Chapter 33: An Unexpected Encounter

My mind raced. “The Magician? That…”

Uncle Benjamin lowered his gaze, his unshaven face masking his emotions as he remained silent. My brow furrowed instinctively as something clicked—the name sounded familiar.

Lila smiled at me, her eyes twinkling with excitement as she explained, “He’s quite famous! Even non-chess players know him. He comes from old money too, one of those powerhouse types in the industry.”

Being less interested in professional chess, I asked curiously, “Is he really that wealthy? Richer than Yvette?”

After all, Yvette was a crowned figure on the global wealthy list, a business mogul who could make anything happen. By comparing them, I could start to get a sense of The Magician’s…

Lila laughed and gently tapped my head. “Owen, they’re in different leagues; you can’t compare their wealth directly. But when it comes to fame and status, The Magician is the one to beat. You know, even in business, people sometimes take a loss. But when The Magician speaks in the chess world, everyone listens.”

She continued, “Think of it this way: anyone can be rich, but only the best—those who are both skilled and wealthy—can truly thrive in the chess world.”

I gave her a thumbs-up. “That’s impressive. It’d be great to meet him.”

However, Uncle Benjamin said coldly, “He’s just a regular guy. Nothing special about him.”

His eyes looked at me, and he reached out to pat my head. “Would you like to learn how to play chess? I could teach you.”

I quickly declined. “No thanks, Uncle Benjamin. I need to focus on my career. Why don’t you teach Lila instead?”

With Nancy paying me so well, I needed to prove my worth rather than pick up new hobbies.

Lila’s eyes lit up at this suggestion, looking hopefully at him. After exchanging a meaningful glance with me, he reluctantly nodded. “Thank you!” Lila exclaimed joyfully.

Uncle Benjamin maintained his stoic expression and replied, “Thank you, Owen.”

Lila turned to me with gratitude: “Thanks, Owen. Benjamin’s probably only improving because of you.”

I smiled and said, “Don’t forget you owe me one. By the way, how’s his condition?”

“Much more stable, though he needs another checkup soon,” she replied.

I nodded and urged them to eat, constantly worried about Uncle Benjamin’s health since my rebirth. After they finished, I went to dispose of the takeout containers.

When I returned, I unexpectedly encountered a familiar figure striding toward me in casual clothes. It was Yvette. Why was she at the hospital? Seeing her brought back memories of her condescending attitude at the office and how she had humiliated me with the divorce.

I tried to slip away, but a firm grip caught my waist, and her magnetic voice cut through the air. “Owen, why are you avoiding me?!”

I yanked my waist free and met her cold stare. “I wasn’t avoiding you. I didn’t even notice you. What do you want?”

Yvette’s brow furrowed as her penetrating gaze seemed to read my soul. “Why didn’t you tell me about your uncle being hospitalized?”

My face paled as my heart skipped a beat. “How did you know? I never mentioned him to you.”

She flashed a faint smile, as if she were in complete control of everything. “It wasn’t hard to find out if you know where to look.”

I pressed my lips together in frustration. “Nancy told you, didn’t she? That big mouth!”

I made a mental note to confront Nancy tomorrow about this betrayal. However, I couldn’t help but wonder when Nancy got so close to Yvette. Perhaps it was really Yvette who was on the phone with Nancy just now.

Yvette ignored my accusation and pressed on. “Did you stand me up because of your uncle?”

I sighed, seeing no point in hiding it anymore. “Yes, he collapsed suddenly that day.”

“Why didn’t you explain when I called?” Yvette asked after a pause.

I laughed at the absurdity. Yvette really was something. Did she not realize what our current relationship was?

With a dismissive chuckle, I replied, “It’s my personal matter, and I can handle it. Now that you know, should we reschedule the divorce proceedings?”

Yvette’s face darkened instantly, her red lips pressing into a thin line.

Just then, a cheerful voice cut through the tension. “Owen, what are you doing standing there? Come have some watermelon!”

I turned to see Lila in a bright yellow hoodie, smiling and waving from the doorway.

My heart tightened for a moment but then eased. In this life, Lila and Yvette didn’t know each other and wouldn’t be clashing like they did in the past.

Yvette’s gaze shifted to Lila, studying her intently before turning back to me with an icy, “Who is she?”

Before I could answer, Lila quickly approached and met Yvette’s gaze directly. “I’m Lila Hawthorne, Owen’s good friend. What a pleasure to meet the famous Ms. Jennings.”

Lilla extended her hand in greeting. However, Yvette merely gave her a cold look without accepting the handshake. She asked, “Owen, have you been with her this whole time?”