Chapter 602 Shadows in the Night

“Ashby, Malcom, please… I’m in a terrible mood. Drink with me. Let’s go for another round.”

Russell was drowning in guilt, teetering on the edge of madness. Maybe losing his mind would be easier. If he went crazy, he wouldn’t have to carry the pain of losing his daughter or live with the crushing regret of the foolish choices he made years ago.

Sometimes being alive–being fully aware–felt like a punishment with no escape.

Ashby said, “Alcohol is poison, Russell. Too much will wreck your body. Don’t lose yourself like this. Go back to your hotel room, take a shower, and get some rest. Even if you drink yourself senseless tonight, tomorrow you’ll wake up to the same pain. Your body and your mind will both suffer. You’ll still have to face it all!”

“Malcom, let’s get him back to the hotel.”

“Right.”

As friends, they couldn’t just stand by and watch Russell fall apart. Without another word, Malcom and Ashby each grabbed an arm and dragged him toward the hotel, both ignoring his shouts of protest.

The night air was calm and cold.

Tilda was almost at the hotel when she saw a figure suddenly step out ahead of her. She froze as soon as she recognized him. Tilda halted her steps. What was with today? She’d only gone out for a walk, yet she kept bumping into familiar faces. It was ridiculous.

“You’re… Tilda?”

The man wore a casual down jacket. He was tall and handsome and had a wicked little smile playing at the corner of his mouth. His bangs fell slightly over his forehead, and his looks bore some resemblance to Malcom. Who else could it be but Tobias?

Tilda hadn’t noticed him earlier, but Tobias had been watching her the whole time. He was spying on her argument with Russell and the others from the shadows. Tobias had arrived late and missed the worst of the confrontation. Even so, he could sense the tension among Tilda, Russell, Ashby, and Malcom. He decided to stay hidden, observe the situation, and wait for the right moment to reveal himself.

He had only come looking for his father tonight. Tobias hadn’t expected to walk into such an “interesting” scene.

It was clear to him now: Kyla was scarred and broken; her desperate late-night confessions to him had said it all. The Jensons’ attitude toward Kyla had shifted completely. That meant Kyla might no longer be the key to gaining control of the Jensons’ wealth and power. No–right now, the daughter they truly longed for was Tilda. Especially since Tilda had risen so high. Her name, her status–she was everything the Jensons needed.

Tobias was certain they regretted cutting her off. They were probably desperate now, willing to do anything to bring her back, to let her shine for the family’s sake. If he could win Tilda over, charm her with a few sweet words, and get her to work for him, Tobias could walk away with the greatest profit of all.

The thought made him beam. “Well, what a surprise. Didn’t expect to see you here.”

Tilda’s reply was calm but sharp. “It’s not a surprise. The one hiding in the shadows, watching us, and then following me–that was you, wasn’t it?”

In one sentence, she tore through his mask. Tobias’s face shifted slightly. He hadn’t expected Tilda to notice him.

Don’t be fooled by his laid-back look. Back in the day, Tobias went through plenty of training. With raw talent, he stood out among his peers. If his mentor hadn’t strongly recommended him, Malcom might never have known this illegitimate son even existed.

When it came to stealth and concealing his presence, Tobias was confident in his skill. Yet somehow, Tilda caught him so easily. No wonder he always senses something deep and unfathomable about her. This woman wasn’t as simple as she looked. Not at all.

A rush of excitement stirred in him; he felt his blood boiling. It had been a long time since Tobias met someone this intriguing. A woman like Tilda made him feel the thrill of wanting to conquer. Just imagining her one day surrendering to him filled him with a twisted sense of satisfaction.

Still, his reason whispered a warning. The woman who stood before him was dangerous. Not someone to mess with. He valued his money, his pride, his position—and his life. No woman was worth losing it all.

“You actually noticed me,” Tobias said with a wry smile. “Tilda, you’re impressive. I’ll admit defeat.”

Tilda brushed him off. “If there’s nothing else, I’m tired. I’m heading home. Good night.”

If it weren’t for the fact that Tobias could still be useful in luring Kyla, Tilda wouldn’t have wasted even a glance on him. Men who stalked her like this disgusted her. Push her too far and she’d squash Tobias like a fly. He wouldn’t even have a chance to resist.

“But I do have something to say to you,” Tobias said suddenly, his expression turning serious. “Tilda, that situation at Hotel Morloss–was it you?”

“I don’t know what you mean.”

Tilda arched a brow. What is this? First Sheldon. Now Tobias. Did everyone suddenly find out that the Comet Squad and I were behind Hotel Morloss?