CHAPTER HUNDRED AND SIXTY-FOUR

RICHARD’S POV

As soon as I declared checkmate, the arena erupted in cheers. It was like a stadium full of people had just seen the greatest upset in chess history. The roar of the crowd was deafening. I couldn’t help but bask in the glory of the moment.

Victor Tusk, however, was not taking it well. He jumped out of his chair, his face flushed with anger. “You’re cheating! This is outrageous!” he yelled, pointing an accusing finger at me.

I raised an eyebrow and let out a chuckle. “Cheating? Really? You’re just sour because you lost.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me!” Tusk continued to fume. “This is a complete travesty!”

I shrugged, unbothered. “Look, if you think I’m cheating, we can settle this by bringing in some chess masters. The game’s recorded, after all.”

Before Tusk could say another word, officials scurried off to call in the chess masters. The crowd’s murmurs turned into a buzz of curiosity. They were eager to see how this drama would unfold.

The chess masters arrived swiftly,