Chapter 4 Handicap Stones or Handicap the Husband?

Lena had always known Melissa was obsessed with money.

She wasn't surprised that Sylvia had figured out how to win her over.

Soon enough, Melissa tucked away the expensive jewelry set.

Logan pulled out a chess board and set it on the coffee table.

Lena had always known Logan enjoyed chess. They used to play together often.

When he'd first pursued her, he'd said his greatest pleasure was playing chess with Lena—evenly matched opponents, kindred spirits, one of life's true joys.

But judging by the scene before her, he'd probably said the same thing to Sylvia.

"Logan, you know me so well."

Sylvia's sweet voice drifted over. "You brought out the board, and now my hands are itching to play. Will you play a game with me?"

Logan smiled and pinched her nose affectionately. "Silly girl, you're not very good yet. You'll cry if you lose, and then I'll have to comfort you, won't I?"

"Then let Lena play with me instead."

Sylvia suddenly looked up, her gaze landing precisely on Lena standing at the corner of the stairs, a flash of challenge in her eyes.

"I heard Lena is excellent at chess—that Logan taught her himself. I'd love to learn from her."

Everyone's eyes followed Sylvia's gaze toward Lena.

Lena was mildly surprised. From Sylvia's demeanor, it seemed she'd known Lena was there all along.

When had she noticed? And she'd managed to wait this long.

Melissa had just finished putting away the jewelry. Seeing the scene, her expression darkened immediately. "What are you doing here?"

Her tone suggested Lena didn't belong there at all.

Well, she wasn't wrong. With the divorce imminent, Lena really didn't belong here anymore.

Lena descended the stairs slowly, her gaze sweeping over Logan.

Surprisingly, a flicker of guilt crossed his face. He instinctively shifted away from Sylvia, as if trying to create distance.

But the small gap was meaningless—clearly, he couldn't bear to move further.

"I just came to pick something up. I'll be leaving shortly."

Lena's voice was calm. "Please, continue. I won't interrupt."

"Since you're here, play a game with Sylvia."

Melissa had heard Sylvia's request. Her tone wasn't a suggestion—it was an order.

When Lena didn't move, Melissa's brow furrowed. "Sylvia rarely visits. What's the harm in playing one game with her? Don't be so petty."

Petty? Lena nearly laughed out loud.

But she understood the subtext in Melissa's words.

This was clearly a hint: be smart, leave quickly, and vacate the wife's position.

Lena ignored Melissa and looked at Logan instead.

She wanted to see what this man she'd once loved to her core would say.

Logan avoided her gaze, clearing his throat awkwardly before raising his voice with false confidence.

"Lena, it's just one game. It won't take long. Play with Sylvia."

"Yes, Lena."

Sylvia smiled innocently. "I'm just humbly asking for your guidance. Since Logan trained you so well, I naturally want to experience it for myself."

She deliberately emphasized "trained," her words dripping with mockery.

Lena ignored her and sat down at the coffee table.

"Lena."

Logan suddenly called out, his voice hesitant at first, then firm. "Sylvia just learned recently. Go easy on her."

Go easy on her. Fine. Lena didn't want to play this game anyway. She'd make a few careless moves and lose quickly.

But when her fingers touched the chess pieces, memories of the past five years flooded back—all those games she and Logan had played together.

On countless sleepless nights, they'd curl up on the sofa under a dim lamp.

From Go to chess, from strategy to philosophy.

He'd said Lena was his soulmate, that no one else in the world could understand his moves the way she did.

Yet now, he stood before another woman, united with her, telling Lena to hold back. How ironic.

Lena's expression gradually hardened. Her moves became faster and faster, almost without thought.

Sylvia started out smiling, but soon her smile froze, then vanished completely.

On the board, Lena's black stones surrounded Sylvia's white stones completely, blocking every possible move like a meticulously woven net.

How was this happening?

Sylvia bit her lip, beads of sweat forming on her forehead.

Lena calmly placed another stone. "Your turn."

Sylvia gritted her teeth and struggled on.

Within three minutes, the situation had become disastrous.

Sylvia's dragon was slaughtered, her corners occupied. The entire board showed no path to survival.

This wasn't about winning or losing anymore—it was absolute domination.

Melissa didn't understand chess, but seeing her future daughter-in-law humiliated, her expression soured. Logan's brow furrowed deeper.

Lena placed her final stone, ending the game.

"You lost."

"Lena, you're amazing!"

When Sylvia looked up, her eyes were red-rimmed, her voice tearful. "I'm completely outmatched. I humiliated myself."

"I'm sorry, Lena. You really didn't have to be so harsh. I didn't mean anything by it."

"Lena, how could you treat Sylvia like this?" Seeing Sylvia bullied, Logan couldn't contain himself. He pointed at Lena accusingly. "You're already strong at chess, and Sylvia's just a beginner. Why did you have to crush her so completely? Couldn't you have held back a little?"

Lena looked up at him, her eyes as calm as stagnant water. "Why should I hold back?"

Logan froze, stumped by the question.

He opened his mouth but couldn't find a rebuttal.

Yes, why should she? Was it really just about one game of chess? Or was it about handing over her husband?

"I'm sorry, Lena. It's all my fault."

Seeing them about to argue, Sylvia hurriedly stood up.

But her hand accidentally knocked over a teacup on the table, sending scalding tea splashing everywhere.

Sylvia shrieked and instinctively hid behind Logan.

Some of the hot tea splashed onto Lena's arm. The burning pain made her gasp.

A small patch of skin turned red. At the worst spot, tiny blisters were already forming.

"Sylvia, are you okay?"

Logan didn't even glance at Lena. He immediately grabbed Sylvia's hand and examined it carefully. "Did you get burned? Does it hurt? Let me blow on it."

Melissa rushed over too. "Oh my! Sylvia's hands are precious! What if she scars?"

"Quick, get the first aid kit."

The servants scrambled to tend to Sylvia. Not one person looked at Lena, much less asked if she was alright.

Lena looked at the alarming red patch on her arm and suddenly found it all very funny.

But it didn't matter anymore. Lena stood and walked toward the exit.

"Stop right there!"

Logan's furious voice came from behind her.