Chapter 345 Her Heart

“Could it be… they’re dating?”

Just the thought of it made the Jensons feel like they’d swallowed something vile.

Wade and Santiago only thought of one thing – Tilda was still so young. She was only 19, a college sophomore.

Sure, they couldn’t stop her from falling in love. But with him? With Myst?

They worried she’d be the one hurt.

Myst wasn’t just a world-renowned artist – he was a master of disguise, ruthless, and worldly in ways Tilda couldn’t match.

But Santiago didn’t think like his brothers.

So that’s why she dared to face us so boldly, why she mocked us without fear… She climbed up to Myst.

Timothy noticed them staring at Tilda’s table. He raised a brow. “You… know her?”

“Don’t mind her. Come on, let’s just sit.

“And Timothy – please don’t tell them we’re here. I’m asking you.”

Timothy gave the slightest nod.

Thankfully, Tilda didn’t seem to notice them.

She must have been talking about something with Myst that delighted her.

Her smile curved softly and bright, like a crescent moon.

It was the kind of smile that stole your breath.

One glance at her eyes – lit with laughter yet unfathomably deep, dark as a still well – and you couldn’t help but fall under their spell.

That smile… It stunned Wade and Santiago into silence.

That smile on Tilda’s face…

They’d never seen it before.

Whenever Tilda faced them, she was cold, distant – like a hedgehog bristling with quills, ready to pierce anyone who dared get too close.

But here, she looked carefree. Genuinely happy.

Like a 19-year-old girl being treated as she should have been all along – a cherished princess, not the unwanted outcast of the Jensons.

For Wade, the pain was sharpest.

That smile was supposed to have bloomed for them, for him.

But he’d pushed her too far, and he no longer had the right to see it.

“Kayden, enough staring at Tilda. What’s the house specialty here? I’m starving. Let’s eat.”

Santiago said it lightly, but in truth, he just wanted to pull their attention away.

Inside, he cursed. What an unfortunate night.

Tonight was supposed to be his big chance – thanks to Kayden’s friendship with Timothy, he’d finally gotten into Ferris Wheel, a place he could never book himself.

He had been looking forward to the legendary vegetable feast.

Instead, they ran right into Tilda.

Oh, shit. Am I cursed? Every time she shows up, everything falls apart. Twice in a row – two ruined nights. My damn luck is rotten.

But Kayden suddenly muttered under his breath, “This… this could be a chance.”

“Kayden, you’re not seriously-”

“Stay here, Wade. I’ll be right back.”

Kayden stood abruptly and walked off.

Santiago blinked, stunned.

What am I, invisible? Does no one in this family ever see me? Why would they only pay attention to Tilda?

Am I adopted? I swear, I must’ve been picked up off the street.

Santiago watched him leave, his lips pressed thin. He glanced like a thief at Tilda and Myst’s table.

Would Kayden’s words tonight actually reach her heart?

Timothy himself wheeled a cart over to Tilda and Myst.

“Good evening.

“Allow me to personally introduce Ferris Wheel’s signature dish – Rainbow Jelly.”

He set down two plates that shimmered like a spectrum, seven colors of soft jelly lined in order.

With a tap of the fork, the pieces wobbled like crystal.

Just the appearance was enough to catch anyone’s eye.

Tilda leaned in, intrigued. “All of this is made from vegetables?”

“Of course. Ferris Wheel specializes in vegetables only – no meat whatsoever. We’re especially popular among vegetarians and Buddhists.

“This one’s citrus marmalade. And here – orange juice blended with shiso and other herbs.

“Try them separately.”

Tilda nodded, cut a piece, and slipped it into her mouth.

It melted instantly on her tongue.

Potato, carrot, tomato – each flavor layered and blooming across her taste buds.

Paired with the sauces, she counted 14 distinct fresh notes in all.

She nodded with satisfaction. “No wonder it’s the signature dish. I really like it.”