A Journey from Bitterness to Truth

Bennett’s gaze landed on Matilda, her disheveled appearance giving him pause. “You and Yvan

are…

“We are done,” she cut him off briskly, attempting to rise from her seat only to feel the room. spin from the alcohol. As she wobbled, Yvan’s eyes narrowed, anticipating her fall.

But to everyone’s surprise, she was caught in a steadying grip. Chloe’s voice was in her ear. “Knew you’d get yourself into a pickle!”

Looking up in confusion, Matilda noticed another man standing beside Chloe, who gave Yvan a nod. “Mr. Boyd, fancy seeing you here.”

“Mr. Yeager…” Yvan quickly regained his composure. The man was Chloe’s high–ranking boss, and he returned the greeting with a knowing smile. “Didn’t expect to bump into you tonight.”

“I’m just here to pick up a friend for Chloe,” Declan Yeager explained, glancing at Matilda. “Are you done catching up?”

Both Yvan and Bennett were taken aback by the connection between Declan and Chloe. It seemed Matilda had some influential friends…

As the others mulled over their thoughts, Matilda had no time for introspection. She steadied herself and, looking down, thought about how Chloe had managed to bring such a heavy hitter to escort her home, almost giving her a heart attack.

Declan’s arrival was indeed timely, and Matilda quickly mustered a smile. Addressing Yvan and Bennett, she said, “Guess I’ll head back to my booth. Mr. Fuller, if you want to hang out, let’s plan for

another time.”

With that, she sidestepped Declan and made her way back, thinking to herself that even Chloe was wary of this big shot–best keep her distance.

Declan sauntered back, and Chloe whispered conspiratorially, “I was afraid I wouldn’t be intimidating enough, so I sent Mr. Yeager. How did I do?”

Matilda clutched her chest. “He’s too high–profile; don’t do that again!“.

Chloe chuckled, guiding her to sit and handing her a glass of orange juice. “Calm your nerves. honey.”

Declan settled across from them with a sardonic smile. “What, nothing for me?”

Chloe scurried over with a flattering smile and poured Declan a drink. “Boss, have some bourbon.”

Then she lit a cigarette for him. “Boss, have a cigarette.”

Declan grinned at Matilda. “Pleasure to meet you, Ms. Thompson.”

“Pleasure’s all mine, Mr. Yeager,” Matilda murmured awkwardly. “Your reputation precedes you

in Sea City…”

“Really?” Declan laughed, pulling Chloe closer. “Let me introduce you then; this is my ‘dog.” Chloe.”

Chloe managed a tight smile. “I thought I was your exclusive assistant?”

“Calling you that seems a bit too intimate.” Declan winked without a trace of real mirth and leaned in to whisper menacingly, “You’ve got some nerve, making me come out here for you, Chloe. You’re getting

too bold.”

Matilda exchanged a concerned look with her friend, what said, “Are you okay? When did you get mixed up with Declan?”

Chloe mouthed back silently, “Long story: he’s the boss from way up the chain!

Matilda let out a light laugh. “And here I was wondering why Chloe would come to a bar alone. Turns out it was to meet Mr. Yeager.” Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

Declan twisted Chloe’s arm playfully. “So you’ve been flaunting my name to show off?”

Chloe maintained her composure, blatantly lying. “Not at all. I would never indulge with company funds.”