Chapter 94: Indifference

"I’ll support whatever decision you make, Tilda. Whatever you decide, I know you have your reason, and I won’t interfere,” he said.

Then he added, “May the glory and courage of victory be given to you.”

A small smile appeared on Tilda’s face. “Of course!”

The next day, the first trial was scheduled to begin at ten in the morning.

It was a small case–just a typical dispute. But because of the people involved, it became a big deal. And Tilda’s side had made it clear that there would be no private settlement.

The judge in Slosa had never been this careful before. On one side was Russell, the head of the Jensons. On the other side was the Jensons’ long-lost real daughter, Tilda, who’d made headlines after being missing for 19 years. And this long-lost heiress was actually filing a lawsuit against Russell. She wanted him to issue a public apology to her and Una in the media.

It sounded almost unbelievable. Even the slightest leak would set off a media storm.

And if that wasn’t enough, Tilda’s lawyer was Andy, Cetherland’s top attorney. The Jensons were represented by Rose, a popular lawyer from Yvoria.

Afraid of making headlines, they planned to handle this case quietly. Even if they didn’t, the Jensons would have asked for it. They were pleased to learn that the court had the same idea.

Tilda’s side, meanwhile, stated that they supported all the court’s decisions.

And so, Tilda and Andy walked up the courthouse steps.

It was 9 a.m., an hour before the trial. Perfect timing. Tilda and Andy ran into Russell, Dominic, and Rose right at the courthouse entrance. The Jensons didn’t bring the whole family; they kept it low-key with just the main people.

The moment Russell laid eyes on Tilda, his gaze practically shot flames. He looked as if he wanted to get rid of her as soon as possible.

Andy and Rose just gave each other a nod.

Rose was wearing a bright suit. The sun was scorching, and she adjusted her tie with a hint of provocation and said, “Andy, it’s been a while.”

“It has been, Rose. I didn’t expect the Jensons to bring you in,” Andy replied. “I guess this case is going to be a little more interesting now.”

Andy’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. His voice was low, calm, and casual. His green eyes didn’t show any emotion, as if he had everything under control.

“I’ll make this case interesting, even if it’s a minor matter. Since you’re my opponent, I’ll give it 120%– attitude and skill.”

Rose wanted to beat Andy so badly, even if it was just once. She had stayed up all night to organize all the materials. The lawsuit was simple, so one day was enough time for Rose to prepare. Rose was here to wipe away her shame.

Normally, she would have complained about Tilda being so dramatic and taking such a small matter to court. Isn’t this a waste of everyone’s time? She must be insane. But because Tilda had brought Andy to fight this evenly matched case, Rose was actually grateful to her.

Facing Rose’s fiery gaze, Andy shrugged. “I’ll be waiting.”

Clearly, he wasn’t letting her provocation get to him.

Rose huffed coldly and strode into the courthouse first.

Dominic, on the other hand, was indifferent. He didn’t even glance at Tilda, just like in her past life. The cold way he looked at her made Tilda feel pushed aside.

Even as Tilda tried cautiously, humbly, to approach him–the backbone of the Jensons, the eldest brother all the others looked up to, the one Russell and Blair trusted deeply–he still wouldn’t look at her.

But… this was Dominic’s first time seeing Tilda.

Unlike Wade’s more obvious coldness and cruel insults, Dominic’s method was simply to ignore her. He would simply cast Tilda aside.

In his eyes, only Kyla existed. Whenever Tilda and Kyla were together, Dominic would only look at Kyla. He would walk over to her, being incredibly doting, gentle, and concerned. He treated Tilda like she wasn’t even there.

Even when Kyla wasn’t around, and Tilda worked up the courage to greet him… Dominic would ignore her, turn around, and leave.

He treated Tilda like a virus he needed to avoid, like touching her would make his whole body rot.

That’s when Tilda realized–there was something crueler than cold violence, anger, insults, or misunderstanding.

And… Dominic’s words.