Chapter 205 Inflated Ego

“I wasn’t in Slosa for a while, and yet you stirred up quite a storm with the Jensons and the Bells,” Preston said.

His tone was calm, almost gentle.

But Tilda didn’t even bother listening.

Her eyes stayed fixed on the stage, full of excitement as she watched Una perform.

Preston’s brows pulled tight.

This bitch. She heard me, but she’s pretending not to.

“Tilda, this whole ‘hard to get’ act? It’s getting old.”

From their private booth upstairs, Clive and Wade could see everything.

“Wade, isn’t that Preston? Didn’t he use to be engaged to Tilda?"

“So technically… doesn’t that make him her fiancé?”

Clive only knew about it because the news had been a big deal.

The truth was, Preston had always been in love with Kyla. He only wanted her as his wife.

And it wasn’t just him. Both his parents and the Jensons had supported the match.

Preston and Kyla had grown up together, practically childhood sweethearts. Their bond was strong.

On paper, they were perfect—family, looks, background, everything lined up. Everyone thought they were the ideal couple.

But things got messy when Kyla refused.

She said she already owed the Jensons enough as their adopted daughter.

Since Preston was officially engaged to the Jensons’ real daughter, Tilda, Kyla didn’t want to steal what wasn’t hers.

Even though Tilda had been missing for 19 years, with her life or death uncertain, Kyla wouldn’t say yes to Preston.

She avoided him at every turn.

And no one blamed her.

People just thought she was too kind, too naïve—willing to give up her own happiness for a sister who might not even exist anymore.

But when Tilda was finally found, Kyla and Preston’s chance was over for good.

Wade remembered how he used to complain to Clive.

He blamed Tilda’s return for breaking up Kyla and Preston, who loved each other so much.

He’d even called Tilda a homewrecker, someone who used an old family promise to ruin other people’s lives.

Clive glanced at Wade now. Sure enough, his friend’s face was twisted with regret.

He was clearly remembering the ugly things he’d said about her.

He had been cruel back then. Now he wanted nothing more than to go back in time and slap his old self across the face.

“It’s him,” Wade muttered, his eyes narrowing. “I’m worried he’s up to no good with Tilda.”

“What? That’s impossible, right? This is the first time they’ve actually spoken.

“And besides, Tilda already cut ties with the Jensons. That engagement doesn’t count anymore. Why would Preston even bother with her?”

Wade stayed silent.

He couldn’t exactly tell Clive about Rebecca crawling on the floor, barking like a dog.

He’d followed the story online afterward and found out Tilda had filmed the whole thing, but never released the video.

Rebecca had been so embarrassed, she ran off to hide in Hetsa just to avoid her.

Wade had no idea if Preston knew about it.

But if he did, then there was no way this sudden approach was just casual.

“Tilda!” Preston suddenly barked. His voice was sharp and heavy.

Tilda’s head ached instantly. She turned and glared at him, annoyed.

“Don’t push it!”

“What… what did you just say?”

Preston’s eyes narrowed dangerously.

“Didn’t you notice I’ve been ignoring you? Why are you sitting near me? Why are you talking to me?

“You’re annoying. Just a guy with an inflated ego!”

At last, Tilda said it.

In her last life, she had wanted to spit those words at Preston a thousand times.

She honestly marveled at his confidence.

How could someone so ordinary act like he was God’s gift?

Where did he get that kind of nerve? Did he really think he was gold—someone everyone would want, who could never be rejected?

Preston froze.

This was the first time in his entire life that anyone had dared say that to him.

Annoying. Inflated ego.

Me? How could that be me?

He was a true heir of the Bells. Handsome, educated, a man with ambition.

He was talented, not some spoiled rich kid with no future. He could even outshine Jude, for God’s sake.

Women should be falling at his feet—his looks, his family, his abilities. That’s how it was supposed to be.

But looking at Tilda’s face, full of disgust and irritation, Preston suddenly found himself without a single excuse.

He forced himself to believe she was just pretending. Playing the game, trying to pull him in by pushing him away.

“Tilda…” he started again.

Just then, Una bounced over, glowing with excitement after her set.

She plopped down beside Tilda. “That felt amazing! Did you hear me sing? Was I good or what?”