Chapter 241: Whatโs Wrong With My Sons?
Astrid had built her success entirely on her own, without relying on Russell or her father, Dwayne.
Seeing his nieceโs talent and courage at such a young age, Russell felt relieved; he could tell his brother, Dwayne, that she was doing well.
But what was this?
The niece he had invited countless times but could only see through photos or videos was now sitting here eating barbecue with the daughter he hated the most?
Russell felt like heโd just been slapped in the face.
The pain stung, just like when Tilda had betrayed him.
Even Jarrett and the others went quiet.
As members of Slosaโs elite, they knew that this man was Russell, chairman of the Jenson Group, who had recently caused a huge stir in the media.
โWhy? Because we get along. Is that a problem?โ
โOr is the mighty chairman of the Jenson Group planning to control even his own nieceโs right to make friends?โ Tilda mercilessly shot back.
She hated that kind of talk from Russell! Why canโt Astrid sit with me? Am I a germ or pest? Why shouldnโt Astrid sit with me? If anything, sitting with you Jensons is worse! Youโd even corrupt Astrid and make her stupid and ignorant!
โYou-?!โ Russell ground his teeth.
Tildaโฆ After all these days, her mouth is still as sharp as ever! He honestly didnโt know if she got that sharp tongue from him or from Blair! If it were used against enemies, he wouldโve been proud. But turning it on her own father? That stung.
โSorry, Uncle Russell, butโฆ I donโt think this is the right time to talk.โ Out of respect for her uncleโand for her fatherโs respect for his brotherโAstrid kept her voice calm. But the meaning was clear: she was siding with Tilda.
โGreat! Awesome!โ The feeling was impossible to put into words. It was like someone had stabbed Russell hard in the back.
Dominic quickly stepped up and pulled on Russell. โDad, thatโs enough. Letโs just go eat.โ
โDonโt worry, Dominic. Iโm calm. Iโm perfectly clear-headed.โ Russell gave Astrid and Tilda one last long look before turning to leave.
That lookโฆ Astrid got it. Russell was disappointed in her. But Astrid didnโt regret her choice.
But Tilda felt uneasy. Should I have just thrown the water in my cup in Russellโs face? She didnโt because she didnโt want to ruin the mood for Jarrett and the others.
Ugh! I kind of regret it nowโฆ. Itโs put me in a bad mood. Why did that idiot Russell look at me like Iโm not worthy of hanging out with Astrid? Damn it, what a jerk!
Russell wanted to find a seat where he wouldnโt have to see Tilda, so he and Dominic could eat.
But Dominic chose a table where Russell could still see Tilda but wasnโt too close to her.
Russell squinted. โDominic, are you trying to get a look at Tilda?โ
Dominic pressed his lips together. โYesโฆ Dad, I want to see Tilda.โ
Chances like this were rare. It was his only chance to run into Tilda and see her without being driven away by her cold words. If he were to try to meet her any other way, he wouldnโt even get the chance. At the same time, Dominicโs gaze moved to Astrid. He felt a slight stirring in his heart.
Russell was speechless. He never expected Dominic to admit it.
Dammit! Whatโs wrong with my sons?! Dominic and Wade were suddenly so caught up in everything Tilda did.
Howard was beaten so badly by Tilda that he had been hiding in his room. Russell hadnโt seen him step out of his room. Hard to believe this was the same young man who used to be energetic.
Tilda, meanwhile, did her best to ignore the looks Russell and Dominic kept throwing her way. She was enjoying a good time, drinking cola, eating barbecue, and talking with the members of the Comet Squad. Unfortunatelyโฆ.
Dominic and Russell just had to keep staring at her. It made Tilda want to go over and gouge out those two bastardsโ eyeballs, toss them on the floor, stomp them into paste, and yell, โSee enough now?!โ
Astrid and the others could tell Tilda was in a bad mood. Obviously, it was because Russell and Dominic showed up. They quickly finished their food, said they were full, and left.
Tilda was the first to leave. The barbecue was great. Her teammates were great. Too bad she had to run into the Jensons. One bad apple did spoil the bunch.
Watching Tilda hurry off, Dominic lowered his eyes. A trace of hurt flickered across his face.
Tildaโฆ. Do you really hate seeing me that much? Is there really no way for us to go back and fix our relationship?
Russell angrily snorted. Damn, Tilda. I didnโt even get to complain that youโre ruining my and Dominicโs dinner!