Chapter 167 The Last Straw
Just like Tilda once protected Dominic and cleaned up his mess, history just repeated itself.
“Tilda… why?
“It hasn’t even been that long. You used to hate me so much. You were so cold, badly injured…
“But now you’ve already found a new mentee? Then… what am I supposed to be?
“You once told me I’d be your only mentee, that you’d never find anyone better than me.
“Did you forget everything we shared together? Was it all fake? Before we became enemies, you said things you can’t just take back.”
Dominic was overcome with an impulse.
He wanted to burst out of the hospital, find Tilda, and demand answers.
Tilda, you can’t do this to me….
What you have done is too much. You broke my heart—so, so bad.
Even the phrase “worse than death” couldn’t describe the pain Dominic was feeling now.
The next morning, Tilda woke up feeling refreshed, like she’d finally found herself again.
Even her nightmares had stopped for once.
She picked up the artwork she’d spent two hours finishing last night and packed it up carefully.
Then she drove straight to the university.
She’d already scheduled an appointment with Simon to deliver the painting.
Simon couldn’t wait to open the package.
The moment he saw the new painting, he was speechless.
He didn’t even breathe for a while. It took him a long time to snap out of it.
“Oh wow, Tilda! When I saw your first version, I thought it was already amazing. But this new one? It’s even more stunning; nothing could top it. Honestly, I think you’ve already got the champion in the bag. Now let’s just see if you can stand out on the world stage.”
“Thank you, Professor,” Tilda replied, smiling.
She said goodbye and hurried off to class. Simon stayed behind to admire the artwork.
That’s when his phone rang.
It was Kyla calling.
“Hello? Kyla, what’s up?”
“Professor Linscott, sorry to bother you. My brother’s been in the hospital, and I’ve been looking after him. I finished the painting for the national student art competition, and I hope you’ll take a look and let me know if it needs any changes.”
“It’s okay, Kyla. Just focus on taking care of your brother. I’ve picked someone else for the competition. We’re planning to send Tilda.”
“What?!”
Kyla’s smile froze. She couldn’t help but shout out loud.
Realizing she’d lost her cool, she quickly tried to cover it up. “Oh, I’m sorry, Professor Linscott, I’m just surprised. I thought you’d already promised to recommend me.”
“Kyla, I’m sorry. I know this must hurt, but you’ve seen Tilda’s painting. She’s the best choice to represent us—no one can beat her, and she might even win on the world stage.
“This isn’t just about winning a prize. It’s a chance for our country to shine and for Tilda to be noticed by the whole world. I hope you understand.”
Simon truly understood why Kyla lost control for a moment.
He had promised to recommend her before. With Kyla’s talent and skills, she could easily have a good result, boost her résumé, and brag about it for years.
Because of this, Simon felt a little guilty and didn’t blame Kyla for her reaction.
But still, he didn’t regret his choice at all.
There was simply no comparison between Kyla and Tilda.
It was a world away. There was no way a toad could be compared with the swan.
“Alright. I understand. Thank you, Professor Linscott.”
No one knew how Kyla managed to say those words while holding back all the anger inside her.
The moment she hung up, Kyla removed her shoes and started banging them on the bathroom door. Furious tears streamed down her face.
Tilda!
Damn you!
Why is this bitch always there to sabotage me!
Tilda had stolen the attention of the whole family. Now she wanted to take away the glory and recognition that belonged to me!
Kyla couldn’t believe her bad luck. Why did she have to run into someone like Tilda in this lifetime?
If only that bitch would just disappear from the world! She should die.
If only Tilda were out of the picture, everything would finally be peaceful. The whole family could be happy, just like before.
I wouldn’t have to be eaten up by jealousy every single day or feel like I’m about to lose my mind.
With these dark thoughts swirling in her mind, Kyla’s eyes grew cold. For the first time, she felt a real, sharp sense of determination.
She picked up her phone and dialed a number.
“Hello? It’s me. Remember what we discussed? Go ahead and get it done.
“I don’t care how much it costs. I just want anything that can help me deal with Tilda. Any information that’s useful!”
At first, Kyla hated the idea of spending so much money. After all, hiring someone that skilled would be expensive.
After Kyla lived with the Jensons for years, she had many savings.