Chapter 377 Bad News

Jude would definitely live with a strong belief in his heart.

Tilda typed back, “Well, let’s see how you do.”

She had already kissed Jude, after all. Tilda wasn’t going to act shy anymore. She would just take things one step at a time. The future was still far ahead. Who said that she had to decide right now?

Jude replied, “Then, I’ll do my best.”

He smiled without even realizing it. Everyone who was eating at Bell Residence saw him. They froze instantly. What did they just see? That cold man actually smiled? He was always so aloof, proud, and serious.

Jarrett’s reaction was the most dramatic. His mouth was gaping wide as if it could fit a whole egg. He even rubbed his eyes hard. Oh, God! If someone took a picture of this and put it online, it would cause a huge stir! Jarrett’s parents were just as shocked.

Abram, on the other hand, looked happy and said, “Jude, you’re not getting any younger. Isn’t it about time you think about marriage? Do you have someone in mind?”

“Sort of,” Jude said indifferently. He wasn’t in a hurry to tell them about Tilda, even though he knew his uncles had already started looking into the woman he’d been seeing. Partly, it was to be cautious. Another part of it was simply out of curiosity.

“Jude, I trust you. I know you won’t even look at some useless women. If you have made up your mind, bring her home. I’ll give her a huge present.”

Now that Abram had put down most of his burdens, he looked younger and healthier. He also worked out often, so he looked more like he was in his early 50s than 70. He was wearing a suit and had a strong presence. His gaze was full of story, and sometimes he had a sharp look that one couldn’t ignore.

“Alright.” Jude didn’t deny it.

Everyone’s heart skipped a beat. So, there really was someone.

Sitting among the crowd, Preston clenched his fists under the table. He knew the woman Jude was talking about was Tilda! She was his fiancée in name only! That time at the restaurant, he had run into Tilda with Jude, Alfie, and Maurice. It was a bad memory to him.

Just thinking about it made him feel unwell. Lately, Kyla had been making excuses not to see him. In the past, Preston would have fallen for this trick. He would have thought that Tilda’s lies had worked and would have tried his best to make it up to Kyla. But now, for some reason, Preston kept thinking of Tilda, even more often than Kyla. He didn’t even know what was wrong with him. Because of that, he didn’t care as much about Kyla. Now Kyla was the one bothering him with messages. However, all of Preston’s replies were very cold.

Oh, no. I should like Kyla. We’ve been friends since we were kids and promised to get married. Why do I care so much about Tilda now? I care if she ignores me, that she’s cold, and that she looks down on me. Every cold look she gave him was a fresh wound, and now it felt like it was burning. Tilda’s image was carved deeply into his mind and wouldn’t go away.

While Preston was lost in thought about Tilda, the most awkward people at the dining table were Preston’s parents, Ryan and Daphne.

They still had to deal with what Rebecca did, even though Abram hadn’t said anything yet. Once the New Year celebration was over, she would definitely face the consequences. Strictly speaking, it was their family’s responsibility. Because of Jude’s presence and the Marcus family’s influence, their position was in danger. Ryan wasn’t like Leonard, who had no ambition. If he lost his sharp edge here, then it was basically over for him. What was the point of living like that?

Just then, the butler quickly came to Abram.

“Mr. Bell, you have a phone call on the private line.”

Hearing that, Abram frowned. Only his most trusted people would dare to call him on the private line at this time. They knew how important New Year’s Eve dinner was to him. They wouldn’t call unless something big had happened.

“Bring it here,” he ordered.

“Yes.”

When Abram got the phone, his expression changed as he listened to the person reporting. “What did you just say?”

Everyone held their breath. They could tell that Abram was very angry. The news from the phone call was not good. Everyone kept silent, except one person.

“What’s wrong, Grandpa?” Jude asked calmly.