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.

“Yvan, how could you let this… this tramp touch you?

her.

her pride as a society darling bruised, eyes rimmed red

once married Matilda! The Matilda! The unrivaled gem of Ashton City, Sea City, River City, and Sapphire City combined! And now you stoop to nightcrawlers like

felt

wouldn’t let this night’s disgrace go unchecked. How pristine could Matilda be? No matter,

would have it, Matilda emerged from the restroom

he cried out.

a fraction of a second, all eyes drawn to the woman at the restroom

elegant line of her jaw and neck. Her lips parted slightly,