Chapter 168


    The sun was already high in the sky when Chloe’s rm clock beeped relentlessly, signaling the start


    of another work week. With a yawn and a stretch, she pulled herself out of bed, casting a fond nce


    at Matilda and Criss, who were still sound asleep in the guest room. A soft smile graced her lips as she


    quietly got ready and slipped out the door to work.


    Matilda and Criss didn’t stir until the afternoon, their sleep prolonged by the rich red wine they had


    indulged in the night before. Lately, Matilda felt her routine was gettingzier by the day.


    Rising from her bed, she noticed Criss was still lounging under the covers


    She nudged the duvet with her foot. “Rise and shine.”


    Rubbing his hair, Criss grabbed his phone, and his eyes widened as he saw the date. “Damn, I need to


    head back to Liberty Country.”


    “Already?” Matilda, now dressed, turned to look at him. “Didn’t you just get here?”


    “Yeah, well, I came back because of you.” Criss retorted, rolling his eyes. “I took a break from my family


    and the business. It’s gonna be crazy when I return.”


    Matilda chuckled at hisint. “You could always ask for my help.”


    “In your dreams,” Criss quipped as he quickly got out of bed. “I’ll book my flightter. Let’s go grab


    brunch as a farewell.”


    “Sounds like a n,” she agreed, fixing her hair. “I need to pick up Chloe from workter anyway. She’s


    seemed a bit downtely.”


    After deciding on a restaurant, they hailed a cab and were soon in the hotel lobby, only to find out that


    the ground floor was booked for a corporate New Year’s bash. Winter had crept up on them, and the


    New Year was just around the corner.


    Matilda wrapped her coat tighter around herself and followed Criss into a quieter, private dining


    room.


    “It’s a bit more private here, though the ambiance in the main hall is better. If you don’t mind mingling


    with the employees from thatpany…” the waiter offered tentatively.


    “No worries, this is fine. Thank you,” Matilda replied, dismissing further assistance. They settled in and


    started to peruse the menu.


    Downstairs, the grand hall buzzed with activity as tables filled with people, a testament to the


    company’s size and spending power.


    Criss casually ordered some of the restaurant’s signature dishes while Matilda excused herself to visit


    thedies‘ room, leaving him alone in the private space.


    But she didn’t expect to run into Den there. And she was even more surprised to learn that Decian


    had booked the entire floor below for hispany’s staff lunch, also inviting their business partner,


    Yvan.


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    Chapter 160


    Fate had a funny way of throwing people together. Standing at the restroom entrance, her face drained


    of color, and without a greeting, she turned on her heel to leave.


    “Stop right there!”


    Yvan’s voice echoed behind her. But hismand only made Matilda quicken her pace, desperate to


    escape. She hadn’t gotten far when her arm was suddenly gripped tightly.


    Yvan’s smirk was cold. “Running away at the sight of me?”


    “There’s nothing to discuss between us.” Matilda struggled to free her arm, but Yvan’s grip was


    unyielding. “Mr. Boyd, let go!”


    Her tone was identical to Logan’s when he addressed him!


    Anger red within Yvan. This woman once had eyes only for him and would do anything for him, but


    why now did she flee at his mere presence?


    How had he be so monstrous in her eyes?