Chapter 523 Family
In a way, Jude and Tilda were really alike. They were the same kind of people.
Not just because they both had Omega-type blood, but because of those twisted, suffocating families behind them. They hated them, resented them, yet could never cut off the ties of blood. When they were alone at night, licking their wounds in silence, they could not help but crave a little warmth from family. Something everyone else took for granted. Something that people like them could only dream of. Why was it so easy for others? And yet for them… completely out of reach?
Jude never talked about it, so Tilda did not ask. It was not something happy—why poke at someone’s scars and make them hurt all over again? When the time came, if Jude wanted to, he would tell her.
And now…
Tilda texted, “You okay?”
Jude replied, “There’s nothing to be okay or not okay about, Tilda. Don’t worry about me. I’ve gotten used to it a long time ago. Besides, now that I have you by my side, that’s all that matters.”
Those words came straight from Jude’s heart. He used to think he was all alone. Even with Alfie and Maurice, no matter how close, they were still just friends—they could never reach the deepest, most fragile part of him. But now, Jude could finally say with pride that he had someone more important than his own life. A woman he loved so deeply that he would carry her for the rest of his days. With her, he could show his weakest, truest self. No masks, no secrets.
The Jude who was always unyielding, cutting through thorns and storms, had found his one weakness. And this time, it was a weakness he embraced willingly.
Tilda giggled. “Wow, sweet talker. Jude, if you’re feeling down, don’t just bottle it up. Why not find your two bros, Maurice or Alfie, and hang out a bit?”
Jude texted back with an adorable emoji, “I’d rather see you. Tilda, when will you come to me?”
Cough cough! Where did Jude even learn to use those pitiful little emojis? Dude, you’re supposed to be Mr. Cold, the ruthless CEO type—aloof, proud, untouchable!
Tilda replied, “When I’m free, for sure.”
For now, she still did not dare let Jude meet her seniors. Explaining her relationship with Jude? She did not even need to imagine—her seniors would definitely lose their minds. Being loved too much was also its own kind of curse.
One step at a time. She and Jude had a long life ahead anyway.
Jude typed, “Alright. Tilda, I’ll hold onto that. Don’t make me wait too long.”
After replying, Jude looked around the empty mansion. He had no feelings for this place. The only reason he was back was because it was the winter holidays—he was supposed to head to the old family home with his father for dinner. Nothing more than showing up together, sitting in silence. But now, his father, Devin, was nowhere to be found, not even home. Sometimes Jude wondered—aside from blood, were they really father and son? Because other than that, they were worse than strangers. At least strangers did not stir up that complicated ache in his chest. With Devin, reaching out felt like touching something that would shatter if he got too close. Every time Jude returned here, all he felt was loneliness. Emptiness. A bone-deep cold that seeped into his pores, impossible to guard against.
But this time …
Maybe because he realized he was not truly alone anymore, that he had Tilda by his side…
… His body felt just a little warmer.
Slosa, Sunlight Plaza. A commercial hub owned by the Bells, currently run by the second branch under Ryan. The place was buzzing with people.
Daphne stepped out of a Maybach with Rebecca, scanning the crowd. Within a minute, she spotted someone and waved eagerly.
“Over here, Blair!”
“Daphne!”
Blair hurried over with Kyla by her side.
“It’s been so long! How have you been? I heard a lot’s been going on with you recently …” Blair said warmly, then her eyes shifted to the girl behind Daphne.
Her heart dropped with a thud. Was this really the same Rebecca she remembered? The one who used to shine so bright, dripping with pride and elegance? Now, she looked timid, stripped of all presence, her face drained of color, her hands wrapped in bandages. On the street, she was the kind of person people would overlook completely.
The second Rebecca noticed Blair’s gaze on her, she panicked. Her whole body trembled uncontrollably.
“Mom, I can’t. I really can’t. I’m going back!”
“Rebecca!”
Ignoring Daphne’s call, Rebecca spun around and bolted.
Daphne immediately scolded her bodyguards, “What are you standing there for? Go after my daughter! If she so much as loses a single hair, it’s on you!”
“Yes, ma’am!”
The bodyguards scrambled to chase after her.
This turn of events had clearly thrown everyone off.
“I’m sorry, Blair, Kyla … I’ve embarrassed you. Rebecca … she’s really fragile right now.”