Chapter 627 Vent Some of His Rage

Tilda’s expression darkened. “You really want more trouble? Darell, keep it up and I won’t hesitate to wreck that pretty actor face of yours.”

Theo barked, “Mr. Jenson, that’s enough! Can’t you see she wants nothing to do with you? Have some self-awareness! Why are you still pestering her? Do you need to get hurt before you stop?”

Theo was furious; the Jensons’ antics had him at the end of his rope.

A flash of sympathy for Tilda cut through his anger–dealing with that family was maddening. Even after she’d cut ties, she was still dragged back into their mess by blood and obligation.

“Mr. Theo, I didn’t come for you. I came for Tilda!”

Darell didn’t look at Theo; his eyes were locked on Tilda. “Justin’s having breathing trouble, and his autism symptoms are coming back… You saved him once. You gave him hope, the dream of becoming a pianist. You were his light.”

“Darell, if you’ve lost your mind, go see a doctor. I’m not taking you in. I don’t deal with crazies.”

“I don’t even remember doing any of that. And if Justin is sick again, that’s not my fault. You’re his brother–you should be by his side, making sure he doesn’t die. Talking nonsense to me won’t save him!”

Darell shot back, “No. I had to tell you. If Justin relapses, it won’t be fixable unless you forgive him. You’re the only one who can help. You’re his salvation and the wound he won’t speak of. You’re the knot in his heart!”

Darell saw it with painful clarity.

Even if Justin’s breathing improved, what about the autism coming back?

Justin loved Tilda so fiercely it choked him; his pain showed just how much she meant to him.

She’d been his hope and his guide, and now she’d become the family’s enemy.

Just thinking about it broke Darell.

“Oh, so according to you, Justin’s doomed. Great. Go get him ready for the funeral. I’ll send flowers. I’m not staying here to waste my time…”

Tilda tried to step around him.

Darell flinched as if struck by cold; he couldn’t believe her cruelty.

But when she turned to leave, he lunged and grabbed her arm.

Tilda froze.

Even with the strength he summoned, he shouldn’t have been able to reach her so easily. Yet she made no move to pull away.

Her face stayed ice-cold. “Darell, let go.”

“Tilda, Mom and Dad got what they deserved for hurting you. But Justin is innocent! He never hurt you. When he came back to Slosa and found out you cut ties with the Jensons, all he wanted was to make things right, to make you forgive the family and come home.

“Are you really punishing us for Mom and Dad’s sins? That’s not fair. Do you want Justin to die before you’ll stop?”

“Yes! I want him to die! I’m that cruel! Haven’t you seen who I really am? Why do you keep bothering me?”

Tilda kicked him hard in the stomach.

Darell couldn’t dodge. Pain twisted his face as he sank to his knees, but his hand still clung to her arm.

“Let go of Tilda!”

Theo lost it and landed a savage punch on Darell.

Finally, he let loose some of the fury he’d been holding back.

The Jensons’ brazenness had driven him to the edge.

Darell’s face went numb under the blow, but he didn’t release Tilda; he clung as if his life depended on it.

Theo tried to pull her free, clawing at Darell’s grip, but it was unnaturally strong.

“You bastard! You really want to make this hard? Don’t think I won’t beat you!”

Theo rained blow after blow on Darell’s face.

Soon, Darell’s face was a bloody ruin, cuts splitting the corners of his mouth and eyes.

Even then, he didn’t let go of Tilda’s arm.

He didn’t dodge. He didn’t fight back.

It was as if releasing her would be the end of him.