For the first time, Kyla caught the scent of Jude. She snuck a peek at Alfie and Maurice as well. Her backup options were both impressive. But still, Jude stood out the most. If she could ever be Jude's girlfriend, she'd give anything for it. Her heart pounded fast, her cheeks burning red with excitement. Preston noticed every bit of it and froze in place. Kyla wasn't even hiding her interest now—her eyes were stuck on Jude. Even though Preston was crazy about Kyla and willing to do anything for her, he could still tell what was happening. He started trembling, clenching his fists tightly. Did Kyla have feelings for Jude all along? No way! Preston shook his head hard. He couldn't accept it. If she rejected him not only because of Tilda but because her heart was already with Jude, what did that make him? Didn't that mean he was even inferior to Jude? Just as Preston was about to drag Kyla away, someone moved. It wasn't Tilda or Una. It was Jude. He picked up a fork from the table. Then, without hesitation, he jammed it straight into Kyla's thigh. "Ahhh!" Kyla had been busy swooning. She never expected it. Pain shot through her leg as blood poured out. She clutched at the wound, stumbling back before crashing to the ground. Her face twisted with pain as tears streamed down. Everyone turned to look. "Kyla!"Preston's chest tightened. He rushed over, pulling her up. "Are you okay?" "I-it hurts so much ... Preston ... "Jude, why would you hurt me? What did I do wrong?" Kyla lifted her tear-streaked face at Jude, acting like the wounded victim. She couldn't believe he stabbed her in front of everyone. Jude calmly pulled out a handkerchief, wiped the blood away, and didn't even look her way. Alfie smirked. "You call him like you're close, but do you even know he hates it when women crowd him?" Especially the hypocritical ones chasing money and status. Alfie or Maurice might've just brushed her off. But Jude didn't think in terms of men or women. There were only people he could stand and people he couldn't. If someone ticked him off, it didn't matter who she was. He'd handle her without hesitation.Kyla gasped, crying harder, her eyes red and swollen. Of course, she knew that. Jude, the head of DY Group, wasn't into women. He had a bad temper, was cold-blooded, and controlled people's fate. But then why could Tilda sit calmly beside him? Why did Jude let Tilda be close, even showing her a softer side? Not just Jude—Alfie and Maurice were relaxed around her as well. Why not Kyla? "Jude, wasn't that too harsh? Kyla's still a girl," Preston said, trying to defend her. "Keep your girlfriend in line. That was the first warning. Next time, I won't hold back." Jude's expression stayed cold. He didn't even bother to glance at Preston. His voice was sharp and final, like a death sentence. Preston, usually full of himself, suddenly went silent.He didn't even dare breathe too hard, let alone argue back. It felt like a blade was pressed against his neck. It might slice deeper if he spoke again. For Jude, cutting him down would be effortless. Sure, they were family by blood, but Jude never saw it that way. In his world, people were either valuable or they weren't. Preston knew that for Jude, his whole branch of the family was worthless. Maybe even worse off than Jarrett, who did nothing but play games all day. That truth burned inside Preston. He hated how far below Jude he was. All he could do was grit his teeth and promise himself he'd rise. Just wait, Jude. One day, I'll pay you back for all this humiliation—with extra on top! "Kyla, let's—""Jude, don't take it the wrong way! Preston and I are like siblings. There's nothing between us." Preston was just about to tell Kyla they should get her injury treated. But before he could say anything, she cut him off. She cried as she rushed to clear things up.