A Journey from Bitterness to Truth (Matilda and Yvan) novel Chapter 304

As the end of the month drew near, the buzz around the Grand Riviera Cruise Gala was impossible to ignore. Adrian, thanks to his family's connections among the city's elite, snagged an invite and was buzzing with excitement the moment it landed in his hands. Without a second thought, he dashed next door to share the news with Matilda.

"What's up?" Matilda asked as she swung the door open, her tone as straightforward as ever.

"Check this out!" Adrian flashed the invitation with a grin. "Ever heard of the Grand Riviera Cruise Gala's hosts, the Riviera Union?"

"Riviera Union? Riviera?" A shiver of unease ran through Matilda at the mention of that surname...

"You guessed it," Adrian whispered, leaning in. "Orson, he's the big shot behind the Riviera Union."

Matilda's face went pale. "Why on earth do you have an invite?"

"Me?" Adrian couldn't resist a cheeky smirk. "Good looks and a fat wallet tend to open doors. They sent the invite straight to me."

Matilda rolled her eyes, tempted to slam the door right then and there. But Adrian, quick on his feet, wedged his foot in the door. "Hold on! I haven't even got to the best part!"

"Spit it out, then!"

Adrian's eyes sparkled. "The invite says I can bring a plus one, so... uh, how about it? Want to be my date?"

Matilda was about to refuse when Adrian added, "Are you sure? You might get a chance to confront Orson, clear up all those mysteries. Plus, he's been missing from the office. Everyone's worried sick. Wouldn't you want to check on him?"

Adrian always knew how to play his cards right.

After a moment's hesitation, Matilda bit her lip and nodded. "Fine, I'll go with you. But..."

"I get it," Adrian raised his hands in surrender. "I'll behave. Just be my date, and if we find Orson, I'll make the introductions."

"Deal," Matilda agreed swiftly, then closed the door on Adrian's face, eager to get some rest.

Left standing outside, Adrian couldn't help but smile wryly. Despite the cold goodbye, he had successfully roped her into attending as his date. Not too shabby!

...

Back in her room, Matilda couldn't wait to share the cruise gala news with her studio mates.

[Luna: Wow, Matilda, you're in?]

[Hala: The organizers invited some media too. My dad's company got an invite. Luna, if you wanna come, I can tag you along. It's no fun going solo.]

[Luna: No worries, I'll just go with my brother. See you there!]

[Baxter: Oh right, your bro is Cyprian Layton. If they don't let him in, he could just threaten to call a raid on the whole event.]

Yvan, irritated by Matilda's indifference, muttered, "Hurry up and choose. I'll pay."

"As if I care about your money," Willow retorted, her privileged upbringing evident. Landing the role of Yvan's date had required some maneuvering by her grandfather, a gesture of respect Yvan couldn't ignore. Just like the time he'd reluctantly joined Willow for dinner.

After selecting her dress, Willow declared, "I'll pay for it myself. No need for your charity."

Her attitude towards Yvan had shifted; the once fervent pursuit had cooled. Discovering Yvan's true character had doused her interest.

Paying for her dress, Willow taunted, "Not like those cheap flings you're used to, right?"

Yvan remained silent, his annoyance growing.

Willow laughed harder. "If I were Matilda, finding out what you're really like, I'd be mortified."

"Shut your mouth," Yvan snapped.

Undeterred, Willow pressed on, enjoying Yvan's discomfort at the mention of his past indulgences.

"Save your judgments," Yvan countered coldly. "Changing your act won't make me notice you any more than I already do. Don't flatter yourself."