Chapter 280: Tough Times
Justin already had an answer for Tilda’s demand. There was absolutely no way it was going to happen. If Tilda insisted, Justin would wait. He’d do everything he could until she changed her mind, until she realized Kyla was also their sister and a part of the Jensons.
“Alright, stop crying. If Mom and Dad see you like this, they’ll just get worried. Wipe your tears, okay?” Justin gently brushed away Kyla’s tears with the tip of his thumb, giving her a bit of courage. She nodded silently and wiped her face clean.
Hand in hand, they walked into Jenson Villa. To their surprise, Russell and the others were already home at this hour. No one had gone to bed yet. Everyone was sitting in the living room, talking about something.
Justin and Kyla walked over. “Dad, Mom… why are you still awake?” Even Howard was there.
Russell looked up. “Good timing. By the way, where’s Kayden?”
“He… Kayden said he had to meet a friend last minute. He might be late,” Justin claimed, lying.
“Then we won’t wait for him. There’s something I need to tell you all. Your mom and Dominic are going to Endralsia for business. They’ll be gone for a while and might not be back until New Year’s.”
Justin froze. “What? That’s so sudden. And isn’t this the kind of trip Dominic usually goes on alone?”
“Dominic hasn’t been in the best shape lately. I’m worried about him. I can’t let all the pressure fall on his shoulders. Your dad and I are still strong enough to handle it. While we’re gone, your dad will be leading Jenson Group. If you don’t have other work, go help him. These are tough times.”
At those words, Dominic’s lips curved into a bitter smile. “Sorry, Dad. Sorry, Mom. I’ve caused so much trouble for you.” He wasn’t pretending to be fine. He really wasn’t okay. He was nothing like the man he had been the last time he traveled abroad, because of Tilda… because he had betrayed the teacher he once loved most. At least now, his family was standing behind him, giving him support and strength at his darkest, most hopeless moment.
And yet, Dominic couldn’t stop thinking. When Tilda was in her darkest, most hopeless moment, hadn’t we all turned our backs on her? Hadn’t we all pushed her away and hurt her with cold, cruel words? She must have been heartbroken back then.
Wade stayed quiet, thinking the same thing as Dominic. The more he felt the strength of this family’s unity, the more guilt he felt for how they had treated Tilda. Why hadn’t that same unity ever included her? How cruel had we been to think of throwing her out of Jenson Villa? And now, who were we showing this guilt to?
Russell didn’t notice the shame on Dominic’s and Wade’s faces. He turned to Howard. “Howard, I know you’ve been down lately. But while your mom and Dominic are gone, if you’ve got nothing to do, come help out at the company. You’ve got the skills. Sitting at home all day isn’t the answer. You need a new environment and a distraction.”
Howard pressed his lips together. “I understand, Dad. I’ll help.”
Ever since Tilda defeated him, Howard had shut himself away. After such a long time, he was finally starting to step out of it. If he kept on wasting away like this, his family would only worry even more. He had already lost his dignity and pride when he lost to Tilda. That was humiliating enough. He couldn’t let himself drag down the people around him anymore.
As for his so-called “dreams”… Howard didn’t even know where to go from here. The future just looked pitch black. All he could do was take it one step at a time. With his promise, Dominic and Blair finally felt at ease.
Meanwhile, Kyla’s eyes shifted slyly. Once she got back to her room and locked the door, she pulled out her phone and texted Tobias. “I’ve got some news. Want to hear it?”
Tobias replied quickly. “That depends. Is it worth anything?”
“My mom and Dominic are heading to Endralsia for a big deal. If it’s serious enough that they’re both going, it’s got to be huge. If I can steal some files for you, I want 30 million dollars.”
Kyla couldn’t stand Tilda strutting around anymore, stealing everyone to her side. With the International College Art Competition just a few days away, she needed money. Lots of it. Only then could she get rid of Tilda for good.