Chapter 232 She Means Everything

Tilda grinned. “With you guys backing me up, it’d be a shame not to put Kyla and Preston in their place after they went looking for trouble.”

Alfie and Maurice exchanged glances.

Was she joking?

With the way she’d handled things tonight, she didn’t even need their help. Taking down Kyla and Preston—two nobodies—was child’s play for her.

Jude leaned closer, whispering, “Are your hands sore?”

His eyes held that cold, dangerous edge.

He was already tired of dealing with those two nuisances, but they were Tilda’s prey. As a fellow hunter, he understood the rush of a pursuit. He couldn’t step in and steal her fun.

“Nope, still fine.”

“Want me to rub them for you?”

“...Not here, not in front of everyone.”

Tilda cleared her throat, a little awkwardly.

Jude’s chest tightened at her words. She hadn’t said no—just shy.

In other words, if the others weren’t around, she probably would’ve let him.

After that little episode, everyone eating on the second floor scrambled out, not wanting to stick around. The staff rushed in to clean, bowing nervously as they served Tilda and her friends.

Una looked worried. “Tilda, it was fun, but that got loud. What if people talk?”

“Relax. With these three on my side, no one is saying a word.

“And Kyla and her simp? You think they’ll brag about being humiliated? Please. They’ll just swallow it.”

Jude alone had enough pull to silence the city. With Alfie and Maurice’s influence added, they basically controlled the entire media.

Even if Kyla and Preston wanted revenge, it’d be like smashing eggs against a rock. It was pointless.

They’d never risk their comfortable lives by crossing Jude’s crew.

Una nodded, only half understanding. She wasn’t used to being around this much power, but even she could tell there were people she just didn’t mess with. And right now, those people were sitting right beside her.

After the meal, Tilda was about to offer Una a ride and say goodbye to the rest. But before she could get a word out, Una jumped in.

“Oh, Tilda, I just remembered something I need to do. I’ll head out first!” She gave an apologetic gesture and slipped away.

“Oh, same here! I’ve got plans too. Right, Maurice?” Alfie tugged at his friend’s sleeve and shot him a knowing look.

“Yeah, I should get back to the office. See you tomorrow, Jude.” Maurice quickly caught on and left with him.

And just like that, only Jude and Tilda were left.

“I’ll walk you home,” Jude said.

He wasn’t asking—he was telling her.

With the third wheel gone, he finally had her to himself. It had been too long. All he wanted was to see her face, hear her voice, and just stay by her side.

“I’m so full. I don’t feel like heading home yet. Let’s take a walk,” she said. “But these busy streets might bother you. They’re noisy and crowded.”

“As long as you’re with me, I don’t care where we are.”

Jude never bothered to hide how he felt. His words always came out straightforward and honest.

Tilda froze for a moment, then warmth spread through her chest.

Was that what it felt like to be someone’s first choice?

It was incredible.

After treating herself like she didn’t matter for so long, she had almost forgotten how good it felt.

She was lucky to feel it again.

“There are too many people out here, Mr. Bell. Try not to get lost. With how you look, I wouldn’t be shocked if some girl tried to drag you away.”

She led him through the busy downtown until they found a quiet park. Couples wandered nearby, hand in hand. People stared as the two passed—good-looking pairs always drew attention.

Tilda and Jude looked like they didn’t belong in this world. It was like they’d stepped straight out of a peaceful mountain retreat, too flawless for ordinary life.

Jude didn’t care about the stares. To him, nothing mattered except the girl walking beside him.

So this was what that feeling truly was. As long as she was here, he could stand in front of the greatest treasure pile in the world and still walk away. She was worth more than anything.

Jude’s voice was gentle. “I didn’t expect you’d be that patient.”

“Huh? You mean how I handled that fake bitch and her simp earlier?”

Tilda stopped and glanced back at him.

The wind stirred the trees, and the streetlights cast her face in soft light. For a second, she looked like she wasn’t even from this world.