Out Of The Shadows: Tildaโs Brilliant Second Life Chapter 27
Chapter 27 No Respect
Even Blair, who never shut up about her seven sons, had to admit itโnone of them could hold a candle to Jude.
Guys like him are rareโborn to stand out, born to lead. Right then, her chest tightened, and her heart pounded. She could feel itโฆ Jude was angry.
And when someone like him gets angry, itโs like the air turns to ice. The tension stabs at you, and the pressure makes it hard to breathe. Normal people canโt handle that. โI just came to grab some food. Didnโt expect to catch you making a fool of yourself, Aunt Daphne." โYouโve got three seconds. Leave. And donโt ever come back."
โOr youโll regret it.โ
Daphne went pale and started shaking. The only person she really feared in Slosa was Jude.
Still, she was his aunt, and with so many people aroundโฆ If she actually backed down after what Jude said, thereโd be no way she could keep her place in the elite circles. โJude, donโt forgetโIโm still your aunt. Is that any way to speak to me?โ
Daphne was still trying to use her status to save face. Alfie couldnโt help but chuckle. This woman must be clueless.
She thinks family ties will make Jude back down? She clearly has no idea how much he hates that. โIf Iโm feeling nice, I might call you Aunt Daphne. But if Iโm not in the mood, even Ryan would have to grovel in front of me."
โAnd you? What makes you think you matter at all?โ That was expected. Her words had hit one of Judeโs triggers.
His tone droppedโicy, threateningโlike something invisible was squeezing the life out of Daphneโs chest. She gasped for air, her whole body frozen. Judeโฆ That jerk!
โDaphne, Iโm suddenly not feeling so good. Could you take me to the hospital? Iโve lost my appetiteโฆโ Blair clutched her chest, eyes flicking around, clearly faking illness to get out of the situation. โOh no, Blair, are you okay? Hold on, Iโll get you there now!โ
Daphne jumped at the excuse, quickly helping her out of Sky Dining. Just before leaving, Blair turned and looked at Tilda. Tilda noticed the glance and instantly looked away.
An unbearably cold gaze. The message in her eyes was crystal clearโ โThereโs nothing left between us."
โWeโre completely finished.โ A sharp ache shot through Blairโs chest. Tilda, those harsh things I saidโฆ I didnโt mean themโฆ.
As soon as they stepped out of Sky Dining, Daphne began ranting, โThat stupid Jude! He doesnโt respect me at all, and he even has the nerve to insult his uncle? What kind of nephew talks like that?โ โStop it, Daphne. Iโm exhausted. Letโs just go home.โ โOh, Blair, todayโs just been awful. First, your annoying daughter, now Jude. Letโs head somewhere else. Iโll treat you. Weโre never coming back here again. Whatโs so great about this place anyway?โ
Blair wanted to say something but ended up giving in to Daphneโs enthusiasm. โJude, you havenโt been back to Slosa in ages, and your weird relatives are still the sameโmaybe even worse,โ Alfie joked, throwing an arm around Judeโs shoulder. No one would believe itโฆ
A restaurant manager, bold enough to casually sling an arm around the CEO of DY Groupโs shoulders, and even roast the Bells right in front of him. Clearly, Alfie didnโt care about playing it safe. He turned to Tilda and Una with a charming grin.
โLadies, sorry to ruin your dinner. โOur staff shouldโve been more careful about who we let in. This oneโs on us. โYour mealโs free today, and weโd also like to give you a VIP cardโฆ
โBut I donโt think Ms. Tilda needs it. So, how about we give it to your friend instead?โ Una was slightly startled by this. Her mind went blank, and she had no idea what Alfie had just said.
Jude walked over just then. He looked at Tilda, then spoke softly. โYou alright?โ
โYeah, Iโm fine,โ she replied. After hearing that, Jude turned and walked away. Tilda stared after him. For the first time, she had no idea how to read someone.
Stillโฆ Maybe Jude is on my side? Maurice twirled his wine glass, eyes sparkling with amusement as the whole scene played out. The drama was too good to ignore. As Jude approached, Maurice quickly stood and politely pulled out a chair. โPlease, have a seat.โ Jude shot him a cold glare. โAre you tired of living?โ Maurice laughed nervously. โNo way! I love being alive, thank you very much.โ โAlfie, you coming or not?โ he added quickly. โGimme a minute,โ Alfie replied.