A Journey from Bitterness to Truth

Matilda quietly nibbled on a fruit platter, trying her best to appear invisible as Chloe and Declan engaged in flirtatious banter beside her.

Across the room, Yvan’s gaze lingered on their booth, sharp and piercing like the blade of a freshly unsheathed knife.

Matilda felt the intensity of his stare prickling her skin, and her fingers tightened instinctively

around the fork.

Yvan exchanged a loaded glance with Bennett, then let out a cold chuckle. “Bennett, some games you just shouldn’t play with fire.”

Annoyed, Bennett locked eyes with Yvan and retorted, “Didn’t you two get a divorce?”

“You can have your eyes on anyone for all I care, but she’s my ex–wife,” Yvan replied icily. “Bennett, there are lines you can’t cross.”

“Oh, what? Still hung up on old flames?” Bennett laughed mockingly. “You’re the one who pushed her my way, and now you’re having second thoughts? No chance, buddy. I’m going after her, and you can either compete fairly or back off. But if you try to stop me… we’re done as friends.”

“And you don’t mind that she’s been with me?” Yvan raised his tone incredulously.

Bennett shrugged. “If she doesn’t mind my long list of exes, why should I care?”

Yvan’s anger simmered even more.

Bennett was serious!

Meanwhile, Evie seemed momentarily forgotten, her complexion pale. She bit her lip and leaned closer, “Mr. Boyd…”

“Shut it.”

With a sharp gesture, Yvan pulled away from her. “Enough. I’ll have Carl write you a check tomorrow. After that, we’re strangers.”

He was done with her.

Evie’s heart tightened. “Please, Mr. Boyd… Did I do something wrong?”

Bennett watched Evie’s panic with scorn in his eyes. How boring such a woman was, utterly lost without a man. But Matilda? She carried her pride as if it would never fade, and that was truly appealing. Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

“Darling, you’re not even in Matilda’s league, so you might as well go home and practice,” Bennett mocked.

“Yvan, did you lose your mind? Even Willow was right; you’re not picky at all if you’d go for

someone like her.”

And again, Matilda… always Matilda!

Evie’s fingers clenched as Bennett’s mockery brought tears to her eyes. Her resentment towards Matilda peaked.

Matilda! Why did all men see her as untouchable? What was so great about being aloof? A woman who had been to jail dared to act holier–than–thou!

As Evie plotted Matilda’s downfall, Bennett remained indifferent to her expressions.

Provoked by Bennett, Yvan let out a bitter laugh. “Aren’t you after a woman who’s divorced and been to jail?”

“You son of a…” Bennett, tipsy and agitated, confronted Yvan. “Are you itching for a fight because I fancy your ex–wife?”

Yvan remained silent.

“Ha! Just wait till I win Matilda over. Then you’ll be filled with regret, left with irreparable damage!” Bennett taunted.

Yvan just laughed.

“Give it a try!” His cold tone put pressure on Bennett, who, undeterred, rolled his eyes and snorted dismissively.

“Pfft! Tough talk!”

Matilda and Chloe moved to another booth to enjoy themselves. When Chloe got tipsy, her inhibitions vanished, and she became daring, almost seductive. In a bold move that left Matilda in shock, Chloe summoned over a couple of charming male escorts, boldly taking one under each arm. Their laughter and carefree demeanor filled the night with a wild and reckless

energy.