A Journey from Bitterness to Truth (Matilda and Yvan) novel Chapter 472

The tension between Matilda and this mystery man was palpable, and it was clear they weren't strangers. Carl felt the weight of his boss's frustration. "How did we miss this guy?" Yvan's silence was more intimidating than any outburst.

Carl shrank back, murmuring about digging deeper into the man's background, but his attempts at lightening the mood fell flat. "Don't worry, Mr. Boyd. Maybe he's just a friend, you know, maybe even gay?"

His words, meant to console, only fanned Yvan's anger, making Carl wish he could disappear. "Get on it already! Do you think I need your comfort? The more you try to comfort me, the more pathetic I feel!"

...

Rachel's days at the Boyd residence were growing increasingly strained. After Opal, the family matriarch, learned of the scandal, she was so distressed she ended up in the hospital. Now back at home, her health was the subject of much attention, with Rachel, wheelchair-bound and timid, always at the sidelines.

Keaton, a close friend of the family and a respected doctor, was checking on Opal's health. "You're getting stronger, Grandma," he said, trying to inject some optimism into the room.

Opal, gripping Keaton's hand, pleaded with him to talk some sense into Yvan, distressed by the public backlash he was facing. Keaton reassured her but knew in his heart that Yvan was responsible for his own actions, regardless of public opinion.

After leaving Opal's room, Rachel caught up with Keaton, seeking reassurance about her grandmother's condition. But Keaton was not in the mood to play along with Rachel's act. "Why the familiarity, Rachel?" he snapped, his patience wearing thin.

Rachel's face fell as she tried to switch tactics, asking if Keaton disliked her. His response was blunt and devoid of any pretense of civility. "Enough with the act," he said, making it clear he had no interest in her games.

Keaton leaned in, his tone serious, "Rachel, the world doesn't revolve around you anymore. Everything you thought you had a hold of has slipped through your fingers with time."

He left her with a stark warning about the reality of her situation and her dwindling place in Yvan's heart. Keaton had never been fond of Rachel, seeing right through her from the start, and he had little sympathy for her plight.