Chapter 285 Losing My Mind

“Am I imagining things? No, Russell. You can’t let Tilda get in your head like this. Kyla is such a kind and innocent girl. How could she ever do something like that?”

Russell kept telling himself that over and over. But somehow, almost without thinking, he pulled out his phone and called someone.

The line connected quickly. A surprised voice came through, “Mr. Jenson, what can I do for you?”

“Do you remember that trendy search incident I mentioned before? And the editor of that gossip site?”

“I remember, but that was a long time ago. Why bring it up now?”

“I want you to dig into what really happened.”

There was silence on the other end. Russell frowned. “What’s the problem?”

“It’s not that. Just… it’s been a while. I heard that the editor resigned and moved overseas. It’s going to be tough to track anything down.”

If Russell had pushed for an investigation back then, before the editor left the country, the Jenson Group could have uncovered the truth easily. But now, after all this time, the editor was gone–who knew where–and most of the traces were probably wiped clean.

Strangely, Russell felt relieved hearing this. Almost grateful.

Wait. Why am I feeling this way? That was basically admitting Tilda’s words had gotten to him. Had he really started doubting Kyla?

Russell steadied himself. “Anyway, just do what you can. See if there’s anything left to find.”

“Mr. Jenson, can I ask… why now? After all this time, what made you want to dig it back up?”

“I thought you already knew the answer back then.”

“You don’t need to know. Just handle it.”

“Alright.”

The call ended. Russell sat back in his chair and rubbed his temples.

“I’m not doubting Kyla,” he muttered. “I just… I need to know the truth. Otherwise, every time Tilda brings this up, it makes me feel like a fool. Like she thinks I’m an idiot.”

When Russell finally grabbed his things and went downstairs, he spotted Kyla.

“Kyla? Why are you up again?”

“I just came down for some water, Daddy. Are you heading out?”

“Yeah, I got the files I needed. I have to get to the office.”

Her gaze dropped, trying to hide the sadness in her eyes. “I’m sorry, Daddy. The Jenson Group needs help right now, but I can’t do anything.”

“Today, when Mom and Dominic left for their trip, everyone went to see them off. But I was stuck here with a fever, and you all had to worry about me, too. I’m useless!”

She slapped herself in frustration, tears dripping onto the floor.

“Kyla, stop that. You’re only a freshman. You’re just a kid. The fact that you even care about the family this much makes me proud as your father.”

The guilt and self-blame on her face looked so real. Russell’s doubts vanished instantly. He rushed forward to stop her from hurting herself.

This isn’t an act. It can’t be.

Russell, what the hell is wrong with you? How could you even let Tilda’s words make you doubt Kyla–the girl you raised as your own daughter? I must be losing my mind.

“Daddy, I’m sorry… I was just discouraged for a moment. Lately, I feel like I’m no good at anything. I even wonder if I deserve to be your daughter. But I’ll work harder. I can’t let you down.”

Kyla threw herself into his arms, wiping away her tears. Her eyes burned with determination.

“Kyla, I know you will. You’re our little princess. We’ve seen your effort and your talent. Don’t overthink things. Just rest and get better. Once you’re feeling well again, I’ll have your brothers take you out somewhere fun. You need to relax.”

“Thank you, Daddy…”

Russell left the Jenson Villa. Sitting in the backseat of his car, he stared at his palm.

God, I was terrible just now. I actually doubted her. Kyla, I’m sorry. I was wrong. I must be crazy to let someone like Tilda make me question you.

Russell left.

The moment Kyla returned to her room, her expression changed.

“Good thing Daddy still trusts me. After this, he shouldn’t have any more doubts…”

She quickly sent a photo to Tobias, then called him.

“Tobias, I need your answer now. I want 30 million dollars in my account today.”