Chapter 156 No Mercy. 

Chapter 156 No Mercy 

“Three seconds till the final round begins. Any players not seated, please take your seat immediateh 

The announcement rang out, jolting Linda from her thoughts. 

Tears spilled from her reddened eyes–fast, heavy, and unstoppable. 

She sat down, but the sorrow etched on her face was impossible to hide. 

“Mr. Eric …” 

Her voice trembled as she choked back a sob. 

“I’ve got black, but can I go first?” 

Something in her words seemed to stir Eric. Slowly, he lifted his gaze toward her. 

“He looked up! Is he finally moved?” 

“Ugh, what a twist of fate–her love’s going to waste.” 

“I came here for a chess match, not some soap operal” 

“Take your melodrama elsewhere!” 

“Even a CEO can’t fight destiny? This is brutal.” 

“Is he about to say, “Sorry, I can’t marry you“?” 

“Oof! That one hit me right in the chest.” 

The livestream chat was blowing up–and that didn’t even begin to compare to the stunned silence in the actual venue. 

Even the seasoned host, usually quick with a joke or comment, dared not speak, afraid to break the tension between the two. 

Back in the lounge, Daniel couldn’t even bring himself to glance at Alice. 

With her temper, she might just flip a table. 

He was silently screaming in his mind. 

Boss, for the love of everything, pull yourself together! Our lives are still in Mrs. Nolan’s hands! really cares about you suffer! 

let the one who 

“Daniel. 

“Y–yes?” 

He flinched at the sound of Alice’s voice and turned toward her, forcing an awkward smile. 

Chapter 156 No Mercy 

“Mrs. Nolan, is there something I can help you with?” 

Only then did he realize–Alice wasn’t angry, 

In fact, she was staring at him with a teasing glint in her eye, as if she was trying not to laugh. 

Daniel blinked. “What?” 

Alice chuckled softly. “You were shaking so much just now, you blocked my view of the match 

Daniel was speechless. 

Sure. Laugh it up. It must be nice having nerves of steel. 

Meanwhile. I’m just the errand boy who checks if it’s Tuesday before I can order fried chicken. 

T–this is how miserable my life is. 

Who could ever understand the quiet misery of the working class? 

He silently stepped aside and stood pitifully behind Alice–tall, gangly, and completely defeated. 

Alice had no words. 

This Daniel–over six feet tall, but a total weakling. 

Back in the competition hall, Eric finally lifted his head. 

Finally, the audience got a clear look at his expression–and it wasn’t what they expected. 

His brows were furrowed in clear annoyance. 

He looked at Linda like she was some annoying piece of gum stuck to his shoe. 

“You’re about to run out of time, he said coldly. 

Everyone was shocked. 

Viewers in the livestream were dumbstruck. “What?” 

The room froze for a full second. 

Linda’s face twisted in shame and frustration. 

Her pride stung, but she forced herself to make the opening move. Her black piece landed on the board with a shaky hand. 

Eric didn’t even pause to think, He placed a white piece immediately. 

The pressure was on her again. 

But this time, she dared not pull another stunt. 

C 

Chapter 156 No Mercy 

If Eric snapped at her again, she’d never live it down 

Still, when the camera zoomed in, she made sure to wear an expression of quiet understanding–Tone you’re hurting. I won’t blame you–just to win the sympathy of anyone who didn’t know better. 

Soon, the board was filled with black and white. 

“Black’s completely choking white out. 

“There’s nowhere left for the white to go–one more move and it’s over. 

“Mr. Eric has no mercy, huh? He’s seriously crushing on her?” 

“Look–Linda’s crying again.” 

“Is she crying because she lost the match or the man?” 

“Eric’s about to place another piece!” 

Everyone held their breath, waiting for his choice. 

Would he show restraint and leave her some dignity? 

Or go all in–and destroy her completely? 

Eric’s long, lean fingers hovered over the board. Then, slowly, he placed the piece somewhere unexpected. 

The crowd exhaled. 

So… maybe he isn’t entirely heartless after all? 

Maybe he just doesn’t know how to show it. 

“I think this is his way of protesting the marriage, someone whispered. 

“Yeah, and it’s fate that brought them together in this match.” 

“But he was so cold to her just a second ago. 

“Well, yeah–don’t forget, the Spencers did swap brides on him.” 

“Still, it looks like Eric got his point across without saying a word.” 

Those words reached Gary. 

And oddly enough, he felt a little comforted. 

“To be honest,” he said, ‘my little sister and Mr. Eric are actually a good match. Both of them are top graduates.” 

Someone nearby scoffed. 

“Of course you’d say that. They’re both your sisters–one w or another. Can’t lose either way.” 

way 

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Chapter 156 No Mercy 

Gary didn’t answer. But deep down, he knew this wasn’t that simple. 

Alice might be his biological sister–but in his heart, Linda was the one he’d always seen as his real sister 

If Linda could find happiness, that would bring him the most joy. 

As for Alice, if she was willing to step aside, the family would make sure she lived the rest of her life in 

comfort. 

At the very least, she’d never have to worry about food or shelter again.