I knew exactly what Ethan meant by his so-called "game of chess."
This wasn’t about chess at all. It was about setting me up with his daughter (Natalia Blackwood).
Ethan Blackwood was a man known for his influence and power, and if he had set his mind on something, he usually got it. But I wasn’t about to let him back me into a corner.
I kept my expression neutral; I bowed my head slightly. “That sounds like an interesting challenge, Mr. Ethan, but I’m afraid time has already slipped away from us. It’s gotten late, and Magnus should get some rest after all the traveling we’ve done today.”
I spoke to him with respect, I made it seem like I had no idea what he was truly up to.
Ethan stared at me for a long second before suddenly throwing his head back and laughing hard.
“Ah, Ryder,” h
