Chapter 333: Going Skiing

Tilda took the tray from Dane. “Thanks, Dane! This is perfect. It’s all the food I love! You guys come in and sit. I’ll eat quick, and then we can go out.”

The hotel room was huge, more like an apartment than a room. Tilda bounced around with the tray like a happy little bunny, grinning ear to ear. Mystro and Dane followed her.

“Dane… don’t you think Tilda’s acting extra excited today?” Mystro whispered. He had picked up on something weird.

Dane pulled out a small notebook. “Yeah, I think so too. But maybe she’s just really happy. Nothing else.”

When they walked into the living room, Mystro frowned a little. “Tilda, why does this place smell like someone else has been here?”

Tilda froze. “What do you mean?”

Seriously? Is Mystro’s nose sharper than a dog’s? Can he actually smell Jude? She tried to stay calm, but her voice shook.

Mystro and Dane both gave her a look. It was impossible for anyone to hide things from them, even Tilda. But after a moment, they didn’t press. They figured the hotel staff had walked in earlier.

Tilda quickly pretended she was starving and focused on eating.

Four days flew by. Santiago was finally discharged from the hospital.

“How are you feeling, Santiago? Still hurting anywhere?”

“Kayden… when did you start talking so much? You used to be the quiet type. Honestly, I could’ve left two days ago. Staying here this long was torture.”

Kayden squinted at him. “Studying abroad gave you some guts, huh? Since when do you talk back to me like that?”

Santiago instantly backed down. “Sorry, Kayden. I know you’re just worried. That’s why you’re acting like this.”

Santiago was the youngest in the family. Other than Wade, all his brothers were taller, stronger, and scarier. Everyone was placed below Kyla in the hierarchy. He never stood a chance against them.

Kayden nodded. “Good. Glad you understand.” Then he headed for the door.

“Wait, where are we going?” Santiago asked.

“To ski.”

“What? Are you serious? I just got discharged!” Santiago’s jaw dropped. He thought Kayden would take him for a walk in the nice weather. It had snowed yesterday, and the sun was shining bright today. Perfect for a stroll in Fairville. But skiing? Right after leaving the hospital?

Kayden shot him a look. “What, are you scared? Didn’t you say you were fine now?”

Santiago rolled his eyes. “I’m not scared! I’m actually great at skiing. No joke.”

“Then get in the car.”

“Fine! Let’s go.”

The only ski resort in Fairville was way out in the suburbs. Kayden stood with his arms crossed, staring at the snowy forest. He seemed to be lost in thought.

Santiago bit his lip. “Kayden, you didn’t just come to see me, did you?”

Kayden didn’t even hide it. “Seeing you was part of it. But the real reason is that Tilda’s still in Motrar. I want to see her.”

Santiago almost choked. Damn. I expected that answer, but hearing it out loud hits differently. We grew up as brothers, but Tilda, the girl who betrayed the Jensons, is all they focus on? Unbelievable.

But Tilda was precious to the Jensons now. If Santiago said one wrong word, he’d be roasted alive. So, he stayed quiet. He’d just watch what happened. He wanted to see what made Tilda so special that even his brothers couldn’t forget her. They were ignoring him because of her.

“But Kayden,” Santiago finally asked, “what does skiing have to do with Tilda?”

Kayden explained, “I’ve been making arrangements these past few days. Since she’s still in Motrar, she’ll probably visit popular places. And if she wants to ski, this is the only resort nearby. I already set someone up to watch for her and get tickets.”

Kayden was famous, so of course, he had connections. Even the mayor of Fairville was in his circle. Through him, Kayden chose this exact resort. If Tilda were in town, she’d definitely show up here. He’d been waiting for days, and finally, today was the day!

Santiago stared in shock. “So you had me discharged today, not because you cared about my health… but because you found out Tilda was going skiing?”