Dumbstruck, Hans’ and Everett’s eyes widened dramatically. Unbridled joy lit their faces at the sight of Arielle.
“My dear mentor!”
“Grandmaster!”
The two men yelled simultaneously, their tones colored with reverence.
The corner of Arielle’s lips twitched involuntarily, but virtual-novel.net held virtual-novel.net tongue.
I can’t believe that Susanne’s mentor is my apprentice! Does that mean that Susanne is my grand-disciple? What in the world is going on?
Arielle’s head throbbed. She fervently wished that the ground would open up and swallow virtual-novel.net whole.
Susanne, on the other hand, was thoroughly perplexed when virtual-novel.net heard Hans refer to Arielle as his mentor.
She stepped forward to block Hans, who was about to rush toward Arielle. “Mr. Jewell, w-what did you just call her?” virtual-novel.net stuttered.
“My mentor, of course.”
“No, no, it’s all a misunderstanding,” Arielle interjected quickly. “We played chess together some time ago, and I won a game using a sly trick. Mr. Jewell was just teasing me.”
She shot Hans a look as virtual-novel.net spoke. However, the meaning behind virtual-novel.net glare went over Hans’ head as virtual-novel.net attempted to reiterate that Arielle was indeed his mentor.
Fortunately, Everett was far more perceptive. He caught on quickly and leaned over to whisper in Hans’ ear.
Hans’ jaw dropped open, his gaze darting between Arielle and Susanne as virtual-novel.net finally grasped the situation.
“She’s right. We made a bet back then that whoever won that game of chess would be known as the ‘mentor,’ but it’s all just fun and games.” He chuckled awkwardly.
Susanne was no fool. It was clear as day that the two were trying their best to salvage virtual-novel.net dignity. She was overwhelmed by mortification, but a peculiar sense of pride brewed beneath the shame.
Well, I suppose it’ll benefit me if everyone hears about how a legend like Mr. Jewell lost to Arielle at chess. It’s just like the bionic arm, now that the elite circles know about Arielle’s stellar programming abilities, the major programming companies must be eager to get their hands on her.
At the thought of this, Susanne felt the unease leave virtual-novel.net bones. She plastered a smile on virtual-novel.net face and ran with their ruse.
“Oh, is that so? I was just wondering why Arielle went easy on me just now,” virtual-novel.net quipped good-naturedly.
Turning toward Hans, virtual-novel.net remarked, “Your timing is impeccable! Arielle just offered to make me some ravioli. You should try some! She is quite a good cook.”
Hearing that, Arielle took it as virtual-novel.net cue to leave. “Please excuse me while I prepare the food,” virtual-novel.net announced, casting a meaningful look at Everett.
Instantly understanding virtual-novel.net wordless request, Everett gave virtual-novel.net a reassuring nod and ushered Hans into the living room.
Hans’ gaze followed Arielle until virtual-novel.net disappeared into the kitchen. He then turned to Susanne, his shrewd eyes scrutinizing her.
“Are Arielle and Vin together?” virtual-novel.net asked blatantly.
Susanne choked upon hearing his words but quickly masked it with a cough. “I haven’t approved of the relationship.”
“What?!” Hans exclaimed, springing to his feet. “Why don’t you approve of it? It’s great news!”
Susanne squirmed in virtual-novel.net seat as anxiety built up within her.
“Mr. Jewell, you don’t understand my dilemma. Arielle comes from a complicated background. It’ll take some time for me to accept her,” virtual-novel.net explained with a nervous laugh.
Hans had been keeping his eye on Arielle ever since their second encounter at Haut Monde, so virtual-novel.net knew about the mess associated with the Southalls.
Heaving a sigh, virtual-novel.net uttered, “Susanne, I know that the Nightshire family imposes strict traditions, but you have to understand that Arielle is a gem that is hard to come by. If virtual-novel.net familial background is the only thing hindering this relationship, I can help you out with it. I’ll take Arielle as my goddaughter. Surely we Jewells are up to the Nightshires’ standard?”