A Journey from Bitterness to Truth (Matilda and Yvan) novel Chapter 730

At that moment, the drama unfolding among the trio began to draw the attention of passersby. The usual hustle and bustle of the mall seemed to momentarily pause as curious eyes drifted towards the commotion near the entrance display window.

Godfrey, wanting to avoid escalating the situation and fearing that it would only lead to further digging into Chloe's past in an attempt to protect her, managed to suppress his rising temper, maintaining a semblance of calm. He addressed Declan, "Mr. Yeager, if you're not willing to let Chloe go, then pursue her like a man should - openly and honorably, not like this, clinging on desperately."

Declan, long accustomed to the unchallenged life of a privileged playboy, couldn't help but laugh at being reprimanded. "Who are you to lecture me? Chloe and I have unresolved issues. What makes you think you have the right to interfere?"

Godfrey chose to ignore the heavy sarcasm in Declan's retort, his brows furrowed, his voice lowered, "Do you really want to make a scene here?"

Declan's response was nonchalant, "Make a scene? That's up to Chloe if she believes our 'account' is settled."

Chloe looked up, meeting Declan's gaze. He was pushing her, using their past and threatening to expose it if she didn't comply with his demands. If she didn't leave with him, he'd make their history public, and only she would suffer the consequences.

Suddenly, Chloe laughed, a laugh filled with despair, "Declan, do you really enjoy reopening my old wounds?"

The question seemed to unnerve Declan, his grip on Chloe's hand trembling.

Was he really enjoying her pain?

No... that wasn't it. He just didn't want her to leave with some other man, using whatever means necessary to bring her back. The end justified the means, didn't it? Threatening her with their past was fair game if it meant keeping her under his control.

Declan finally spoke, "Chloe, you must bear the consequences of your actions."

Her actions.