A Journey from Bitterness to Truth (Matilda and Yvan) novel Chapter 221

Yvan arrived at the Farrell Mansion at eleven o'clock, just as Mason’s mother, Colleen, was sitting in the living room. Her face lit up with a warm smile when she saw Yvan. “Well, look who’s decided to drop by! What brings you here so late, Yvan?”

“Sorry for the intrusion, Mrs. Farrell. I need to discuss something with Mason tonight.”

Yvan returned the smile, respectful yet friendly. “He’s upstairs, isn’t he?”

“Oh yes, he’s up there. Are you heading back tonight? If not, feel free to stay here. I can just give your mom a quick call.”

Colleen's eyes seemed to travel back in time. “It’s been a while since you’ve come over to hang out with Mason.”

“Mrs. Farrell, staying over is a thing of the past. We’re not in high school anymore. I can make my way home at night.”

Yvan stepped forward and handed over a small gift he had brought for Colleen. “Just a little something. I’ll stop by more often, promise. Mom said she’s looking to invite you over for a game of Mahjong sometime.”

“Ah, that’s sweet of her, ha ha!”

Colleen chuckled, covering her mouth with one hand while patting Yvan on the shoulder with the other. “Go on up. You boys catch up.”

With a nod, Yvan headed up the stairs, but as soon as he pushed open Mason’s door, the sharp scent of alcohol hit him like a brick wall.

He frowned, quickly shutting the door behind him. “Are you trying to get caught? You want your mom to barge in and see this?”

Mason’s eyes were bloodshot. “Then lock it, will ya? Must’ve slipped my mind.”

Yvan sighed and kicked aside a bottle lying near Mason’s feet. “What’s going on with you? Hit a rough patch in the stock market or did the girl you’ve been eyeing run off with someone else?”

Mason remained silent, simply passing the bottle to Yvan.

Slumping down on the futon beside Mason, Yvan took a swig from the bottle, hissing, “Are you kidding me? Vodka?”

Mason seemed like a ghost of himself, lost in a daze, staring at Yvan before he let out a low chuckle. “Yvan, I think I’ve caught something nasty.”