Chapter 55


    Bet’s gazended on Matilda, her disheveled appearance giving him pause. “You and Yvan


    are…


    “We are done,” she cut him off briskly, attempting to rise from her seat only to feel the room. spin from


    the alcohol. As she wobbled, Yvan’s eyes narrowed, anticipating her fall.


    But to everyone’s surprise, she was caught in a steadying grip. Chloe’s voice was in her ear. “Knew


    you’d get yourself into a pickle!”


    Còntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Looking up in confusion, Matilda noticed another man standing beside Chloe, who gave Yvan a nod.


    “Mr. Boyd, fancy seeing you here.”


    “Mr. Yeager…” Yvan quickly regained hisposure. The man was Chloe’s high–ranking boss, and he


    returned the greeting with a knowing smile. “Didn’t expect to bump into you tonight.”


    “I’m just here to pick up a friend for Chloe,” Den Yeager exined, ncing at Matilda. “Are you


    done catching up?”


    Both Yvan and Bet were taken aback by the connection between Den and Chloe. It seemed


    Matilda had some influential friends…


    As the others mulled over their thoughts, Matilda had no time for introspection. She steadied herself


    and, looking down, thought about how Chloe had managed to bring such a heavy hitter to escort her


    home, almost giving her a heart attack.


    Den’s arrival was indeed timely, and Matilda quickly mustered a smile. Addressing Yvan and


    Bet, she said, “Guess I’ll head back to my booth. Mr. Fuller, if you want to hang out, let’s n for


    another time.”


    With that, she sidestepped Den and made her way back, thinking to herself that even Chloe was


    wary of this big shot–best keep her distance.


    Den sauntered back, and Chloe whispered conspiratorially, “I was afraid I wouldn’t be intimidating


    enough, so I sent Mr. Yeager. How did I do?”


    Matilda clutched her chest. “He’s too high–profile; don’t do that again!“.


    Chloe chuckled, guiding her to sit and handing her a ss of orange juice. “Calm your nerves. honey.”


    Den settled across from them with a sardonic smile. “What, nothing for me?”


    Chloe scurried over with a ttering smile and poured Den a drink. “Boss, have some bourbon.”


    Then she lit a cigarette for him. “Boss, have a cigarette.”


    Den grinned at Matilda. “Pleasure to meet you, Ms. Thompson.”


    “Pleasure’s all mine, Mr. Yeager,” Matilda murmured awkwardly. “Your reputation precedes you


    Chapter 55


    in Sea City…”


    “Really?” Denughed, pulling Chloe closer. “Let me introduce you then; this is my ‘dog.” Chloe.”


    Chloe managed a tight smile. “I thought I was your exclusive assistant?”


    “Calling you that seems a bit too intimate.” Den winked without a trace of real mirth and leaned in to


    whisper menacingly, “You’ve got some nerve, making mee out here for you, Chloe. You’re getting


    too bold.”


    Matilda exchanged a concerned look with her friend, what said, “Are you okay? When did you get


    mixed up with Den?”


    Chloe mouthed back silently, “Long story: he’s the boss from way up the chain!


    Matilda let out a lightugh. “And here I was wondering why Chloe woulde to a bar alone. Turns


    out it was to meet Mr. Yeager.”


    Den twisted Chloe’s arm yfully. “So you’ve been unting my name to show off?”


    Chloe maintained herposure, tantly lying. “Not at all. I would never indulge withpany


    funds.”