My cat is also a tortoiseshell. She is lighter than yours (mine is a 'blue cream" tortie). I noticed some people are not fond of their coat color. People say they look "dirty", "唔矜貴","顏色有問題". Worse, mine is short hair... makes her even more ordinary. But I love her so much. I read somewhere torties are predisposed to have sweeter personalities.
Some people are terrorized by cat eyes. That is the reason I cannot display my cat's photo at work. My coworker behind me cannot stand it.
I hope you will take some photos of your cat during day time! Use more light from the window will make the photos clearer.