Chapter 164

It was William's birthday today. To Jessica's surprise, Zachary turned out to know him as well. Nearly everyone at the party recognized Amanda as she often came by to visit, and William had always been especially fond of her. The banquet hadn't started yet, and William hadn't shown up, but a maid still approached. "Mr. Jones, Mr. Jenkins Senior would like to see you in the backyard. He said to bring your wife along." "Alright." Zachary nodded, took Jessica's hand, and followed the maid, leaving Amanda standing alone under the pavilion, chilled by the wind. They didn't call for her this time, and that stung a little. In the backyard, William was playing chess with a stern-looking man in his 50s. William frowned, holding a chess piece between his fingers, hesitating for a long time before making a move. Jessica smiled at the sight. Seeing how focused she was, Zachary tilted his head toward her and whispered, "Do you play, too?" "Just a little," she murmured, quietly telling h