Chapter 201 Drop Dead

He slipped his phone into his pocket, lips curving into a quiet, knowing smirk.

No need to say anything–the victory spoke for itself.

Once the ceremony wrapped up, it was time for the big group picture.

Of course, Alfie and Tilda were right in the middle, the stars of the moment.

And then, the livestream chat blew up again.

“Wait, who’s that insanely hot guy handing her the trophy? I can’t breathe right now!”

“Pretty sure he’s from Woodward Group since they’re sponsoring this event.”

“Woodward Group? As in the Woodwards? They’re just as powerful as the Bells! Rich, influential, and now apparently stupidly good–looking too. Seriously, how’s anyone else supposed to compare?”

“Low–key, he and Tilda look like a perfect match. My heart’s officially broken.”

“I ship it. I ship it so hard!”

Kyla scrolled through the comments, practically grinding her teeth.

She knew exactly who Alfie was–the heir to Woodward Group, a business empire strong enough to rival the Bells.

Not only was he ridiculously handsome, but he also had an Ivy League degree, insane talent, and a future brighter than anyone else in the room.

Way better than Preston, who looked like trash standing next to her.

Alfie had even been on Kyla’s mental list of potential husbands.

Now, watching Tilda stand shoulder–to–shoulder with him, laughing and chatting like they were already close, Kyla’s rage nearly boiled over.

At the same time, Preston noticed too.

His brow tightened, something ugly and unfamiliar twisting in his chest.

It felt like someone had snatched away a toy that used to worship him.

Even if Preston had no interest in Tilda–shallow, greedy, unworthy Tilda–she was still his fiancée.

If he did not want her, then nobody else should either.

Especially not Alfie! Alfie was not just any rival–he was Jude’s friend, which made him Preston’s direct enemy.

While Preston and Kyla silently fumed, the two standing at the center of the stage were playing their own games, each with secrets hidden behind their smiles.

Meanwhile…

Jude was in Lucien, watching the livestream on his screen.

The moment he saw Alfie standing beside Tilda, his gaze darkened, like the night sky swallowing its stars.

A chilling aura spread from him.

Right then, Vassal walked in with an update.

However, as soon as he caught sight of Jude’s expression, he froze.

He instantly dropped to one knee, head lowered, not daring to even glance up.

Sweat poured down his back, soaking through his clothes.

His whole body trembled.

Jude’s icy, murderous aura was so strong it felt like the air itself froze.

Vassal could not even remember the last time he had seen his master like this.

What on earth could’ve shaken someone as cold and unshakable as Jude?

It had to be something massive–maybe even a threat from the entire Bell family.

While Vassal’s thoughts spun in circles, he had no idea…

The truth behind Jude’s fury boiled down to just two words–Jealous. Rage.

And the person he was jealous of was his own best friend, Alfie.

Once Jude got home, Alfie was either getting skinned alive or straight–up buried.

Sure enough.

After wrapping up with Tilda, Alfie casually glanced at the iPad a staff member handed him.

They were buzzing with excitement, showing him the madness happening online.

The chat had completely lost it over the new ship.

People were already fighting over couple names, making fan accounts, and spamming screenshots of him and Tilda side by side.

Shares, comments, likes–everything was blowing up at once.

The fans were absolutely living for it.

The staff thought Alfie would be thrilled.

After all, the ridiculously handsome sponsor had been hovering around the champion all night.

If he played along with all that buzz on the internet, Alfie could snag the girl without even breaking a sweat.

However…

Alfie’s grin froze on his face.

Oh no.

Oh crap.

He was so screwed.

He whipped out his phone, firing off calls to every media connection Woodward Group had, throwing money left and right to shut down every trending topic about the couple.

He could not let this spin out of control.

Because if Jude saw this…

Wait. Oh no. Tilda was in the National College Art Competition, and Alfie had literally bragged about it to Jude a few days ago!

There was no way Jude missed the livestream.

Yep. He was dead.

Hands shaking, Alfie started spamming Jude with messages.

“Jude, listen, it’s not what it looks like, I swear…”

“Jude! Jude! Don’t ignore me, I’m freaking out here, bro!”

“Look, when you get back, I’ll let you do whatever you want with me, deal?”

Finally, a reply came.

“Drop dead.”

Just two words.

But they sealed Alfie’s fate.

With nowhere else to turn, Alfie’s last hope was Tilda.