Out Of The Shadows: Tilda’s Brilliant Second Life

Chapter 18 Howard’s Accusation

Paying cash for a Porsche Cayenne worth 150 grand—seriously, how many “clients” would Tilda have to serve to make that kind of money?

But no one dared to gossip too openly. If the Jensons heard, it would shame the family, and nobody could survive that in Slosa. The Porsche dealership staff were professionals, but they couldn’t help quietly sneering at her.

“Can you believe that girl? So pretty, but she actually did something like that?”

“You really can’t judge by looks.”

“In this business, we see plenty of people pretending to be more than they are.”

“But she’s the real Jenson heiress. If this gets out, how will the family save face?” Howard frowned slightly.

Why would Kyla bring this up now? If Tilda had really done that, the Jensons never would’ve taken her back. But looking at Kyla’s “worried” expression… she doesn’t seem to be faking it.

Howard was about to speak—not to defend Tilda, but to protect the family’s name. The last thing he wanted was more rumors.

“Shut your mouth!”

Una’s glare could have cut glass. “If you keep lying and talking trash, I’ll tear your mouth off!”

Una was usually quiet. Hearing her curse meant Kyla’s fake act had pushed her over the edge.

“I—I’m just worried Tilda’s going down the wrong road…” Kyla lowered her head, playing the part of the innocent, guilty sister who “cared too much.”

Seeing his sister being yelled at, Howard lost interest in arguing. He gave Una a warning look and was about to speak when…

“Hello?”

Tilda’s voice cut through the air. “Is this the police? I want to report someone for slandering me and ruining my reputation!"

“We’re at…”

She’s calling the cops?!

Nobody saw that coming.

When she hung up, Howard snapped, “Tilda, are you out of your mind? Why call the police? You’ll end up locked up, branded a thief for stealing from the family!”

“What? Isn’t that what you want—for me to rot in jail?"

“There’s surveillance, there are witnesses, there’s proof!”

Tilda’s voice was cold and steady.

“Tilda, you’re doing the right thing! Don’t worry. I’ll stand with you no matter what happens!” Una didn’t hesitate for a second.

Howard’s confidence wavered. Maybe Tilda hasn’t stolen from the family. Maybe she really earned it. Or… maybe she’s bluffing.

But if she really ends up in jail and the news gets out, the Jensons will take the worst blow of all. There’s no turning back now.

Soon, the police arrived.

“Who made the report?”

“I did.” Tilda stepped forward.

“Officer, these two falsely accused me of theft and attacked me verbally. I recorded everything!” She pulled out the recordings of Howard and Kyla’s words.

Howard and Kyla froze.

She recorded us?! What a sly move.

The officer—Elbert Walsh, a veteran in this district—looked at them with a frown.

“Is this true?” His voice was like ice.

“I want to report her too! She stole 150 thousand from the Jensons!” Howard shot back, voice hard.

Since she’s playing dirty, there’s no need to show mercy. She brought this on herself! If she ends up in prison, I won’t feel guilty, even though she’s my sister.

Elbert studied them carefully, clearly sensing they weren’t ordinary people. He rubbed his temples and said everyone needed to come down to the station for statements. They’d check the surveillance and question witnesses.

At the station, Elbert listened to both sides and wrote everything down.

“So, Mr. Jenson, you believe Ms. Tilda stole money in the 15 days after she moved in, before she cut ties?”

“That’s right! Officer, how else could a sophomore living a normal life suddenly afford such an expensive car?”

Una opened her mouth to defend Tilda, but Tilda raised a hand to stop her.

“Officer, I’m requesting a full investigation into my account. All my funds are legal, not stolen, as he claims. I’ll fully cooperate.”

Elbert, who had been frustrated up to now, nodded quickly. “Good. That’ll make things easier.”

If Tilda’s money had nothing to do with the Jensons, Howard’s accusation would fall apart completely.