Chapter 43: Not My Problem
By now, it was pointless for Una to regret not stopping Tilda from going back to the Jensons. All she wanted was to grab Tilda’s hand tight and keep her far, far away from them.
“Don’t worry, Una. I’m not hurting. My head’s clear. I saw through the Jensons’ real faces a long time ago. This isn’t about family ties–it’s about you. If I can’t even protect my best friend, who got dragged into this mess and hurt because of me, then honestly, I might as well be dead. This second chance at life, the one God gave me, isn’t for me to keep hiding like a coward, dodging the Jensons, and taking hit after hit, pretending like an ostrich with its head in the sand.
No. It’s for me to rise, to shine, to carve a marvelous path for myself, to live wild and free, and to never again let anyone chain me down. If the Jensons push me too far, I’ll crush them without a second thought. I don’t care anymore. I refuse to let my heart ache again for that so-called family.”
Seeing Tilda’s fierce determination and that untouchable look in her eyes, Una stayed quiet. She had promised before that no matter what, she would always stand with Tilda, strong and steady. That promise held yesterday, today, and tomorrow. So, she didn’t stop her. Warmth filled Una’s chest instead.
Thank you, Tilda. Meeting you and becoming your best friend is the best thing that’s ever happened to me…
Russell had stormed out, leaving behind a giant mess only Howard could clean. Howard might’ve been a fighter, but in his bones, he carried the Jensons’ kind of polish–he had been raised rich and trained by high society. Cleaning up disasters like this was second nature for him.
He was almost 6’3", with muscles built like stone, chest like armor, abs cut into eight hard ridges, skin a warm bronze from the sun, and eyes burning hot like fire, sharp enough to slice anyone down. Even dressed, Howard’s presence screamed danger. His aura was so heavy that no one dared step up against him. Once he explained who he was and why he was here, the security guards fell in line immediately. They started taking phones, deleting photos and videos of every student.
Didn’t want to hand it over? Claimed you didn’t record anything? Refused? Fine.
The Jensons weren’t just donors of Orica University–they were untouchable in Slosa. If something leaked out and you were the one who did it, you wouldn’t just be in trouble. You’d be ruined. A lawsuit would be the lightest punishment. After that? Crushing fines, expulsion, and a lifetime where no company would ever hire you. Who would risk that? No one. Not a single student dared go against the Jensons.
They were Slosa’s top family. Finished. Even the rich kids standing there knew–if their families found out they picked a fight with the Jensons, they’d be thrown out on the street that same night. Nobody wanted that. So everyone obediently wiped their phones clean and swore the cafeteria scene would never leave their mouths.
Once Howard made sure every student’s phone was cleared, he ordered the guards to erase the surveillance footage too. Only after covering Russell’s tracks did Howard finally let his complicated gaze fall on Tilda.
Tilda hadn’t left. She was busy on her phone, fingers flying. When she noticed his stare, she slid her phone away and flashed a cold, sharp smile.
“Classic Jenson move. You screw up, then force everyone into silence. You delete evidence and cover it up, all so nothing ugly leaks and ruins that shiny Jenson reputation. It’s fucking disgusting! What, now? You gonna search my phone next?”
“No need.”
Howard had already checked every other student’s phone. Nobody had sent anything out. Nobody even had Tilda’s number or contact info. And during the fight with Russell, neither she nor Russell had pulled out a phone to record. Now all the evidence was gone, the cameras erased…
Tilda raised her brows. The old Howard would’ve already blown up, demanding to search my phone, tearing through my stuff with brute force–just like at the Porsche dealership, when he called me a thief and dragged me to the police station. To Howard, I’m nothing but a stain, a curse that threatens the place of Kyla, the sister he truly cares about. He wants me gone, erased, and destroyed. So what’s up today? Why isn’t Howard doing the same thing now? He actually seems toned down. But whatever. Not my problem. Even if Howard tried to check my phone, I’m ready. He wouldn’t have found a single thing.
Howard sucked in a long, heavy breath. “Wh–what exactly are you trying to do?”
Una hated Howard with her whole being. This was the same man who had teamed up with Kyla at that dealership to frame Tilda, humiliating her and tearing her down. And now, seeing him here, Una’s eyes narrowed, sharp and fierce, as she stepped forward with her arms spread wide, shielding Tilda.