Chapter 167


    Yvan chuckled lowly, a hint of sarcasmcing his voice. “Are you suggesting that I, too, have never truly


    had anything?”


    Carl remained silent.


    Yvan knew that Carl held a deep respect for Matilda. He nced up at Carl and said, “So, what’s your


    take on Matilda’s kidnapping?”


    “I wouldn’t presume to specte, Carl replied, maintaining a respectful distance. “Whatever you


    believe, Mr. Boyd, that’s the reality.”


    He wouldn’t make excuses for Matilda to Yvan; he knew Matilda herself would consider it beneath her.


    Yvan looked at his assistant andughed softly. “I’ve rounded up everyone involved in the incident.


    They all sing the same tune–saying that they seized the opportunity to kidnap Matilda on a whim.


    Whether it’s through threats, bribes, or even under duress, their story doesn’t change by a single word.


    Yet Matilda insists that E is behind it all. I’m curious: why does she insist on ming E?”


    Carl lowered his gaze. “If you’re puzzled, perhaps you should ask Ms. Thompson yourself.


    “Me, ask her?” Yvanughed as if he’d heard a good joke. “Matilda wouldn’t deign to answer, would


    she? After all, she’s just a woman. I’m freer without her.”


    Exactly, better off she’s gone, better off he’s free!


    He was curious where Matilda found the courage to use E when E had been loyal to him for


    five years. If there was anything amiss, he would have noticed.


    Yvan mused, looking down. “After Rachel’s death, I’ve looked after E as a sort of guardian. Matilda


    probably resents Rachel and, by extension, targets E.”


    “Since you already have your own conclusion, there’s no need to ask for my opinion.” Carl was quiet for


    a long while before he spoke again. “I just hope, Mr. Boyd, that you won’t live to regret


    this.


    Regret? Him?


    Yvan grabbed a fresh ss and poured himself a new drink. “I won’t regret it. It’s not even possible,” he


    muttered, perhaps to himself.


    But… when Yvan thought of the male voice he heard near Matilda earlier, he couldn’t help but feel an


    inexplicable surge of irritation.


    She was clearly asleep, and at thiste hour, sleeping next to a man.


    The thought almost drove Yvan to the edge, wanting to burst in and drag them out of bed. Matilda had


    sworn she loved him five years ago, so why… why could she just leave now?


    10-537


    Chapter 167


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    She was utterly heartless and cruel!


    Yvan downed his drink in one go, with Carl silently pouring more. Since Matilda had left, Yvan now


    relied on alcohol to fall asleep.


    He dreaded dreaming of her face, so he kept himself intoxicated.


    It wasn’t supposed to be like this. Matilda was the one at fault five years ago; she was the one who had


    cut ties with himpletely. So why did he feel this way?


    Where had it all gone wrong?


    In a fit of anger, Yvan kicked over the bottle, spilling alcohol all over the floor, the acrid smell filling the


    air.


    His eyes reddened with fury, and he threw his ss against the wall, shattering it into pieces. Carl


    stood by in silence, not moving to pick up the fragments..


    “Just a woman… just a woman…” Yvan clenched his fists tightly. “What right does she have to use


    me? She’s the one rolling in bed with another man now!”


    The mere image of Matilda with someone else was maddening.


    What leverage did he still have to hold Matilda in the palm of his hand? What could he do to keep her


    from running away?


    Ideas flickered through his mind, and suddenly, he turned to Carl, his voice trembling. “Find out where


    Matilda’s parents are hiding now!”