The True Heiress Returns (Tilda Jenson) novel Chapter 9

Chapter 9 The Dancing Star of Nightingale Bar

Clive Rowse, Wade’s childhood friend, sprawled across the leather couch with his arms stretched along the backrest, watching Wade down one beer after another without saying a word. Clive’s mouth twisted into a smirk.

When Wade still stayed quiet, Clive leaned over and smacked his arm. “Alright, that’s enough. If you’re wasted. I’m not hauling you home. I’m not letting your dad chew me out for it.”

“It’s just beer. I’m fine,” Wade muttered, but he finally set the bottle down and leaned back.

A cool breeze drifted in from the river as Wade tilted his head, eyes tracing the night sky.

Clive loosened his pink tie and shot a playful wink at a woman walking past. With his sharp suit, polished style, and easy confidence, he looked every bit the charmer. The purple diamond in his ear caught the low glow of the bar lights, flashing just enough to draw the

eye.

Still, the women weren’t looking at Clive. They were looking at Wade–and who could blame them? The Jensons were a good–looking bunch. All seven sons had inherited Russell and Blair’s flawless features, each with his own kind of appeal.

Wade had chiseled cheekbones, a sharp nose, and lips that looked like they belonged on a magazine cover. Add his slightly messy hair, and he could’ve walked straight off a fashion shoot.

“Every time we go out, I might as well be invisible. No one even notices me,” Clive grumbled, shooting Wade a sulky look.

Wade closed his eyes, ignoring him.”

Since Wade wasn’t biting, Clive dropped the teasing. “I saw the news. Is that what’s eating at you? You worried about Kyla?”

“That’s part of it.” Wade let out a slow breath. “The other thing is, we all accused Tilda yesterday–wrongly. It cut her deep. She said she’s done with us, packed up, and moved out.”

Clive clicked his tongue. “Wait–you guys thought she leaked the story?”

Wade didn’t answer, which was answer enough.

Clive coughed a little. “Man, talk about jumping the gun. Still, isn’t this kind of a messed–up win for you? Your family thought your real sister died years ago. Now she’s back, but Kyla’s in the way. And you’ve always liked Kyla better, right?”

Wade didn’t hide it. “Yeah. Kyla’s been with us since she was one. We grew up together. She’s always been sweet and thoughtful. I never felt anything for Tilda. Honestly, I used to think it’d be better if she never came back. It would only hurt Kyla.”

“Then there you go!” Clive lifted his glass. “Tilda’s gone, no strings attached. Time to celebrate. Cheers!”

Celebrate?

Yeah, maybe I should be happy.

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Chapter 9 The Dancing Star of Nightingale Bar

So why did watching Tilda walk away feel so heavy? And why did Mom’s failed attempt to stop herhit me like a punch in the gut?

Maybe it’s guilt.

Or maybe it’s that unshakable blood tie–no matter how hard I tried to deny it. Tilda is still my sister.

If she’d been the one behind the scandal, Wade might’ve applauded when she walked out.

But when she left, it felt like they owed her something they could never repay.

Earlier that day, over at Orica University, Wade had done something he’d never done before–he asked around about Tilda.

No one had seen her. No one knew where she went.

Russell brushed it off, saying she’d come home once she was done sulking. He told everyone to just let her

1. be.

Everyone, except Blair. She was the only one who would miss her.

To the Jensons, Kyla was enough. She always had been.

And the seven brothers felt the same way.

Then, out of nowhere, Wade spotted a familiar figure.

He froze.

“Tilda? Over here!”

It was Una waving at someone.

Tilda walked toward them with an easy smile.

She wore a crisp white blouse tucked into fitted jeans, finished with sneakers. No makeup–yet her natural beauty lit her up from the inside. Her starlit eyes and graceful features caught the sunlight with every step.

People turned to look as she passed.

Even Wade was taken aback.

Is Tilda always this beautiful? I couldn’t remember noticing on campus before.

The first time she’d caught his attention was when he learned she was the sister they’d lost for 19 years.

Her first visit to the family home had been a disaster–nervous, awkward, and constantly searching for approval. That weak, needy look had grated on him, and she’d made a terrible first impression.

To Wade, a Jenson carried themselves with pride and presence. Compared to Kyla, Tilda had fallen flat.

And he wasn’t the only one who thought so.

Afraid she’d threaten Kyla’s place, none of them had treated Tilda kindly.

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But this Tilda–confident, glowing, and completely transformed–was almost unrecognizable. She carried herself like she owned the place, every step steady and sure. Her presence pulled people in; it was like the spotlight followed her.

“Wow! Total knockout,” Clive said with a grin. “Wade, even you can’t look away. That’s saying something.”