A Journey from Bitterness to Truth (Matilda and Yvan) novel Chapter 272

Yvan bulldozed through the crowd, shrugging off his tailored blazer in one swift motion, and before Matilda could even register her surprise, she was enveloped in its warmth. With a protective arm around her, he turned her back to the audience.

Spinning around, he bellowed, "What are you all gawking at? Scram! The press conference is over!"

He kicked a microphone away and scooped Matilda off the stage, leaving everyone in shock. Baxter shouted, "Boss!"

"Holy smokes! The boss has swept the goddess off her feet!"

Yoshi blurted out, "This is it, folks. We're headed for a major plot twist..."

The crowd below was in disarray, their shock beyond words.

What did Matilda's tattoo on her back mean? It meant they had all wronged her. They all owed her an apology.

The irony of the situation was as bitter as the online rumors had once been vicious.

A reporter, microphone still in hand, muttered to himself, "Did we... ruin Matilda?"

No one dared to speak. In that moment, they were all complicit.

...

Matilda was still in a daze as Yvan bundled her into the car. As the engine roared to life, she screamed, "Let me go!"

He clamped his hand on her chin, "Why the hell did you strip down in front of all those people?!"

Matilda's laugh was tinged with sarcasm, "What other choice did I have to prove myself, Yvan? Tell me!"

She had a tattoo on her back that even he didn't know about.

When had it started? Her love for him had taken root deep within her, but now, that tattoo was like a slap across Yvan's face.

He had been clueless, utterly oblivious to the depths of her feelings for him...

A sharp pain clenched at his chest, and Yvan trembled, "Matilda, tell me, what should I do..."

"Isn't that my line?" she retorted through tears, "You've shattered me, my reputation, my dignity – is this the outcome you desired? Are you satisfied now?"

Finally, Matilda looked straight at Yvan, her eyes filled with a chilling loathing, "Just sharing the same air with you makes me sick."

Sick.

She had the nerve to call him repulsive.

Yvan's eyes reddened, "How can you be so cruel, Matilda!" Time and again, he was defeated by her ruthlessness!

Matilda's laughter was almost maniacal, mocking someone – perhaps herself, "Who turned me into this monster? Yvan, ask yourself, did you not play a part in my downfall?"

Her words struck deep, and Yvan felt as if his throat was bleeding, rendered speechless by the sting of her accusation.

After an agonizing silence, he finally managed to growl, "Take us to Imperial Residence!"

Imperial Residence – the upscale neighborhood where Chloe's gift, Matilda's apartment, was located.

Matilda didn't respond, closing her eyes again as tears trickled down her cheeks, staining Yvan's blazer with a spreading shadow.