Chapter 359 Be Careful
Jude was at the Nightingale Bar when Tilda’s message popped up. He lowered his gaze, trying to hide the flutter in his chest.
“Can’t I just message you even if it’s nothing important?”
“Before I got on the plane, you kept me talking forever. And I already told you I’d meet up with Una tonight first. You’re not the type to bug people for attention, are you?”
“Well, you’re kinda wrong. Honestly, I’m a little selfish–I just want you to notice me.”
There it was again–the smile emoji!
Thinking about that impulsive kiss on Christmas night, Tilda couldn’t help but blush.
She typed back, “It’s flattering to hear that from you. Bet plenty of women would be insanely jealous.”
“Don’t care what anyone thinks. Compared to you, they’re not even worth a strand of your hair.”
Those words came straight from Jude’s heart.
After that Christmas in Motrar, things between him and Tilda had changed.
Sometimes, it felt like sparks flew between them, almost like a couple.
Every time Jude caught those small changes, he felt ecstatic.
It was like finally figuring out the hardest puzzle in the world.
Tilda replied, “Thanks for the compliment. That makes me happy.”
He replied, “Uncle Ryan went to Hetsa again. He got solid info and tracked down where Rebecca is hiding.
“That video you posted about her went viral. The Bells noticed.
“Grandpa said they’ll handle it after the New Year. For now, Uncle Ryan’s family is cleaning up the mess.
“He’s fighting for his spot, so Rebecca is done for this time. Tilda, watch out. Looks like Uncle Marcus is showing interest in you.”
Jude’s eldest uncle?
Tilda pursed her lips, thinking back over everything she knew about the Bells.
Marcus was a cunning man.
Before Jude appeared out of nowhere, everyone assumed Marcus would become the head of the Bells and DY Group.
Abram was the previous head. As his eldest son, Marcus had seemed like the perfect choice for DY Group and the Bells.
Leonard, the third son, was laid-back. He loved traveling and avoided drama, so he wasn’t a threat.
Devin, Jude’s father, had been talented as well, rivaling Marcus.
Rumor had it that when Abram retired, the new leader would be either Marcus or Devin. People were obsessed with choosing sides.
Devin married young, deeply in love with his childhood sweetheart–Jude’s mother.
But she died in childbirth.
After that, Devin fell apart and never recovered.
Ryan, the second son, was even less capable than Preston.
His dream of beating Jude and reclaiming DY Group was just wishful thinking.
Ryan was more competitive than their third and fourth brothers, yet Marcus never saw him as a threat.
Of course, Marcus was capable, but he didn’t match up to a true prodigy.
That was why Abram ignored everyone’s objections and made Jude the new head of the Bells at a young age. Once Jude proved himself, any opposition vanished.
Because he crushed them all.
When the decision was announced, everyone figured Marcus would lose it.
How could he just let a position that seemed rightfully his be taken by his nephew?
Surprisingly, Marcus stayed calm, not a hint of anger.
Ryan, though, threw a huge fit.
But honestly, he was no match–Jude shut him down in minutes.
Tilda asked, “Jude, what’s your take on your eldest uncle? Is he an ally or an enemy?”
Jude replied, “Not exactly an enemy, but he’s definitely not an ally.”
They were smart people.
That answer immediately helped Tilda size up Marcus.
She said, “Yep, he’s a clever old fox. He only cares about his interests. That’s the kind of person who survives in business. Got it. Don’t worry.”
Jude asked, “When can we hang out again? If you want some Omega-style food, I can bring it over.”
Tilda replied, “Sure. We could also enjoy some good wine. And… if things get heated, maybe we can repeat that Christmas kiss?”
Thump!
Jude didn’t expect that. His heart skipped a beat.
His fingers shook as he stared at the screen, taking a while to type back.
“Su… sure!”
“Haha, Jude, you’re adorable!”
He couldn’t stop himself from swallowing hard.