Chapter 56


    Matilda quietly nibbled on a fruit tter, trying her best to appear invisible as Chloe and Den


    engaged in flirtatious banter beside her.


    Across the room, Yvan’s gaze lingered on their booth, sharp and piercing like the de of a freshly


    unsheathed knife.


    Matilda felt the intensity of his stare prickling her skin, and her fingers tightened instinctively


    around the fork.


    Yvan exchanged a loaded nce with Bet, then let out a cold chuckle. “Bet, some games you


    just shouldn’t y with fire.”


    Annoyed, Bet locked eyes with Yvan and retorted, “Didn’t you two get a divorce?”


    “You can have your eyes on anyone for all I care, but she’s my ex–wife,” Yvan replied icily. “Bet,


    there are lines you can’t cross.”


    “Oh, what? Still hung up on old mes?” Betughed mockingly. “You’re the one who pushed her


    my way, and now you’re having second thoughts? No chance, buddy. I’m going after her, and you can


    eitherpete fairly or back off. But if you try to stop me… we’re done as friends.”


    “And you don’t mind that she’s been with me?” Yvan raised his tone incredulously.


    Bet shrugged. “If she doesn’t mind my long list of exes, why should I care?”


    Yvan’s anger simmered even more.


    Bet was serious!


    Meanwhile, Evie seemed momentarily forgotten, herplexion pale. She bit her lip and leaned closer,


    “Mr. Boyd…”


    “Shut it.”


    With a sharp gesture, Yvan pulled away from her. “Enough. I’ll have Carl write you a check tomorrow.


    After that, we’re strangers.”


    He was done with her.


    Evie’s heart tightened. “Please, Mr. Boyd… Did I do something wrong?”


    Bet watched Evie’s panic with scorn in his eyes. How boring such a woman was, utterly lost


    without a man. But Matilda? She carried her pride as if it would never fade, and that was truly


    appealing.


    “Darling, you’re not even in Matilda’s league, so you might as well go home and practice,” Bet


    mocked.


    “Yvan, did you lose your mind? Even Willow was right; you’re not picky at all if you’d go for


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    Chapter 56


    someone like her.”


    And again, Matilda… always Matilda!


    Evie’s fingers clenched as Bet’s mockery brought tears to her eyes. Her resentment towards


    Matilda peaked.


    Matilda! Why did all men see her as untouchable? What was so great about being aloof? A woman


    who had been to jail dared to act holier–than–thou!


    As Evie plotted Matilda’s downfall, Bet remained indifferent to her expressions.


    Provoked by Bet, Yvan let out a bitterugh. “Aren’t you after a woman who’s divorced and been to


    jail?”


    “You son of a…” Bet, tipsy and agitated, confronted Yvan. “Are you itching for a fight because I


    fancy your ex–wife?”


    Yvan remained silent.


    “Ha! Just wait till I win Matilda over. Then you’ll be filled with regret, left with irreparable damage!”


    Bet taunted.


    Yvan justughed.


    “Give it a try!” His cold tone put pressure on Bet, who, undeterred, rolled his eyes and snorted


    dismissively.


    “Pfft! Tough talk!”


    Matilda and Chloe moved to another booth to enjoy themselves. When Chloe got tipsy, her inhibitions


    vanished, and she became daring, almost seductive. In a bold move that left Matilda in shock, Chloe


    summoned over a couple of charming male escorts, boldly taking one under each arm. Theirughter


    and carefree demeanor filled the night with a wild and reckless


    energy.