A Journey from Bitterness to Truth (Matilda and Yvan) novel Chapter 732

As Matilda emerged, lugging her shopping bags, Mark couldn't help but chuckle. "Feeling like you've been fleeced?"

Glancing at her haul, Matilda sighed, "Probably. In their eyes, we're just gullible tourists ripe for the picking."

Mark reached out to help her with the bags. "So, how do you feel after all that retail therapy?"

With a slight smile, Matilda replied, "Not too bad. Consider this meal my way of saying thanks for enduring shopping with me."

Mark raised an eyebrow, a gesture uncharacteristically playful for him. "Why so formal all of a sudden?"

Matilda's laugh carried a hint of distance. "Well, we're still getting to know each other, aren't we?"

Without further ado, they agreed on a dinner venue, eventually settling on a cozy diner known for its chicken pot pie, a stark contrast to their initial plan. As they were about to head to the car, Matilda heard someone calling her name from behind.

Turning around, she saw Chase, a close friend of Yvan.

"Matilda?" Chase took a few steps forward. "It is you! I saw you from afar and thought you looked familiar."

Matilda, ever gracious, adjusted her hair. "What brings you here?"

"Just had coffee with Declan nearby, talking business. He had to leave early, so I lingered a bit longer. Never expected to run into you here."

"Mark, from next door in Whitby City," Matilda introduced them with ease. "And this is Chase Johnson, one of the top lawyers around."

"I've heard of Mr. Johnson," Mark extended his hand, and Chase shook it. "Ah, from the Walker family of Whitby City. My apologies for not recognizing you."

"No offense taken," Mark suggested, "We were just about to grab dinner. Care to join us, Mr. Johnson?"

After a glance at Matilda and her encouraging wink, Chase agreed, "Sounds good. Let's go."

With that settled, Chase sneaked a look at Mark as they boarded the car, then quickly sent off a text message from the back seat.