A Journey from Bitterness to Truth (Matilda and Yvan) novel Chapter 707

Dean was acting like a man possessed, his mind fogged with thoughts far from noble or businesslike.

He shoved his best friend aside. "Beat it, man. You're just pissed because I've got Matilda in a tight spot. With Yvan from the Boyd Group out of the picture, who's gonna dare cross me?"

Matilda caught snippets of the conversation, and each word felt like a slap across her face.

With Yvan gone, she was nothing but a joke to these men!

Dean's gaze on Matilda was predatory, as if he wanted to crush every ounce of dignity she had left.

She thinks she's too good for us, does she? Thinks she can handle anything life throws her way? Well, I'll push her to the brink, just to see her break and beg for mercy!

So, Dean grabbed a bottle of whiskey, flashing Matilda a grin that was all too telling. "Ms. Thompson, how about this? You toast my friends here, get to know them a bit better?"

His intentions were clear as day: get Matilda drunk.

Matilda clenched her teeth, scanning the circle of Dean's cronies—easily five or six of them. She knew she wouldn't last, but meeting Dean's gloating stare felt like needles to her heart.

No, she couldn't give in, not now!

"Ms. Thompson, you seem reluctant?" Dean, catching her hesitation, smiled even wider, clearly enjoying himself. "Back in the day, even Yvan had to show me some respect. What, now that he's gone, you think you don't have to?"

Matilda's face turned pale. "Mr. Dean, you jest. I mean no disrespect..."

"Mr. Dean!" Matilda, unable to take any more of the sarcastic toasting and insults, teared up but refused to let the tears fall. Trembling, she held up her glass. "Mr. Dean, I didn't mean any disrespect. Please, sit down. Just give me a moment, I'll toast to you all, we can chat."

Dean, seeing Matilda bow to him, smiled with satisfaction. He even reached out to wipe away her tears with a mock gesture of kindness. "Oh, what's this? Did I make a beautiful lady cry? Come on, sit next to me, and I'll take care of you."

Matilda found herself forcibly seated next to Dean. He continued, "Don't worry. Even if Yvan is gone, you've got me. What's so great about him anyway? Toast me, and it's not just this deal—I might as well give you shares in the company!"

Each word twisted a knife in Matilda's heart. Why had she waited for Yvan so long? Why did she let herself be dragged through the mud, sacrificing her dignity to keep the Boyd Group afloat?

Dean's words hit all her vulnerabilities. Yet, despite the pain, she had to face these people with a smile. She had no choice but to laugh.

"Dean seems to really enjoy a good toast. How about I offer one as well?"