“Howard, is there a law saying I have to answer just because someone calls me?”
Tilda almost laughed.
She laughed at how obvious his favoritism was, at how clueless he seemed.
Look at him – threatening me for Kyla’s sake.
Is this how you treat a sister you lost for 19 years, finally found again?
Who could believe the Jensons ignored the real daughter for almost two decades, spoiled the adopted one, and now threatened the true heiress instead?
This was their first meeting in this life.
But Tilda had already lived through Howard’s anger and violence countless times, always over Kyla.
She carried wounds so deep they’d almost crushed her. But Howard had never cared.
For him, Kyla was precious. Tilda was just someone to dump his temper on – because she wanted a family too much to fight back.
Howard’s chest tightened.
Have I just seen pure hatred in her eyes?
That hatred hit him like a spear.
But in the next blink, her gaze was calm again.
Maybe I imagined it.
“What did you just call me?”
Howard’s jaw tightened.
“I called you Howard. What, never heard that before? I’ve cut ties with the Jensons. We’re done.
“You think I’d call you ‘Bro’?”
“Get lost! Tilda, you don’t even deserve to call me ‘Bro’! Only Kyla can call me that. Hearing it from you makes me sick!”
Howard didn’t hold back with Tilda – his words cut like knives.
His hatred for this so-called sister ran way too deep to make sense.
How dare she talk to her own brother like that!
And she even ignored Kyla calling her!
If Tilda doesn’t see herself as a Jenson, why should I treat her like family?
Kyla’s heart secretly lit up at his words.
Yes – that’s it! Hate Tilda as much as you can!
That way, she’ll never come back to try and take the Jenson wealth and fame that’s rightfully mine.
But she still had to act like she cared.
“Howard, don’t talk about Tilda like that. She’s your sister.”
Kyla’s voice was soft and shaky as she gently held his arm.
“I don’t have a sister like that! Kyla, you’re the only true Jenson heiress. I won’t accept anyone else!”
Howard’s eyes burned as he glared at Tilda.
This was his warning. Don’t even think about taking what’s not yours.
If the other brothers want to let Tilda threaten to cut ties, fine, that’s their problem.
But I’m not gonna allow it.
He thought his words would make Tilda’s cold look fade into fear.
He figured she’d realize she’d pushed too far – after all, the Jensons were loaded, and even fighting over the heiress title would still mean a rich life.
But that wasn’t what happened.
“Don’t worry. From now on, every single Jenson is a stranger to me. I want nothing from any of you.
“So stop pretending we’re close, and don’t call my name again. If you see me, just walk away.
“Honestly, you make me sick.”
Tilda’s voice was just as sharp and merciless.
Howard froze for a second, and then his rage blew up.
“Tilda, remember what you said!
“When you regret this and crawl back begging for the Jensons’ fortune, crying at our door … “I’ll be laughing at you like the worthless trash you are!”
“Enough!” Una snapped.
“Are you really Tilda’s brother? You just got her back after 19 years!
“How can you treat your own sister, who’s been through so much, with this kind of cruelty?”
Tears filled Una’s eyes as she stared him down.
Howard was exactly the type of man Una feared – tall, strong, intimidating.
But this time, for Tilda’s sake, she ignored that fear.
She had to say something about how wrong this was.
Why does my best friend have to deal with such an awful family and heartbreak?
If I’d known, I would’ve begged my parents to adopt Tilda instead.
We might not have the Jensons’ money, but my parents would have given her love and a real home.
It’s better than dragging her back here, only to shatter her hope for family and crush her heart.
Every tear rolling down Una’s cheeks was for Tilda.
“Because she doesn’t deserve kindness!” Howard shot back coldly.
“How can a Jenson heiress be like Tilda – rude to everyone, petty, and small-minded?
“She’s always threatening to cut ties. Do you think the Jensons care? Or that we’re scared?
“Look at Kyla, then look at Tilda. The difference is shocking!”
“What … “
Una’s anger made her start crying harder.
“Howard, don’t say that … Tilda, Howard’s always had a bad temper. Don’t take it to heart. Just apologize to him.”
Kyla stepped in, trying to calm things down.
“Why should I apologize?!”
Seeing Una cry made Tilda’s fury explode.
A cold, crashing wave of anger ran through her.
In my last life, I already suffered enough.
This time, I’m not letting anyone hurt my best friend.
“Howard! Apologize to Una!”
“Apologize? In your dreams!” Howard jabbed a finger at Una. “She’s the one butting into our family business. I’m just teaching that brat not to act like she owns the place!”
Tilda is unbelievable!
I haven’t even made her apologize to Kyla yet, and now she’s ordering me to say sorry?
“Forget it, Tilda. Don’t listen to them. I’m fine. Let’s just go.”
Una didn’t care about being yelled at.
But she knew Tilda’s heart was breaking even more.
Because that was her brother – her own family – tearing her down with such cruel words.
Right now, Una just wanted to grab Tilda’s hand and run far away, crying all the way if she had to.
Protecting her best friend was all that mattered. She couldn’t stand seeing Tilda get hurt by her own family again.
“Howard, please stop. Tilda’s already in such a bad place … If she’s here, she’s probably working part-time at the Porsche dealership.
“Tilda, if life feels unbearable, you should just apologize and make up with Mom and Dad.
“You’re the real Jenson daughter. Once you apologize, they’ll definitely accept you. Then I’ll leave the Jensons forever and never come between your family again!”
Of course, Kyla wouldn’t waste this chance. She kept acting, pretending like she was ready to take all the hardship herself.
Every now and then, she’d let a few tears fall, sniffling and looking like the poor victim, which made Howard’s heart ache for her.
“Don’t talk like that. Kyla, you’re the only true Jenson heiress! I’ll never accept anyone else!
“Tilda, since you want to cut ties, then get lost. And if you ever regret it and want back in, I’ll be the first to slam the door!”
Howard instantly pulled Kyla close, comforting her gently.
Then he shot Tilda a sharp glare.
“Tilda, you still have Jenson blood – don’t you have any self-respect?
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