Chapter 640 You Can Fix Your Relationship
No one expected things to turn out this bad.
"Why... why did this have to happen to Daphne..." Blair’s voice broke, and she quickly covered her mouth as sobs escaped. Tears poured down her cheeks. Daphne had been her closest friend for decades.
Russell reached over and touched her arm gently. "Blair, breathe. She’s not gone yet. There’s still hope—things could turn around."
Hearing him, Preston lowered his head, clenching his fists so tightly that his nails bit into his palms. The sting grounded him. It was the only way to dull the grief pressing on his chest.
More than anyone, Preston wanted to believe what Russell and Ryan were saying—that Daphne wasn’t gone. She was still alive. Even if she was lying in a hospital bed, unresponsive and hooked up to machines, at least there was still a thread of hope.
If she died… then everything would truly end. Everything.
Blair finally pulled out a tissue and dabbed at her eyes. "I’m sorry… I just lost it for a moment…"
"It’s fine," Russell said softly. "We all feel the same. Seeing her like this is unbearable. All we can do now is trust the doctors, trust the equipment at Motrar… and maybe pray for a miracle."
Ryan’s words sounded sympathetic, but something about his tone set Preston on edge. He pushed the unease aside, forcing himself to stay quiet.
Blair nodded quickly. "Yes, you’re right. We can’t give up hope! Ryan, if there’s anything we can do, just tell us. The Jensons may not be as wealthy as the Bells, but we’ll stand by you however we can."
Ryan cleared his throat and shifted the conversation. "Of course… Well, actually, the real reason I asked you here today is because of Preston."
"Me?" Preston looked up, stunned. He had no clue what Ryan was up to.
Russell and Blair exchanged puzzled glances.
Ryan pressed on, "Do you remember back before Preston and Tilda were even born, our families agreed on a marriage arrangement?" He made sure to emphasize Tilda’s name.
Russell and Blair stiffened, instantly understanding.
"Ryan… don’t tell me you’re seriously bringing up that old agreement now, of all times?"
"That’s exactly what I’m doing," Ryan replied without hesitation. "Preston’s in his 20s–he’s at the right age to start a family. I have only one son. Rebecca was sent overseas and can’t come back. And Daphne… Well, you know her condition. So naturally, my focus is on Preston."
"Tilda’s success speaks for itself. If we honor the marriage agreement, it would be a win–win for both families."
The conviction in Ryan’s voice left Russell and Blair staring at him in disbelief, wondering if he had completely lost his mind.
Preston, still frozen, struggled to process what he was hearing. His thoughts flashed to Tilda’s cold, disdainful eyes, the way she had always looked at him like he was beneath her.
She had forced Rebecca to mutilate herself and then banished her overseas.
By all logic, he should hate Tilda. He should want her gone, even dead.
And yet, no matter how much trouble she caused, his heart still pounded at the memory of her sharp, breathtaking face.
God, what’s wrong with me? I actually want this to happen. I want to marry her.
No… Maybe I’m just trying to twist this into revenge. Kyla’s face is ruined now, and I don’t love her anymore, but could I really fall for my enemy?
Blair finally regained her composure and shook her head firmly. "Ryan, you’ve lost it. Daphne’s condition is devastating, but that doesn’t mean you get to chase after some wild fantasy!"
"I’m not delusional," Ryan said flatly. "With the Bells‘ wealth and power, we’re more than a match for the Jensons. Preston has every advantage–he’s my only heir and will inherit everything. If Tilda becomes his fiancée, she’ll rightfully be Mrs. Bell…"
"Wouldn’t this be the perfect chance to repair your relationship with Tilda? If she’s even a little willing, this could fix everything."
Russell’s expression hardened, his voice sharp with warning. "Tilda is a world champion now— Dane’s star junior, recognized across the globe. And suddenly, you remember a dusty old marriage pact? Suddenly, you want her for Preston?"
"That’s part of it," Ryan admitted without shame. "But honestly, I always wanted Tilda for him. She carries Jenson blood, and this union would strengthen both families."
His tone was lofty, but the truth was obvious–if Tilda hadn’t achieved international fame, Ryan would never have thought of her again. He wouldn’t even want her cleaning Preston’s shoes, let alone marrying him.