Chapter 253

Charles didn't really hold much against the younger man, even if Nelson still rubbed him the wrong way deep down. He kept things polite on the surface—when Nelson spoke, he would at least respond out of courtesy. But Jasper, who was in the middle of a chess game with Old Mr. Blackwell, wasn't bothering with such niceties. He slammed a knight down on the board with so much force the nearby pieces shook. With that dramatic move came an equally cutting remark: "Charles, you've got a real temper of steel. If it were me, I wouldn't have let him step foot through the door." He didn't name names, but it was obvious who the jab was aimed at. Nelson didn't react. He was used to Jasper's insults—back in Jadewick, they were practically routine. Compared to those days, this was already a more restrained version. Honestly, he figured he deserved the scorn; there was no point in arguing. After getting what he came for, he turned and walked off without causing a scene. Gone was the high-and-mighty au