A Journey from Bitterness to Truth (Matilda and Yvan) novel Chapter 529

Declan scoffed with disdain, "I'm not like you, hesitating when it's time to act, and unwaveringly cruel when it's not. What I want, I take. By force if necessary."

"That's the behavior of a beast," Yvan said, locking eyes with Declan, "not of a man."

Declan felt a shiver run down his spine at Yvan's intense gaze, but he quickly recovered, a smirk forming on his lips. "Well, maybe that's what being a man is all about."

Yvan fell silent, realizing he couldn't persuade Declan. Whatever happened next, Declan would have to face the consequences alone.

The two men spent a meaningless New Year's Eve in the unfamiliar city. Late into the night, fireworks burst into the sky, lighting up the darkness for a fleeting moment before fading into nothingness.

Fireworks fade, beauty fades.

Declan received news about Chloe. Rumor had it that she and Godfrey had been getting particularly close lately, and it nearly made him smash his phone.

The screen showed Chloe sitting in a shopping cart, being pushed around by Godfrey, both of them laughing like children.

Such a silly yet endearing scene was something only couples would do.

Declan stormed out, and Yvan frowned. "Don't push her too far."

"Me, push her?" Declan sneered. "She's the one flaunting herself, leading men on!"

"Even if she is, it's none of your business."

Yvan tried to stop him. "It's New Year's Eve. Don't ruin her fresh start."

"Have you gone soft? Scared by Matilda now?" Declan mocked. "This isn't like you, Yvan. I only know one thing - if something's mine, I need to take it back with my own hands to feel at peace."

"Declan..." Yvan started, but Declan had already left. Yvan stood in the hotel lobby, murmuring to himself.