Pampered By The Ruthless Underground Boss - Chapter 576

Chapter 576:

If Khloe hadn’t already won the previous two rounds, Cara’s participation might have been seen as unfair, even cruel. Beating Khloe under normal circumstances could easily be viewed as bullying.

But this time was different.

Khloe’s earlier victories shifted the narrative. If Cara managed to defeat her now, it wouldn’t just be a win—it would cement Cara’s reputation in the chess world. From that point onward, she would be celebrated as a rising prodigy.

Lindy, however, wasn’t feeling as confident.

After witnessing Etta’s and Letty’s humiliating defeats, unease began to creep in. Known for her mastery of traditional painting, Lindy had a sharp sense for recognizing danger.

Winning against Khloe would bolster her reputation, but a loss? That would be disastrous, tarnishing the name she’d worked so hard to build.

“Cara, maybe we should just stop here,” Lindy said hesitantly, noticing everyone staring at her. “If I lose, it’ll be because my skills weren’t strong enough. I can accept that. A false reputation isn’t something I care about. But the contract tied to this bet… That’s a different matter.”

Naomi’s fleeting confidence shattered the moment Lindy finished speaking. Her expression changed, and doubt crept into her eyes.

Lindy was right. What if they truly lost? The humiliation she would face would be unbearable. And would Khloe really let her off the hook without making her fulfill the terms of the bet?

Sensing Naomi’s growing unease, Lindy turned to Sheri and said, “The purpose of today’s competition was to evaluate Khloe’s skills. She’s proven herself more than capable. There’s no need to carry on.” Continuing the contest would only risk not just Naomi’s dignity but Sheri’s as well.

Sheri’s lips tightened into a thin line, her displeasure evident. But Lindy’s reasoning was hard to argue with. After a tense moment, Sheri gave a reluctant nod.

Turning to Khloe, Lindy softened her tone. “Let’s end the competition here. We can call it a draw. What do you say?”

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Lindy was certain Khloe would agree. A draw wouldn’t hurt Khloe’s reputation.

But Khloe’s response was unexpected. A faint smile tugged at her lips, but her eyes were cold as she replied firmly, “I don’t agree.”

Lindy stood frozen, disbelief etched across her face.

She had suggested a draw, a move that would have deftly reduced the stakes and softened the blow of a potential defeat for Khloe. But Khloe had outright refused, shattering any notion of compromise.

In that instant, the garden bore witness to the unshakable resolve radiating from Khloe—her expression an unspoken declaration that, whether in chess or painting, victory was hers to claim.

But how could this be possible?

Even Naomi and Sheri stood dumbfounded, their eyes wide with astonishment as they gawked at Khloe. Neither had ever believed she would persist in continuing the competition.

Naomi flushed with fury, her face a deep crimson as she jabbed a trembling finger toward Khloe. “Khloe, you need to learn your limits! Don’t think we’re scared of you!”

Khloe responded with a quiet, derisive laugh, her gaze brushing past Naomi with an air of effortless indifference. “If you’re not afraid, then let’s proceed. What’s stopping you?”

Naomi choked on her words, momentarily silenced.

Her fear was undeniable, but confessing it would be tantamount to surrendering her dignity before Khloe.

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