A Journey from Bitterness to Truth (Matilda and Yvan) novel Chapter 403

The chilling realization crept up Yvan's spine slowly, a haunting reminder of his past arrogance. Clues had slipped through his fingers, dismissed in his hubris, and now as they resurfaced, a sense of shock overtook him. Perhaps, the conspiracies he overlooked had roots stretching back further than he ever imagined. Ignored until now, these dust-covered leads demanded his attention anew.

...

On a particularly tense night, Yvan decided to pay Declan a visit. Lately, Declan had been on edge, mostly because of the situation with Chloe. His last encounter with Godfrey had left a sour taste; Chloe seemed inclined to follow Godfrey, and Declan, realizing where her heart was headed, lost his temper and struck her.

That slap had sown seeds of resentment; Chloe couldn't hide her disdain for Declan, her eyes filled with loathing at the sight of him.

Irritated, Declan was infuriated by Chloe's desire to escape, and even more so by his own rash actions over another man. He wondered if he had gone too far, but Chloe's piercing gaze only served to agitate him further. Her daring to look at him with such defiance for the sake of another man was unfathomable.

To Declan, Chloe belonged to him, in life and in death.

Upon Yvan's arrival, Declan had just unleashed his temper on Chloe again. She sat on the couch, silently crying, her clothes a mess, indicating Declan's descent into villainy once more. Yvan entered the office, clicking his tongue in disapproval.

Declan glanced over, "Meet me in Conference Room 2."

Unlike the larger, impersonal conference rooms, Conference Room 2 was a private space meant for confidential discussions.

Declan tidied himself up briefly before cruelly tossing a used napkin at Chloe, his cold laughter echoing, "Try showing your claws again, Chloe. I'll pull them out one by one."

Chloe, trembling and helpless, clutched her clothes tighter, crying silently. Declan turned away, unable to stand the sight of her distress, and stormed out, leaving her alone in the well-insulated room where her sobs were the only sound.

"What's up?"