A Journey from Bitterness to Truth (Matilda and Yvan) novel Chapter 299

Orson had vanished into the night, his presence fading as if he'd been nothing more than a wisp of smoke. He'd stopped showing up at the studio for work, and his home stood silent and empty. If it weren't for Adrian's regular visits, Matilda might have felt like she was back to the days of just her and her son getting by.

Logan didn't share with Matilda what had happened at the Crowe residence. He'd just wait a little longer after school each day, hoping. Orson used to be the one picking him up, but now it was Adrian stepping in.

Orson had disappeared as suddenly as he had appeared, leaving behind nothing but questions. No one knew much about his background or his family. He was an enigma, always had been. When he couldn't be found, everyone realized just how little they actually knew about him. Even after working alongside him for ages, all they had was a WhatsApp number and a phone number—both of which could be so easily discarded.

Orson was notoriously late to work, often caught napping at his desk, but come nighttime, he'd turn on with an almost superhuman surge of creativity. People just thought of him as odd, never pondering what might lie behind that oddness. Logan never saw that man again—the one who looked so much like his uncle. Even though he'd look out the door every day, holding on to the promise Orson had made to bring him back to his mom. He believed in him. Even if he wasn't his real uncle, he trusted Orson would keep his word.

...

Adrian had been around Matilda's place quite a bit lately. He sensed that his efforts to make amends were paying off. Matilda wasn't as resistant to him as she used to be, but his constant presence still seemed to bother her. So, one night, after mooching a meal, Adrian cheekily said, "Matilda, if I'm getting on your nerves, just tell me, and I'll..."

"I actually find you quite annoying right now," Matilda interrupted bluntly.

The handsome man clutched his chest, his grin still roguish and carefree, but his tone feigned hurt, "How can you be so cruel, after I've been slaving away..."

"Slaving away or just freeloading?" Matilda couldn't help but laugh. "More like playing the pig, right?"

Adrian was left speechless by her retort, then stiffened his neck in mock indignation, pretending not to understand, and reached out to ruffle Logan's hair. "Well, he doesn't mind me, so you should follow the kid's lead, right, Comrade Matilda?"

"Comrade Matilda" agreed, spoon in hand, "Welcome, Adrian, to our home! Feel free to drop by anytime; our door is always open!"

Looks like the nickname "Comrade Adrian" was here to stay.

That night, as a heavy rain began to fall, Matilda remembered she had left a USB drive at the office. With a deadline looming, she had no choice but to head back. As she walked, she felt a shadow behind her. It was risky for a woman to be out alone at night, and at that moment, she couldn't think of anyone to call for help.