Shadows of Tilda’s Brilliant Second Life

Chapter 542 Realization

16 Pearls

Even though the pain felt like a thorn driven deep into his chest, twisting and tearing every time it shifted, he did not waver.

“Blair, I understand. If this is what you want, then as your husband, as the man who loves you more than anyone else on this earth, I will see it through for you.

“I will pay any price. I will make it happen.”

A fierce light burned in Russell’s eyes. His mind was set.

It was the same vow he had spoken years ago, before Blair’s parents, before Blair herself, and before the church altar.

For the rest of his life, he would give her happiness. If she wanted the stars or the moon, he would climb into a rocket and bring them back for her.

Russell stepped out of the ICU. Dominic and the others saw him leave and hurried over.

“Dad, did Mom wake up? Did she move?” Dominic asked quickly.

“You stay here with her. I have something important that I must take care of,” Russell said. His face was grave, his voice leaving no room for questions. He turned and strode away.

The Jensons stood frozen in place, staring at one another in confusion.

“Something important? Mom’s condition is everything to Dad. Nothing could matter more than this,” one of them said.

Dominic rushed after him. “Dad, let me do it. Right now, Mom needs you more than anything. The doctors said she needs to hear your voice, that it could help bring her back. You should stay here with her.”

“Dominic, this is something only I can do. You need to listen to me. You and the boys stay here and guard Blair,” Russell said firmly.

“No one else is allowed to follow me.”

His tone was final.

+8 Pearls

Dominic and the others could only stop where they were, watching their father’s back vanish down the hallway.

None of them imagined what he was about to do. If they had known, they would have fought with everything they had to stop him.

Santiago and Wade arrived carrying breakfast, just in time to see Russell leaving in a rush.

“Where’s Dad going? Shouldn’t he be with Mom right now? He’s not even eating?” Santiago asked.

“He said he has something urgent that he has to take care of,” Dominic replied.

Wade looked toward the direction their father had gone, worry flashing across his face. “You guys finish your breakfast. Stay with Mom. I’ll follow him. I think Dad is hiding something from us, and I’m worried,” Wade said.

Russell would never walk away from Blair unless it was something urgent enough to risk everything. Wade knew that much.

“Alright, I’m counting on you, Wade. But be careful. Don’t let Dad notice you. If he does, he’ll send you right back,” Dominic warned.

“With you watching him, we’ll feel better.”

Wade gave a sharp nod. “I know what to do.”

Wade burst through the hospital doors. He caught sight of Russell climbing into a cab and giving the driver an address.

Wade flagged down another cab and told the driver to follow.

The cabbie eyed Wade’s tall frame, the sharp cut of his features, and the force of his presence. His eyes lit with excitement. “Don’t worry, officer. I’ve been driving cabs for years and I’ve never had a chase like this. I’ll make sure we don’t lose him,” the driver said eagerly.

Wade clenched his jaw and stayed silent.

They tailed Russell’s cab for twenty minutes. The longer they drove, the more unsettled Wade became. The streets looked too familiar.

Then Russell’s cab turned a corner. And there it was.

The apartment building standing in front of them made Wade’s heart lurch. His chest tightened until he could hardly breathe.

It was Tilda’s place.

Why would Dad come here?

A dreadful thought hit him.

It was unthinkable.

Did Dad come here to see Tilda?

At this point, Wade could not imagine Russell coming here to make trouble for her.

There was only one explanation left.

Russell wanted Tilda to see Blair.

Right then, Dominic’s call came through.

“How’s it going, Wade? Did Dad head to Jenson Group?”

+ Pearls

“No. Dominic, he came to Tilda’s apartment. I think he wants to talk to her,” Wade answered.

“What?”

The voices on the other end filled with shock.

“Wade, you have to stop him. At least try to make him think it through. No matter what Dad says to Tilda, all he’ll get back is pain.”

Dominic and the others had suffered enough humiliation. They could not bear to watch their father lower himself too.

Russell was their father. He had given them life. He was the one who held their family together.

No matter how much Tilda resented them, no matter how badly Russell had failed her, he was still her father.

Without him, Tilda would not exist.

+8 Pearls

“I… I understand,” Wade muttered.

He knew Tilda’s temper. He knew his father would not find mercy here. There would only be sharp rejection, words that would cut into him like blades.

Wade shoved money into the driver’s hand and leapt out of the cab. He sprinted as fast as he could, racing to reach Russell before it was too late.