Chapter 303 Best Friend

Tilda’s eyes were deep and still, like an old, quiet well. She had fair and smooth skin, with long, flowy hair.

After an entire hour, Mystro finally finished the portrait. He let out a long, relieved breath.

“Tilda, it’s done!”

“Let me see!”

Tilda leaned in, eyes wide with excitement. The moment she saw the woman in the painting–so radiant, graceful, full of charm–Tilda froze.

She took a sharp breath.

“My God! Is that really me?”

The girl in the painting was so beautiful, almost mysterious. She seemed wrapped in mist, with only her bright eyes shining like stars.

“Well? What do you think?”

Honestly… Even in the Picasso Championship, Mystro hadn’t felt this nervous. Winning back-to-back titles had always been normal for him. Ever since he chose this path and showed his talent, it had been natural. But this was the first time he had painted someone’s portrait, and he was shaking. Not even Liam had made him feel this way. Maybe it was because the woman in front of him was his junior, the family he had finally found!

“It’s amazing! Your art is like magic, perfect in every way! I’m so lucky to be your model! If this painting got out, everyone would die of jealousy… Can you make another copy for me?”

Mystro smiled quietly. Hearing Tilda praise him felt sweet, like honey melting on his tongue. This feeling was better than winning a world championship.

“If you like it so much, it’s yours.”

“What? But Mystro, what about you—”

Mystro tapped his head. “It’s stored here. I can remember every detail of anything I paint. I never forget. Now that we’ve found each other, I can see you whenever I want. Life is long. You’ll model again plenty of times. And I want to see how I look in your hands too. Can I be the model of a world champion?”

“Of course!”

After walking Tilda out, Buck returned to the villa. Mystro was in the living room, sipping red wine.

“Is Tilda back safely?”

“Yes, Mr. Mystro…” Buck hesitated.

Mystro set his glass down and said calmly, “Buck, if you have something to say, say it.”

Buck bowed. “It’s nothing. It’s just… you look so happy. I haven’t seen you smile like this in a long time.”

“Buck, you know, ever since my parents died, I’ve been alone. I was their only child. They were already old when I was born. Aside from Uncle Harvey, who taught me as a boy, I’ve had almost no relatives, no friends. Most people can’t follow how I think, and they keep their distance because of the Kerrigan bloodline. But now… I’ve met Tilda. She came into my life, and so did Dane and Liam. For the first time, I feel not alone. My gray life has color. I finally have something to hold onto.”

So… Tilda. The one I should truly thank is you. If I hadn’t met you, I wouldn’t have seen all these bright colors in life. You are the white stag, rare and unexpected, like music that brings spring to the soul.

Tilda went back to the hotel with both paintings. She told Andy everything that happened.

“Ahh!” Andy suddenly cried out.

Tilda jumped. “Andy, what’s wrong?!”

“I… Damn it! I’m happy you found a new senior! But it means more people fighting for your time, ughhh… First Una, then that jerk, Jude, then Theo, then Maurice… and now two more seniors?! It feels like my fun Jeselton trip with you will never happen!”

Despite being 6’3“, looking like a noble vampire, Andy was crying like a six-year-old, completely heartbroken.

Tilda rolled her eyes so hard that it hurt. I thought something serious had happened to Andy. But it turns out he’s just jealous. Seriously? In the end, Tilda had to comfort Andy like a child. She escorted him back to his room.

When she got back to her own, she collapsed face-first on the bed. Gosh, I’m exhausted! What now? Well, I chose this best friend, so I’ll just have to pamper him till the end!

After resting a bit, Tilda sat up, opened her laptop, and logged into her hacking software. Using the phone number and sketch Mystro gave her of Liam, she quickly traced Liam’s flight.

“Found it!”

Liam took a flight from Motrar Airport.