Chapter 605 Fame That Burns Too Bright

After that one speech, Tilda’s life completely changed. Overnight, she became a household name across the world.

People dug up her past too–her hidden identity as X, the champion of international student art competitions, and even her racing champion titles.

The internet went wild, calling her a genius from another world. To them, she didn’t even seem human.

With her breathtaking beauty, she could dominate the entertainment world as soon as she decided to debut. Her cold, untouchable aura had drawn in countless admirers. Men and women alike became her fans.

Fan groups sprang up on Twitter, and their memberships quickly exceeded five million, with numbers still rising.

But Tilda never opened a Twitter account, nor did she want to step into show business. After a simple statement posted through the news, she disbanded the fan club. She wanted her life private, not under the world’s spotlight.

As the top hacker on the dark web, Tilda’s ability to protect her information was unmatched. She knew how to stay invisible. The government gave her protection too. Ordinary people had no chance of digging into her personal life–only the surface details ever showed.

Still, a few reckless ones tried. They used underground methods to steal her data and planned to sell it on the black market overseas. Tilda struck back immediately. She pressed charges for unauthorized access to private data, sent out cease and desist letters, and had the Comet Squad take over the follow-up.

Faced with jail time and the risk of their private details being exposed online, those people panicked. They begged for forgiveness, then vanished without a trace.

After word spread, no one in the underground circles dared to chase after Tilda again. Her identity as Queen stayed hidden, known only to a select few.

Life carried on as usual. Nothing really changed.

Well… almost nothing.

Her best friend, Una, had practically vanished.

Every time Tilda asked her out for drinks or a night of dancing at the bar, Una always told her she was busy.

Busy with what? Tilda had no clue.

It left her feeling abandoned, like a loner.

Weren’t they supposed to stick together no matter what? Wasn’t Una the one who swore, even if the whole world turns against you, she’d be by her side, fighting with her?

Sob! Sob! Sob! Now look at her–such a fickle woman!

One day, Tilda got a message from Sheldon.

“Tilda, Crown Group’s Mr. Lowell asked me to pass along a request. He’d like to meet you.”

“Mr. Lowell?”

Tilda instantly pictured Malcom’s cunning face.

This man is Tobias’s father.

Interesting.

She replied, “Okay. I’ll give you an address and time, Mr. Oliveson. Please let Mr. Lowell know. But tell me, why are you helping him?”

For someone like Sheldon, a man of such stature, Malcom was practically a junior.

He should be flattering Sheldon, not using him as a messenger. Why would Sheldon possibly agree to pass on Malcom’s words to Tilda?

“When I founded the Hope School Foundation years ago,” Sheldon said, “Mr. Lowell had his company give their full support. They helped me a great deal. After all, I was based overseas in Endralsia and couldn’t always fly back to handle matters in Cetherland. During that time, Mr. Lowell took care of everything for me. In the end, it was a win-win situation. Crown Group gained a fine reputation through the foundation, but I don’t like owing anyone favors.”

“I understand. Please pass my message on to Mr. Lowell,” Tilda replied.

After hanging up, she tapped her phone against her chin, eyes narrowing in thought.

Malcom and Russell were on fairly good terms, though she was sure they still kept their guard up around each other.

Compared to the rest, though, their relationship was closer. They had no reason to go against each other.

That night, Malcom had witnessed her humiliating Russell in public.

If he thought he could smooth things over between them now, he was delusional.

Malcom thinks too highly of himself. He’s nothing but a fool.

“Let’s see what this man really wants from me,” Tilda muttered. “After all, his son… he does interest me.”

Meanwhile, Tobias also happened to be in Slosa.

He received word that Tilda had agreed to meet Malcom.

A cold smile tugged at his lips.

After a moment’s thought, he pulled out his phone and sent a message to Kyla.

The next day, at the Twilight Tea Room, Malcom arrived at the Orchid Room Tilda had reserved.

The meeting was set for noon.

Tilda hadn’t shown yet.

Malcom didn’t mind. He sat quietly, sipping tea, his expression calm even as 30 minutes ticked by.

Then the door opened.

Kyla walked in wearing a mask and a wide-brimmed hat.

The outfit she wore was the haute couture of Chanel from last year’s spring collection. Every detail screamed luxury.

The only reason she wasn’t dressed in this year’s collection was simple. The Jensons no longer cared enough to send her any.