A Journey from Bitterness to Truth

“I’m not in the mood for your stupid games.” Matilda snapped, rising abruptly from her seat. “If you’re looking to kill time, why don’t you go to the club? They’ll wine and dine with you, and even warm your bed–might help you with that insatiable itch you seem to have, like a dog in heat.”

Adrian’s smile froze on his face, contorting into anger the next second as he grabbed Matilda’s shoulders, “Did you just compare me to a dog?”

She laughed, a cold sound that made Adrian’s handsome face turn an ugly shade of green. He lurched forward, seizing her chin, and Matilda struggled, “We’re at the office, let go of me!”

“Since I’m a dog in your eyes, wouldn’t it be disappointing, Ms. Thompson, if I didn’t act the part?”

The name ‘Ms. Thompson‘ struck a nerve, and Matilda gritted her teeth against the insult, “You don’t have to keep showing up, trying to prove something. I have zero interest in you or anyone of your ilk!”

With a forceful shove, she freed herself. Adrian sensed a change in her–she seemed utterly fearless now. NôvelDrama.Org content.

Adrian scoffed, “Matilda, you really think you’re somebody now, don’t you? Without me, you-”

He was cut off by a cool voice.

“What’s going on here?” Orson, carrying a freshly brewed cup of coffee, had strolled through the lobby, not expecting to stumble upon such a scene.

Catching sight of Matilda being aggressively held, a smirk played at the corners of his mouth. He had underestimated her–flitting between Yvan and now the Simpson family’s golden boy, Adrian. Appearances could be deceiving indeed.

“Who’s this handsome fellow?” Adrian appraised Orson from head to toe, turning to Matilda,

“Your new boy toy?”

Her eyes flared with anger, “Stop insulting people. He’s a colleague!“*

“Oh.” Adrian swung around to Orson, “And what’s it to you? Is it your place to speak on matters between me and Matilda?”

Adrian’s tone was humiliating, and Matilda, breaking free, showered him with a flurry of documents, “You’re the one who deceived and hurt me, and now you’re the one who can’t stop pestering me. Do you find this amusing? Because I find you utterly dull.”

Without cleaning up the mess, she stormed out, not even sparing Orson a glance. Matilda was taken aback by his early arrival but was more heartbroken by Adrian’s relentless pursuit. When would they tire of this cat–and–mouse game?

Adrian watched her leave, a low chuckle escaping him. Matilda had indeed grown bolder since her brush with death. She seemed to have shed all her vulnerabilities, unafraid and uncaring of

10:19

Chapter 10Y

their actions.

Was this her so–called fresh start?

To Matilda’s surprise, Adrian agreed to invest in their project, increasing the sponsorship considerably. The next day, as they signed the contract, everyone praised her for securing such a substantial financial backer.

Only Matilda was skeptical. Why would Adrian suddenly offer so much support?

But the reality left her no time to ponder, as the funds were quickly allocated.

Yoshi was astounded, “Dude, this much cash? We could produce a major online game now.”

Only Orson cast a mocking glance at Matilda upon hearing the news. His look was enigmatic, yet the scorn in his eyes was like a needle to Matilda’s heart.

She clenched her fists, opting not to justify herself with words.

What began as a thoughtless farce by Adrian turned out to be a mere facade of tranquility in Matilda’s supposed new life. Just as she believed she could embark on a new chapter, the cruel specter of her past stealthily followed her every step.