Chapter 29
“Stalking someone to their studio, huh…” Mason chuckled as he watched Yvan pull up in his car, a
mischievous glint in his eye. “You know, if you need a hand, I can help you.”
“What do you mean by that?” Yvan shot Mason a look in the rear–view mirror, those devilish, flirtatious
eyes sparkling with mischief.
When he wasn’t smiling, he was the epitome of cool, seductive charm, but with a smile, he was
irresistible. It was no wonder Ashton City’sdies were drawn to him like moths to a
me–Yvan was a catch if there ever was one.
Seeing Yvan’s grin, Mason smirked back. “You know exactly what I mean.
“She’s probably not going to ept it.” Yvan mulled it over as he watched Matilda disappear into her
studio. Then, he parked the car by the curb. He pulled out a pack of cigarettes and offered one to
Mason in the backseat before saying, “I need a good reason… something solid to make her warm up to
the idea.”
“That’s easy.” Mason’s voice carried a hint of intrigue. “Just let me take the lead.”
Yvan shot him a wary look. “I don’t trust you, man.”
Masonughed heartily. “And why not? I’ve always been…”
“Been what?” Yvan red at him fiercely. “If you even think about messing with Matilda, you’re
dead meat.”
“Oh,e on.” Mason chuckled as if Yvan had just told the funniest joke. “There you go. clinging on
even after the divorce. But hey, what if she falls for me? I can’t help that.”
Yvan gritted his teeth, “She’s off–limits to everyone else, even after the divorce. Get that through your
head!”
Both men smoked in silence, tossing their cigarette butts into the car’s trash can before taking a deep
breath.
Mason straightened his cor and announced, “Well, I’m off then.”
“Just be careful,” Yvan called after him.
Mason narrowed his eyes knowingly. “Always am.”
When Mason stepped into Matilda’s studio, both Gideon and Matilda were taken aback.
Matilda was hunched over her drafting table, wearing a pair of sses that made her look. studious
and gentle. Her hair fell softly around her face as she worked.
Mason couldn’t help but wonder: Could someone as peaceful as her really be capable of something as
violent as murder?
The incident five years ago… Did someone frame her?
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Chapter
Gideon recognized Mason immediately and greeted him. “Mr. Farrell, what brings you here today?”
“I’m here to see you guys.” Mason’s voice was calm and collected as he smiled at a surprised Matilda.
“Ms. Thompson, we meet again.”
“Mr. Farrell.” Matilda tidied up her drafts and poured him a cup of coffee. “The studio’s humble. but
make yourself at home.”
“No, the décor is quite nice, actually.”
Còntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org
Mason tasted the coffee and immediately appreciated the drip brew method, a sign of someone who
enjoyed taking their time with things.
He surveyed the studio, noting its creative ir and beautiful spatial design.
Matilda’s workstation was an impressive semicircle that curved into a tri–screenputer setup,
surrounded by stacks of ongoing projects.
Settling into a round couch, Mason crossed his legs and smiled at Matilda. Ms. Thompson, you weren’t
entirely truthfulst time, were you?”
Matilda tensed up but feigned ignorance. “Mr. Farrell, what exactly brings you here today?”
“We need your help, Dawn.”
Mason set his cup down gently on the coffee table and turned to Gideon, who still seemed puzzled.
“Last time, you denied that Dawn was your stage name. I get why you did it, but Me Thompson, we
really want you involved in our new line’s design. That’s why I’m here today. hoping you’ll give us the
chance to coborate.”
His words were firm but fair.
Matilda pressed her lips together, and Gideon finally regained hisposure. “You want my sister to
be part of the design team?”
Mason nodded. “Thepany isunching a new bridal collection next scring.”
Matilda’s fingers twitched involuntarily as Gideon responded, “We’re ttered. Mr. Farrell, but I’m afraid
you’ve made the trip for nothing. My sister… she’s done designing wedding dresses Mason looked
taken aback, not expecting such a response. “Why?” he asked impulsively. Matilda lifted her gaze, her
eyes deep pools, reflecting a storm of emotions before she socke “I’ve lost all faith in love, so wedding
dresses… I just can’t design them anymore.”
The kind of wedding dresses that once symbolized happiness, that bore witness to love’s blossoming–
those were now shattered pieces in her heart, beyond recair.
A brutal, failed romance had robbed her of the ability to feel joy.
Mason was visibly shocked, his mouth opening as if to protest, but he swallowed his words..
Chapter 29
After a long silence, he said softly. “I understand. But Ms. Thompson, I still hope you’ll consider it. Even
if you’ve been hurt in the past, you should let some sunlight in on those wounds. Your talent is yours
alone, and nobody can destroy that. I believe in you.”