Chapter 158 Out of Character

Anyone who saw Jude’s face right now would probably think the world was ending. Otherwise, why would Jude be making such a scary expression?

Just then, Vassal walked in, sounding both cheerful and respectful. “Boss, we just signed the big deal—billions of dollars! Everyone’s talking about throwing a party to celebrate. Are you coming?”

On the surface, Vassal was just Jude’s bodyguard and all-around assistant on business trips. But behind the scenes, he’d help Jude with pretty much anything, even cleaning up messes when things got out of hand. This time, Jude had come all the way to Lucien just for this deal.

The Lucien branch had been struggling for a while. When Jude showed up and took charge, things finally worked out. Vassal happened to see Jude’s smile at that very moment.

His first reaction? Am I seeing this right?

He even rubbed his eyes just to check. Wait—no way! The boss is smiling!

Jude put away his phone and said calmly, “I’ll join the party.”

“Hmm, I’ll let everyone know. Wait, Boss, did you say you’ll join?”

“Are you deaf?” Jude shot Vassal a cold look.

Vassal instantly felt a chill run down his back; his back broke out in sweat. He lowered his head and stammered, “No—no! If the team finds out you’re coming, everyone will be thrilled!”

He hurried out of the office like he was running for his life. Vassal’s heart was still racing, and his brain was reeling in disbelief. Jude Bell… actually agreed to come to a celebration party? This is a first!

No matter how big the deals their company closed or how much money they made, Jude had never attended any celebration parties. In Vassal’s memory, Jude only ever accepted invitations from Alfie or Maurice once in a while.

What in the world happened to put my boss in such a good mood?

Meanwhile, Clive was still sneaking around. He was secretly recording Tilda.

“Hey, Wade, Tilda’s talking to someone. She actually looks pretty happy… not so cold and distant anymore.”

“I know,” Wade replied, his voice sounding sour.

Wade didn’t even need Clive’s live updates. Through the video feed, he could sense everything. Wade’s voice was laced with obvious jealousy.

Clive fell silent for a moment, almost doubting his own senses. Am I just imagining it? Why do I get a feeling that Wade is actually jealous? The world hasn’t collapsed, has it?

Suddenly, a sharp voice startled him. “What are you doing?!”

Clive jumped, fumbling his phone, which crashed to the ground with a loud crack. The screen went black—instantly. Seriously? My super-expensive titanium phone broke that easily? Total scam!

Clive spun around and found Una standing there. Her arms were on her hips, eyes blazing as she glared at him. “Were you just secretly recording Tilda? You creep! And to think you’re supposed to be our senior and a Rowse!”

“Hey, stop making things up! Why would I record Tilda? I’m not crazy!” Clive denied it repeatedly. Just to get rid of evidence, he stomped on his expensive phone, crushing the screen to pieces. Now, the evidence was gone.

“You creep!”

Una glared at him, rolling up her sleeves, ready for a fight. Tilda walked over after noticing the argument. “Una, what’s going on?”

Una wasted no time. She complained, “Tilda, he’s being a total creep! Hiding here and filming you. He’s gross!”

Tilda raised an eyebrow. Her eyes turned cold as she stared at Clive.

“Hey, Una, don’t throw away baseless accusations! I wasn’t recording anyone!” Clive insisted.

Tilda replied coolly, “Well, it’s simple. I’ll just call Andy. I hate to bother him, but clearing up my name is important.”

“Wait—please, don’t!” Clive instantly caved.

If his family found out about this, or if Andy got involved, it would be a disaster for Clive. Things would be out of control, and he’d be in real trouble. Clive would probably end up with a broken leg.

Backed into a corner, Clive threw his buddy under the bus. “It was Wade! He was the one spying on Tilda! He must have been planning something really shady!”

Una clenched her teeth in anger. If Wade had been there, she would have punched him right in the face, no questions asked.

Clive thought to himself, “Sorry, Wade, but better you than me. If this blows up, I wouldn’t survive it anyway!” If things really blew up, how could Clive handle it? He’d get beaten up for sure!

But to everyone’s surprise—

“Oh.”

That was all Tilda said.

Una and Clive both stared at her in shock. Seriously? Just one word? Nothing else?

Tilda looked at Una and said, “Relax. Everyone’s watching. It’s your mom’s birthday party. Let’s just enjoy the party.”