Chapter 11


    When Matilda awoke the next day, she readied herself for a visit to Yvan’s corporate fortress. She


    applied a touch of makeup, donned a lightweight trench coat, and stepped into her heels before


    heading out.


    As she stepped outside, her phone buzzed with a call from Gideon. “Is Logan really with him? Sis, are


    you sure you’re okay on your own?”


    Taking a deep breath as the breeze tousled her hair, Matilda reassured him, “I’m fine, bro. Don’t worry–


    I’ll call you if anythinges up. Focus on your business trip.”


    After a litany of brotherly cautions, Gideon finally hung up.


    ir gazet


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    Matilda lifted the bustling street, determination etched in her eyes, and hailed a cab to the Boyd Group.


    Once there, she paid the fare and stepped out into the throng of morningmuters. Her arrival didn’t


    go unnoticed; heads turned to take in her slender figure swathed in the billowing trench coat, which


    caught the morning light and framed her with a golden aura.


    The woman who strode through the front doors had a striking face, especially her eyes–sharp as


    tempered steel, fierce and cold. Her lips were pressed into a thin line, and her pale face carried a mix


    of tension and chill as she quickly approached the reception.


    The receptionist was


    stammer, “Can I helpmentarily stunned by themanding presence but managed to


    stammer, “Can I help you? Who are you here to see?”


    “Yvan.”


    Matilda didn’t hesitate to say the name that everyone else referred to with such reverence.


    The receptionist blinked. “But ma’am, to see Mr. Boyd, you’ll need an appointment…”


    Their exchange had already sparked whispers behind Matilda.


    “Is she here for Mr. Boyd?”


    “Shh, keep it down. The way she’s walking–she’s got to have connections!”


    “Absolutely! Maybe she’s Mr. Boyd’s secret me.”


    “Mr. Boyd’s secret me? But isn’t Rachel Archer the apple of his eye?”


    The mention of Rachel Archer cut through Matilda like a knife, but she managed a smile so jarring it


    could haunt a ghost. “Just o


    him my name. Yvan will see me.”


    Before the receptionist could inquire further about the confident visitor, a familiar voice came from


    behind.


    “Hey, what are you doing here?”


    Matilda turned to see Chase, the one who had greeted her from his Maserati days ago,


    12:05


    Chapter 11


    sauntering in with a knowing smile and eyes that shimmered with mischief.


    *Looking for Yvan, huh?” he said, greeting her.


    Seeing that even Mr. Chase Johnson from the neighboring city knew thisdy, the receptionist quickly


    waved her through. The onlookers were astounded. Who was this woman that even Mr. Johnson


    recognized?


    Inside the elevator, Matilda offered Chase a terse “Thanks.”


    “No need to thank me,” Chase replied with a grin, waving a dismissive hand. “I’m also here to


    see him about some business, but you go ahead. Besides, the Thomson family has shares


    here; stepping into your ownpany isn’t crossing any lines.”


    “You seem to have done your homework on me,” Matilda said, voiceced with sarcasm, though it was


    unclear whether it was directed at Chase or herself. “Too bad it’s not mine


    anymore.


    Chase nced at Matilda and ventured, “Five years ago when you went to prison… was it really Yvan


    who put you behind bars?”


    Matilda didn’t respond, offering only a faint smile in return.


    And yet, that smile was a painful one, like someone who has fallen into an abyss and can’t see even a


    sliver of hope.