Chapter 642 We Won’t Make the Same Mistake Again

Tilda was Russell and Blair’s daughter—the very embodiment of their love, carrying their blood and growing into a remarkable young woman. The saying “the student surpasses the teacher” fit her perfectly.

Russell knew that through their mistakes, they had driven her away. Yet when he looked back at all that Tilda had accomplished, pride swelled in him despite everything. He knew shame was what he should feel. But no matter how wrong it seemed, that pride refused to fade. It was undeniable proof of the bond between the Jensons and Tilda.

“Russell, our families have been close for years. Why do you have to talk like that?” Ryan’s face darkened as the words left his mouth.

The confidence he had clung to—the sense of leverage and control—collapsed the moment Tilda refused Malcom’s offer to become Crown Group’s heiress. Ryan knew Malcom all too well. Back when Abram was still leading DY Group, Crown Group had been their fiercest rival. Ryan had studied every trick, every ruthless move Malcom ever made.

Abram had made it a rule that no Bell should ever forget such a formidable opponent. For all his schemes, Malcom had forced DY Group to fight harder, to push itself higher, until it finally reached the top.

Being at the top was lonely and scary. Without rivals, ambition dulled, and success grew stagnant. Resting on old victories only meant being overtaken by new challengers and crumbling into irrelevance.

That was before Jude arrived. He seized control of DY Group with flawless precision and strategy, lifting it far beyond Crown Group’s reach. Only then did Crown Group fade into the background. Compared to Jude, he was older, but veterans like him never truly lose their power. His experience and foundation were still powerful. Next to Crown Group’s influence, Ryan’s own family was nothing. Against such a towering figure, he himself had no choice but to suck up and play nice.

And now, Tilda had rejected Malcom outright. Ryan cursed under his breath.

Malcom was a force of nature, someone Ryan feared as much as he respected. That fear now twisted into anger, covering his humiliation. The confidence he’d worn minutes ago felt like a series of invisible blows across his face. They left no bruises, but the humiliation burned! It was worse than any real slap because it wounded his very pride.

“You want to talk about family ties? Ryan, if you actually cared about them, you wouldn’t be here saying such nonsense today! We don’t trade our children’s lives for business. Who they love and who they marry is their choice, not ours. We would never use their marriages as bargaining chips to climb higher! You know exactly how Preston and Kyla feel about each other. They grew up side by side with a bond no outsider could deny. And yet you still speak like this! You’ve disrespected us, disrespected Preston, and disrespected Kyla! If it weren’t for Daphne’s sake, I would’ve said far harsher words! Come on, honey. We’re leaving.”

“Yes.”

Russell, furious, couldn’t stay another moment. He pushed Blair’s wheelchair forward, walking out without looking back, leaving Ryan behind with fists clenched and eyes burning.

Preston’s gaze flicked between his father and the couple leaving. He opened his mouth, but no words came. The truth pressed against his chest: he no longer felt tied to Kyla. His feelings had shifted. What he felt for Tilda was deeper, stronger. But knowing she could never return those feelings crushed him completely. His pride was shattered into pieces. Both women he had ever loved would never be his.

“Russell! Blair!” Ryan slammed the table, glaring at their backs.

“When did you two get so self-righteous? Always preaching about what’s best for your kids! What a joke! At the end of the day… wasn’t it you who drove Tilda away from the Jensons? Wasn’t it you who severed ties with your own daughter? And you dare to lecture me!”

Russell and Blair stopped in their tracks, hands trembling.

Preston rushed to cut in, desperate. “Dad, stop! They’re hurt enough already!” If this keeps going, will our families be torn apart completely?

“…It’s because we failed so badly before that this time, we refuse to make the same mistake again!”