A Journey from Bitterness to Truth (Matilda and Yvan) novel Chapter 239

When Matilda flung open the door and laid eyes on Yvan, she didn't think twice before trying to slam it shut.

But Yvan was quick, his hand shot out, stopping the door in its tracks. His voice was a cool, detached baritone, "We need to talk."

"Talk?" Matilda laughed, a bitter edge to her tone. "What's there to talk about? My brother's death or Logan's kidnapping?"

Her pointed accusation stabbed at Yvan's chest like a shard of ice.

He managed a wry chuckle, "Matilda, do I really seem that monstrous to you?"

Matilda tilted her chin up defiantly, "Didn't you once look down on me just as monstrously?"

Under her piercing gaze, Yvan felt a chill settle over his heart.

"I came because there's something we need to discuss."

"We don't want to talk with you." Before Matilda could respond, Logan spoke up from behind her.

The boy stood in front of Matilda like a little soldier, trying to shield her from any harm that Yvan might bring. The sight was a painful jab to Yvan's eyes – his own son, standing guard against him.

The irony wasn't lost on him.

Logan's gaze was steely as he faced Yvan, "If you've got nothing to say, you can leave."

Yvan looked into the young face that mirrored his own and felt a sudden sense of estrangement.

This child, carrying half his DNA, had never been close to him, instead doing everything possible to seek vengeance for the pain he had inflicted.

As a father, Yvan had to admit it was quite the pathetic picture he painted.

Matilda stepped outside and sighed, noticing the old wound on Yvan's hand – likely from when he had shattered a car window – not yet fully healed. She averted her eyes, "Yvan, there's no need for this. If you're here about Mia, please just go."