Chapter 329 Vulnerable

Tilda began to explain.

Seeing that she didn’t dislike the gift, Jude finally let out a quiet sigh of relief.

Then he spoke softly, “It doesn’t matter. As long as it’s from you, it’s priceless to me. I’ll treasure it for my whole life.”

Jude had received countless gifts in his lifetime. But ever since his mother died in a car accident, no matter how fancy a gift he received, it never felt as precious or warm as the ones from his mom when he was a kid. Now, that long-lost feeling had returned—something he never expected.

As long as it was from Tilda, even a simple stone would make him happy, because it was from her. No one else could ever replace that meaning. All his special affection was for Tilda alone. In Jude’s heart, red roses, white roses… Everything was Tilda.

“Here,” Tilda said. “I guessed you’d show up, so I already brought your Christmas gift.” She held out the vintage Chanel bag she had snagged from the dressing room.

Jude took it and gave it a gentle shake. Inside, he heard the soft clinking sound. Each little sound struck his heart like wedding bells.

A small smile curved at Jude’s lips. “I’ll take good care of it.”

Jude rarely smiled. It didn’t take away from his sharp, elegant looks. When he did smile, it wasn’t stiff. It gave off a subtle glow that lit up the room.

It dazzled Tilda’s eyes. She knew Jude was already dangerously handsome, but sometimes, she wondered—if Jude used his beauty as a weapon, how many people would fall at his feet, completely helpless against his charm?

Like right now… Tilda had seen many sophisticated faces before. She thought she was immune, but she was still dumbstruck and completely stunned by his beauty.

“What’s wrong? You’re staring at me as if you’re enchanted.” While Tilda was still lost in thought, Jude leaned closer. His steady breath brushed against her nose. The ticklish sensation slipped right into her soul.

Tilda quickly stepped back, but Jude held her hand. She couldn’t escape. Her ears turned bright red. To cover up her embarrassment, she cleared her throat and forced a calm tone. “Jude, you really should smile more. When you smile… you look pretty handsome.”

She phrased it lightly, but it wasn’t just “pretty handsome.” No words could describe how stunning he looked in that moment. Even the dark web Queen, who had lived two lifetimes, was completely charmed. His beauty felt otherworldly, like a god descending to earth.

“Okay…” Jude parted his lips. His voice was low and magnetic.

That single word struck Tilda like lightning. For the first time, Jude was grateful for his face. It was a face that could make Tilda lose herself completely. When her gaze had locked on him, fixed and mesmerized, not moving away even for a second…

He had never felt happier. If good looks could win Tilda over and make her his, Jude didn’t mind using the kind of “seduction” he used to hate, even if it was a trick he once looked down on. Keeping his pride wasn’t going to get him a wife. Jude had fully understood that the moment he met Tilda.

“Tilda, your hand is so warm. And your ears are red. Are you feeling sick?” Jude pretended to sound concerned. His teasing words only made it harder to resist him.

“No… it’s probably just a reaction to the Omega-type connection with you,” Tilda answered calmly, but the slight tremor in her voice betrayed her.

“By the way,” she quickly added, “just giving me this castle as a gift… It doesn’t seem like it took you that much effort, right? You must be hiding another surprise, hmm?”

It was a clever distraction. Her mind was already a mess, her heart pounding. If she kept letting Jude corner her like this, she would lose completely.

“Of course there is…” Jude said. “This castle now belongs to you. How about giving it a name?”

“Sorry, no way! I’m terrible at naming things!” Just the thought of naming it made Tilda’s head ache. Naming the Comet had been easy—it was about patriotism and hackers working for their country. But naming a castle? She couldn’t think of anything good.

Jude paused for a moment. “Then… let’s call it Julda, okay?” His voice was careful, almost shy, as he asked for her opinion. The ruthless and decisive Jude almost never showed such a vulnerable side.