Chapter 325 Cheating
"Still upset?" Marcus spoke to him with a deep sense of compassion, embodying kindness in that moment.
Charles's tone softened but still had a hint of sarcasm. "Not mad, just confused why you asked me back if I'm not welcome."
"We never didn't welcome you," Marcus replied, showing his concern. "You're the most accomplished in the family. We used to talk like this; I just didn't realize you were feeling down."
Charles's expression softened a bit; it seemed Marcus really cared. Daphne hadn't lied.
"Can you tell me what happened?" Marcus asked, trying to connect.
Following Daphne's advice, Charles kept it brief. "Nothing."
"It's because of Daphne, isn't it?" Marcus blurted out.
Charles looked over again.
Marcus picked up the kettle to pour water, intending to chat slowly.
But Charles took the kettle and poured the water for him. This familiar action surprised even himself; it was a reflex.
Marcus's eyes showed guilt.
"Charles," Marcus said seriously, "If you can't win Daphne back, let it go. Given what you did, she won't remarry you."
Most women were soft-hearted, but Daphne was different. She could be soft-hearted, but it never affected her decisions.
"I will win her back," Charles said. "She's already forgiven me for the past."
Marcus was initially pleased, then sighed. Daphne's forgiveness probably meant she didn't want any further connection.
"Go see your mom later," Marcus said, noticing Charles's poor state. "It's my fault; don't let your mom suffer too."
"Okay." Charles nodded.
After telling him to rest, Marcus stood up and left.
Watching Marcus leave, Charles felt a pang and stood up. "Grandpa."
Marcus paused, eyes flickering with emotion.
"I'm sorry," Charles apologized, not wanting Marcus to worry. "I was impulsive."
"Recognize your impulsiveness, go apologize to your mom," Marcus advised, looking rejuvenated and somewhat proud. "If your mom frets excessively, your dad will certainly intervene."
This way of interacting was strange but warm, giving a sense of strength.
After Marcus left, Charles went to find Laura.
Following Daphne's advice, he disguised his personality and made up a reason for feeling unwell.
Laura, his mom, sensed something was off during their chat.
However, she didn't say anything in front of Charles; she waited until he left to ask Hayden, "What's wrong with Charles?"
Hayden played dumb. "Hmm?"
Laura wasn't having it. "Don't play dumb. If you don't tell me, you're not coming into my room tonight."
Hayden kept up the act. "I don't know."
Laura didn't buy it. "I don't believe you."
Hayden insisted. "Really."
Laura thought Hayden was too slick. Just as she was about to switch tactics, Hayden hugged her, his touch gentle and a bit seductive.
Laura could never resist him when he was like this—so improper!
But she wasn't as skilled as Hayden and got sidetracked.
After calming Laura down, Hayden went to find Charles. He was just back and already making Laura worry—he needed to handle this.
When Hayden found Charles, he was on the phone with Daphne, complaining about being scolded and feeling wronged.
"Daphne, can you come pick me up earlier?" Charles's tone had completely changed. "I'm not happy here."
"Really?" Hayden said casually from the doorway.
Charles frowned, sensing Hayden was about to mess things up.
"Your grandpa and Daphne are close," Hayden said, not wanting Marcus and Laura to worry. "If I tell Daphne about your attitude towards your grandpa, what do you think will happen?"
"You wouldn't dare," Charles mouthed.
"Why wouldn't I?" Hayden was calm. "Do you dare to hit me?"
Charles really wanted to hit Hayden. Besides causing trouble, what else was he good for?
He couldn't understand how the previous Charles lived in such a family and stayed so composed.
"Okay," Charles lied to Daphne, "My grandpa asked someone to call me over. I have to hang up now."
After hanging up, Charles's hands clenched at his sides.
"What do you want?" Charles felt Hayden was a real pain.
"Just follow Daphne's instructions," Hayden said seriously. "Your grandpa is old, can't take shocks, and shouldn't worry too much."
Charles had already changed his attitude towards Marcus. "I don't need your reminder."
"Go play chess with your grandpa later," Hayden suggested. "If you don't know how, just download an app to cheat; just don't get caught."
Charles didn't like the suggestion, feeling it implied he was useless.
Due to his lack of memory, he couldn't rapidly grasp the intricacies of chess.After losing badly to Marcus, he ended up cheating.
Marcus initially wondered why Charles's skills had deteriorated, but after the second game started, he dismissed the suspicion.
They both played intently, one seriously, the other multitasking, placing pieces while checking the phone below.
As a result, he didn't notice what was behind him.
Rex came over with freshly brewed coffee. As he passed behind Charles, he saw the phone hidden below and the chess game on it.
The positions of the pieces on the phone and their game seemed identical. What was going on?
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
