A Journey from Bitterness to Truth

Chapter 19

Five years ago, being alone with Yvan would set Matilda’s heart racing. She’d be careful, cautious, a bundle of nerves. But now, half a decade later, as the elevator ascended with a gentle hum, the once palpable tension had faded into a dull numbness within her.

Yvan watched her profile, his own face a masterpiece of male beauty. His intense gaze scorched her skin, and Matilda felt the weight of his stare like a predator fixated on its prey. leaving her feeling trapped with no escape.

The ding of the elevator brought them back to reality, and Matilda stepped out with a briskness. that belied her inner turmoil.

Yvan followed, his long strides silent behind her until they reached the door of VIP Room V2, where Matilda finally paused.

Yvan flashed her a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Not going in?”

Matilda clenched her jaw and pushed the door open.

The moment she entered, a whistle cut through the cacophony of laughter and chatter, the air thick with the scent of liquor and cigarette smoke. She didn’t let her distaste show, just a slight furrowing of her brow.

Someone from the couch shouted, “Now that’s a looker! Who brought her?”

Yvan’s voice came from behind her, laced with amusement. “Oh, Bennett, you interested?”

As Matilda looked around, she saw Chase among the group lounging on the couch, surrounded by women dressed in glitzy miniskirts, their bare shoulders shimmering under the lights.

Amid this scene, Matilda stood out like a sore thumb.

Bennett Fuller, holding a drink, nodded at Matilda. “Is this Yvan’s guest? Hey there, miss. Care for a drink?”

buzzed to heed the caution as he pulled Matilda down to sit

at Yvan, he said, “Man, Yvan, you’re like a warm blanket on a cold night. How did you know she’s just

drink and playfully fed Matilda a

from the crowd.

feeding

like Bennett’s got a chance tonight!”

leaned her head against his shoulder. “Wanna

15:28

Chapter 19

sweetheart?”

on his

should I

Yvan’s chilly

was just a woman–why should he care

“Are you the one here to talk business with Yvan?”

replied with a disappointed frown, then turned to Yvan. “Did

to drink with his business partner, she would do just that to entertain

a punishment. What games are we playing later? Go easy on me, okay?”

He wrapped his arms around her waist,

crimson from the wine, “Really?! think you’re

in social circles. Though he was from the neighboring city, his family possessed mass fortune, and many local businessmen