Ivy had a nagging feeling that Saskia was off tonight, like she was radiating a kind of hostility that was uncharacteristic of her.

Before Saskia could say more, Holden interjected, "Saskia, why are you in here? You're the belle of the ball tonight, come on out. There's a whole crowd waiting for you." Saskia hadn't expected her brother to show up, and she felt a twinge of disappointment that she hadn't managed to expose the truth behind Brittany's seemingly blissful marriage. "Okay."

After the siblings left, Ivy didn't rush out. Instead, she wandered over to the chessboard and surveyed the game in progress.

It was a fierce battle, brimming with aggression. Clearly, this was the work of a master. At a glance, it seemed the black pieces were cornered.

Ivy had a knack for GO and, after studying the board for a moment, sat down and took up the black pieces.

She loved a good challenge, even though the black side faced a disadvantage and a comeback seemed nearly impossible. Still, she wanted to try. As she reached out to make her move, a voice echoed from behind.

"Not there." Brittany had just stepped out when she realized she'd forgotten her wallet and had to turn back.

"Ms. Dustin," Ivy greeted Brittany and continued the conversation, "Why shouldn't I play there?"

"It's a lost cause," Brittany paused, then added, "But it's not without solutions."

She took the black piece and placed it in a spot Ivy hadn't considered, and the impossible situation suddenly unraveled.

"Ms. Dustin, care for another game?" Ivy was surprised to replace that Brittany was an ace in GO and was eager to play.

"Sweetheart, I've got to head home," Brittany saw Ivy's look of disappointment and quickly added, "But we should replace time to play a proper match."

Ivy immediately pulled out a business card. "This is the club I frequent. I'll be waiting for you there tomorrow."

Brittany, her interest in chess piqued, nodded in agreement. "Sure."

After Brittany left with her things, Ivy didn't linger and instead focused on reviewing the game.

The more she thought about Brittany, the more curious Ivy became. It was remarkable that despite being away for thirty years, Brittany possessed outstanding capabilities and mastery of GO. Ivy and Brittany's meeting remained a secret.

As the dinner party came to an end, Saskia was still frustrated, and she took Ivy upstairs. "I was hoping to introduce you to Bri's husband."

It was a shame that a good show had ended too soon.

"What's her husband like?" Ivy racked her brain but couldn't picture the kind of man that would marry Brittany.

"He's quite a catch." Saskia paused dramatically, playing on Ivy's curiosity. "From Imperial City, quite the household name in Country A."

For some reason, when Ivy heard these descriptions, the first person that popped into her mind was Isaac.

"You said before, her husband's last name is Salter?"

"Yes."

Saskia changed her tactics; instead of letting them face each other, it might be better to use Ivy to completely ruin Brittany.

With that in mind, Saskia took Ivy's hand, looking troubled. "Your Highness, there's something I've kept from you..."

Ivy tensed without knowing why. "Tell me."

"At the last gathering, you mentioned you had feelings for someone." Saskia seemed conflicted. "The truth is, that man is Brittany's husband." "What?"

Ivy was stunned!

Isaac was Brittany's husband?

"Your Highness, I can't bear to see you deceived, but you should really think about whether you've been fooled."

As Ivy listened to Saskia's insinuations, the color drained from her face. She was no fool; in fact, she was quite astute. Saskia was circling her, aiming to climb the social ladder. Ivy didn't mind playing matchmaker for Saskia since she could benefit as well.

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