Chapter 4

Vespera arrived at the Munoz residence at 11:40 am. The butler, Walter Osland, was visibly startled to see her. He knew another guest was expected today but hadn't realized it would be Vespera. His forehead broke into a cold sweat at the thought of Luke and Tina in the living room. Very few people knew about Vespera and Luke's marriage. Aside from their parents, only a handful of close aides, including Osbert and Walter, were aware of the truth. "This way." Walter had no choice but to follow Felicia's instructions. He braced himself as he led Vespera inside. Before they reached the living room, a sweet, affectionate voice rang out. "I won again. Luke, were you letting me win on purpose?" Vespera stopped in her tracks. Her mind suddenly went blank. Then, everything became crystal clear. She couldn't help but let out a cold laugh before entering the living room. Vespera had been shifting her books earlier, so she hadn't bothered with makeup today. She was dressed casually in a loose white shirt and jeans. Her long hair was gathered into a loose ponytail with a simple ribbon. Yet, even in such an understated look, her skin remained fair, and her dark eyes were striking against the natural redness of her lips. A few stray strands of hair fell against her cheek, adding an unintentional touch of allure to her beauty. Luke was taken aback to see Vespera. "Why are you—" "Your mom called me over," Vespera interrupted coolly. She glared at Luke and continued, "Weren't you supposed to be in Holsword? When did you learn to teleport?" Luke was at a loss for words as a flicker of guilt flashed across his eyes. Tina rose from the couch and walked up to Vespera, extending a hand with a provocative smile. "Hello, I'm Tina Sowle." Vespera didn't spare her a glance, treating her as if she were nothing more than air. Just then, Felicia entered the living room. She cast a brief look at Vespera before affectionately holding Tina's hand. "Did you have fun today? Make yourself at home." Then, she introduced Vespera. "This is Ms. Vespera Gildon. She works at Eclipse Group. I asked her to come over for a discussion." Everyone knew Vespera was Luke's wife. Yet Felicia deliberately reduced her to nothing more than a company employee, making it clear she had no intention of acknowledging her as family. This also told Tina that Vespera was insignificant and didn't threaten Luke and Tina's impending marriage. Tina lifted her chin proudly. "Oh? She's just a company employee?" Vespera didn't react to either of them. Instead, she turned her gaze to Luke and watched him in silence. She wanted to see how he would respond. However, Luke merely sat there, his face as cold and indifferent as ever, making no effort to correct the insult. Did he not understand what was happening? No. He understood perfectly. He just didn't care if she was humiliated. Vespera turned to Felicia and said, "Mrs. Munoz, didn't you call me here for a discussion? Let's just speak here." "We can discuss another day. Since you're already here, stay for lunch." "I won't be staying for lunch. I have other matters to attend to." With that, Vespera turned to leave. Felicia bellowed, "How can you show such disrespect when an elder invites you to a meal? Where are your manners?" Vespera turned and looked at her. After a short pause, she said, "Okay. I'll stay for lunch. Just don't regret it." Then, she walked over and chose a single-seat chair for herself. Tina sat beside Luke and wrapped her arm around his. "Let's continue our game." Luke pulled his arm away and looked at Vespera. "Do you know how to play checkers, Ms. Gildon?" Vespera glanced at the exquisite set on the table and quickly noticed the game strategy. It was such a simple setup, and yet Luke lost. So, he did know how to humor someone. Just not her. Vespera lifted her gaze and smirked at Luke. "I do. Would you like to play, Ms. Sowle?" Luke's expression darkened slightly, his gaze flashing with warning. Tina confidently reset the board. "White or black, Ms. Gildon?" Vespera picked up a black piece and said, "Black. Seems fitting for me." Luke was speechless, while Felicia and Tina were about to laugh at her self-deprecation—plenty of people got shaded, but few shaded themselves. Yet, after a few seconds, they realized she wasn't mocking herself. She was mocking them. Tina clenched her teeth and made the first move. Piece by piece, the game unfolded. Felicia noticed how strategically Tina had placed her pieces while Vespera's moves seemed scattered and aimless. She was biased toward Tina, so she didn't analyze the game carefully. Then, Felicia shot Luke a look. That was the difference between a well-bred lady from a prestigious family and a nobody. However, Luke showed no reaction. The game continued, and each time Tina thought she was about to win, Vespera blocked her path. Her emotions fluctuated with each turn, and she grew increasingly impatient. Still, she reassured herself that the match would end in a draw even if she couldn't win. It was disgraceful to tie with Vespera, after all. "Your move," Vespera said. Tina had already placed three pieces in a hidden corner. If she could just add one more, victory was hers. She feigned composure and made her move. Then, she anxiously watched and prayed that Vespera didn't notice. When Vespera placed her next piece elsewhere, Tina declared triumphantly, "I win!" Felicia immediately applauded in delight. However, they soon watched in stunned silence as Vespera began calmly collecting the pieces. They noticed that she had already won the game. Felicia and Tina went pale.