legendary jewels to Caitlin.
If Caitlin were to lose the Azure Mermaid’s Tear to Sally, it wouldn’t just mean the loss of a family treasure; it would be a public humiliation for both the Richards and Gonzales families.
But if Caitlin refused Sally’s challenge now, she’d lose her credibility as the Gonzales heiress. The whole ballroom would have a field day at her expense.
Keira’s brow furrowed at Sally’s words. What on earth was Sally trying to pull? Did she think the Gonzales family was so defenseless? How dare she treat Freya like this!
Keira was about to step forward, but Caitlin caught her arm. “Grandma, I can handle this,” Caitlin said softly.
Just those few words were enough to calm Keira. She nodded in reassurance.
Caitlin turned to Sally. “Miss Lowell, if this is going to be a competition, let’s make it fair. The Azure Mermaid’s Tear is a Richards family heirloom-there are only two in the world. If you lose, what do you have that’s worthy of being my stake?”
Without hesitation, Sally unclasped her necklace. “This is the Ocean’s Heart. It’s been in my family since my great-great-grandfather’s time. Tell me, Miss Gonzales, do you have the guts to gamble with me?”
Caitlin smiled, cool and composed. “Why wouldn’t I?”
Her words left the crowd stunned.
“Has Miss Gonzales lost her mind? Sally’s undefeated-a national champion!” someone whispered.
“They say no one in the chess world has ever beaten Sally… except for N.”
This mysterious N had once taken the international chess scene by storm, but retired two years ago. N’s true identity was shrouded in secrecy-never showing their face at tournaments, always masked and capped, verifying their identity by fingerprint. No one even knew N’s gender. With official protection, N was a living legend.
Could Caitlin really outplay someone like N? Impossible!
Sally was so confident in her victory, she was willing to wager her own family heirloom-she knew she wouldn’t lose.
Caitlin’s declaration sent a ripple of shock through Fortune Kensington and Hannah. Hannah anxiously turned to her sons. “Warren, Willis, all of you think of something to help Freya! She’s about to be bullied by an outsider, and the Azure Mermaid’s Tear is one of our family’s most treasured possessions!”
Warren Richards grinned. “Don’t worry, Mom. Freya isn’t reckless. She wouldn’t risk the Azure Mermaid’s Tear if she wasn’t sure. Besides, she’s a Richards by blood! When have we ever failed to handle a little challenge like this?”
Willis nodded in agreement. “Big brother’s right. Mom, Freya just arrived in the Capital-what better way for her to show everyone that the Gonzales heiress and the Richards family princess aren’t to be underestimated?”
The other six uncles all nodded emphatically.
Only then did Hannah and Fortune finally relax.
Sally looked at Caitlin and continued, “Miss Gonzales, I am a professional chess player. Facing you hardly seems fair. Even if I win, it’s nothing to brag about. If you want to back out, now’s your chance-once we begin, there’s no going back. Are you sure you don’t want to reconsider?”
“No need. I’ll play you,” Caitlin replied, meeting Sally’s gaze, her words crisp and steady.
Ha. Such arrogance for a country girl.
Sally’s eyes flashed with open mockery. “You seem awfully confident, Miss Gonzales.”
Caitlin smiled back, utterly unruffled. “I just think beating you will be rather easy.” Follow current novᴇls on.net
Her voice was soft, but every word landed with unmistakable strength. Celeste Hayes’s eyes sparkled. “Cyrus, Daniel, look at Catie-she’s so cool!”
Cyrus and Daniel exchanged a glance, pride shining in their eyes.
The rest of Caitlin’s eleven cousins wore identical looks of delight. They all believed in her. If Caitlin hadn’t been sure of herself, she’d never have said those words.
The murmurs in the ballroom grew louder.
“Caitlin must be crazy. Does she even realize who’s standing in front of her? That’s Sally!”
“Looks like the Richards’ family heirloom is about to become a Lowell treasure.” “Losing the family jewel-what a disgrace!”
Sally fixed her eyes on Caitlin and gave a cold laugh. “Once the game begins, there’s no turning back. I’ve already given Miss Gonzales her chance. Everyone here is a witness! One more thing-Miss Gonzales, don’t cry when you lose.”