A Journey from Bitterness to Truth

Chapter 52

Back at her family’s sprawling estate, Willow’s mind kept replaying her standoff with Matilda. The way Matilda had brushed her off with such nonchalance lit a fire in Willow. In a huff, she texted a group of her friends, rallying them for a night of drowning sorrows and mischief at the local pub, never expecting that she’d run smack into Evie.

Evie, the queen of the night scene, was cozied up in Yvan’s arms–a sight to behold since Yvan typically had the emotional range of a stone. His icy exterior was legendary, and the fact that he allowed a lady’s touch was nothing short of a miracle.

Willow stormed over, yanked Evie to her feet, and without so much as a by–your–leave, delivered a stinging slap across her cheek.

Evie might have been the talk of the town, with whispers of a less–than–stellar reputation trailing her like a shadow, but a public face–slapping was a first. She trembled with rage, her scream piercing the boozy hum of the pub, “What the hell! Have you lost your mind?”

Yvan looked up lazily at the commotion, his gaze landing on Willow.

Evie, tears welling in her eyes, ran to him, a perfect picture of wounded innocence. But Yvan just watched, his eyelids barely lifting, the epitome of disinterest.

with anger, turned to Yvan, “Yvan, how could you

at her. “And who should it be?

as a society darling bruised, eyes rimmed red with the sting of

gem of Ashton City, Sea City, River City, and Sapphire City combined! And now you stoop to nightcrawlers like her?”

reddened cheek, felt her tears

let this night’s disgrace go unchecked. How pristine could Matilda be? No matter,

would have it, Matilda emerged from the

he cried

second, all eyes drawn to

of club lights, Matilda stood in a tailored cocktail dress, a delicate chain gracing her clavicle, her hair swept to one side, revealing the elegant line of her jaw and neck. Her lips parted slightly, makeup impeccable, her gaze cool and distant as she moved through the crowd, brushing past admirers.