A Journey from Bitterness to Truth (Matilda and Yvan) novel Chapter 283

Matilda was floored by Adrian's blunt words, and then she hung her head low, as if ashamed to be asking for money.

Adrian had already given money, and it was... a fair amount.

But to keep the gaming studio afloat, they needed even more capital for operations, in hopes of better returns down the line.

Matilda was silent for a long while, and Adrian knew she found it difficult to ask. Knowing Matilda, lowering her head like this was a once-in-a-lifetime event, especially to ask him for help.

Adrian felt like he was getting a bargain, stroking his chin as he looked at Matilda, "Can't find the words?"

Matilda's tongue felt tied in knots. Asking for money? If she could do it without a hitch, she’d eat her hat!

Adrian read her mind and stepped forward, clapping Matilda on the shoulder.

Matilda started, looking up to see the man grinning mischievously, "I think I get it. I'll wire some funds to your studio tomorrow, but I need you guys to level up your game, so I'm not throwing my money away."

He knew she was too embarrassed to ask, so he offered her a way out. Matilda felt a twinge of gratitude. She had disliked Adrian in the past, detested how he toyed with her, but now her feelings were shifting.

It seemed even those who kick you when you're down could bring you coals in the snow.

Matilda laughed at herself. Money was just a plaything for them, given on a whim or used to humiliate, depending on their mood.

Just like Yvan had done to her.

Matilda murmured a thank you, got up to leave, but Adrian caught her from behind.

When she was pulled into his embrace, every nerve in Matilda's body tensed. If Adrian used this money to manipulate her, she'd give up any hope she had in him.

But Adrian simply said, "How about just a hug? I promise I won't use the money against you."

Matilda squirmed, but couldn't break free.

She said, "No way."

"Ah," Adrian let go, watching as Matilda walked away without looking back, heading home. He called out, "Matilda!"

She stiffened.

With a helpless chuckle, Adrian spread his hands, "I admit I'm a scoundrel, but Matilda, if we could start over..."

"If we could start over," Matilda looked back, her gaze icy, "I wish I'd never met you, or any of you."

That included Adrian, Yvan, and even Mason.

Adrian was stunned by her words, then she shut the door, and the corridor fell silent.

The door to Adrian's place stayed open, just as it was when Matilda left.

A chill breeze swept in. It felt cold, colder in the heart than the body.

Hala whispered, "I think... maybe the boss is... jealous..."

Matilda's gaze sharpened like a blade, and Hala instantly recoiled, "Didn't they send you cakes one after the other a while back?"

"That makes sense!" Baxter's eyes lit up, slapping the table, "Having the Goddess is a blessing! We lost a Declan, but Yvan stepped up to fill the financial gap, and we got the Simpsons' backing. Man, I can already see our dating sim hit the market, stocks soaring..."

"Keep dreaming," Yoshi laughed, nudging Baxter with his foot, "They're here for the Goddess, not us. Goddess, you better not quit. If you do, the whole studio's going to be out in the cold!"

Matilda had planned to resign by the end of the month but suddenly found herself at a crossroads, managing only a smile, "I'm not quitting just yet."

She needed to wait until the studio was stable before leaving this city.

Matilda glanced outside and sighed deeply.

Emotions are the hardest to manage in life. She had come to this studio alone, and now, she had grown attached to everyone here.

With attachment came a connection to this world.

Matilda bowed her head, hands clasped tightly.

A new year was coming, and she had to move to a new city, one where Yvan or anyone else couldn't find her.

And then, she would search for her.