Chapter 470

Then he remembered.

This was Sophia's brother.

It made sense that he saw through his intentions and was annoyed.

Brothers protect their sisters.

He quickly put on a smile. "You're right, Sebastian. I've delivered the invitation. I won't disturb you further."

Zachary Wang took his leave politely.

The grandmother saw him to the door.

Caleb Watson also prepared to leave. "Thank you for your hospitality, Grandma. The food was delicious, and the strawberries were very sweet. I should head back now."

"Won't you stay for dinner?"

"No, no," Caleb waved his hands quickly. "I have things to do."

"Alright. Come visit often."

"Okay."

Caleb turned to put on his shoes.

Sophia instructed the driver. "Uncle Moore, please see him out."

Caleb said, "That's not necessary. I can get back to the lab myself."

"Who said anything about the lab?"

"Huh?"

"Uncle Moore, take him to the MIT gate. Make sure he goes inside."

Back to the lab?

Another all-nighter?

Not a chance.

Caleb surrendered.

He trudged out dejectedly and got into the car.

Sebastian watched Caleb comply, then his eyes fell on Alexander Laurent still standing there. He found him increasingly irritating.

"Professor Laurent, not busy lately?"

The dismissal was clear.

Alexander acted oblivious. He nodded. "The project's wrapped up. Not busy at all."

"..."

"It's getting late. So you...?" Sebastian checked his watch.

Alexander played along. "Alright. I'll head back. There are leftovers in the fridge. Just heat them up. Grandma, thank you for today. Take care during the season change. I'll visit again soon."

"Absolutely not!" Florence Atlante refused to let him leave. "Leftovers? We have fresh, hot food right here!"

"But..." Alexander feigned hesitation.

"No buts! It's decided. You're staying for dinner!"

"Well... alright then."

"Good!" The old lady beamed.

Sebastian: "..."

'Leftovers in the fridge heat up just fine' indeed!

He was doing this on purpose!

Alexander spread his hands and shrugged at Sebastian. Grandma insisted. What could I do?

Sebastian's jaw tightened.

His murderous intent was barely concealed.

Isaac Atlante emerged from the study.

"I heard the Shaw Family sent someone?"

The old lady nodded. "Young master Zachary delivered the invitation personally. His family's patriarch is celebrating his birthday next month."

"Thought it was something major. Secretaries or assistants can handle these things. No need for a personal visit."

Florence said, "I thought so too, but the child said it showed sincerity."

Isaac nodded, satisfied.

"Alexander, do you have time?"

"I do. What do you need, Grandfather?"

"Hahaha... nothing needing, nothing needing. Come, play a few games of Go with me."

"Alright."

The old and the young sat down and began placing stones.

Sophia stood watching for less than ten minutes before she started yawning.

Forget it. A nap sounds better.

Sebastian also had work to handle and went upstairs with her.

"Sophia—"

Sebastian spoke just before she entered her room.

Sophia paused and turned. "What is it, Sebastian?"

That one word, "Sebastian," lodged everything he wanted to say in his throat.

After a long moment, he spoke again. "Nothing. If the blankets are too thin, just say the word. Ask the maid to change them."

"Okay."

...

Sophia woke up two hours later.

She went downstairs and found Isaac and Alexander exactly as before, sitting opposite each other, holding stones, deep in thought.

She wondered if she'd even slept.

"Sophia's up? Come help me take a look!" The old man waved her over. "This Alexander is something else! He's beaten me twice already!"

Alexander chuckled. "You've won against me too, haven't you?"

"Not as many times as you've won!"

Sophia walked over, smiling. "I'm not very good. I only know the basics."

The old man said, "Some things are clearer to an outside perspective! Sophia, take a look at this group for me. Any way to break out?"

"Let me see..."

Sophia studied the board carefully.

"Actually, this group can—"

"Sophia," Alexander interrupted her. "Spectators don't speak."

She immediately fell silent, giving the old man an apologetic smile. See, it's not that I won't help.

Isaac: "??"

This Alexander!

Couldn't he let an old man win?

But...

Isaac loved playing against someone this serious.

What was the point of letting him win?

It was just patronizing!

Soon, the situation on the board became clear. Alexander advanced triumphantly.

Isaac surrendered his stones with a sigh. "I lose. Alexander, your skills are impressive!"

"You flatter me."

Sebastian came downstairs. "How about I play a game with Professor Laurent?"

Alexander raised an eyebrow. "...It would be an honor."

Their eyes met. The atmosphere instantly grew tense.

Isaac gave up his seat. Sebastian sat down.

Alexander asked, "Black or white?"

Black moves first, holding the advantage.

Sebastian casually picked up the white stones in front of him. "This is fine. No need to trouble with switching."

The old man had played white last. Sebastian sat in his seat, so white stones were naturally at hand.

This Alexander had to ask. Hah...

Who did he think he was looking down on?

First game. Sebastian wasn't warmed up. Alexander won quickly.

The second game lasted longer. Sebastian seized an opportunity, employed a "relieve the besieged by besieging the base of the besiegers" tactic, and successfully evened the score.

Third game. The decider.

Neither acted rashly anymore. From the first move, they laid out their strategies cautiously.

The old lady watched for a while, couldn't sit still any longer, and went into the kitchen to busy herself.

The old man and Sophia stood watching, utterly fascinated.

Especially Isaac. As the game progressed, with every move, his expression grew more serious.

Anyone watching would think he was the one playing.

Sebastian executed a "bolt the door and beat the dog" move, capturing a group of Alexander's black stones.

The old man exclaimed, "Oh no!" and slapped his thigh. "Alexander, you got careless!"

His tone was full of regret.

Alexander remained calm. He placed a stone. Sebastian's formation in the upper left corner instantly collapsed.

"Eh? Eh? That works?!" The old man was astonished. "An immediate reversal! Light after darkness!"

But Sophia shook her head. "No. The Professor's previous move was probably intentional. Lure the enemy in deep, then annihilate them in one fell swoop."

"Ah— You're right!"

They went back and forth, chasing, biting, the situation deadlocked.

No one knew how much time passed. The game still wasn't over.

The old lady peeked out from the kitchen several times, muttering under her breath. "What game never ends? Are we eating or not?"

Finally—

"Triple ko?!" Isaac exclaimed in surprise.

Alexander and Sebastian locked eyes.

It was like blades clashing, ringing with fury.

Alexander Laurent tapped the chessboard lightly with his fingertips.

"Impressive game, Mr. Evans."

Sebastian Evans glanced up coolly.