A Journey from Bitterness to Truth

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However, what Matilda didn’t foresee was that her latest outing with Mason would once again be snapped by paparazzi. In no time, headlines were screaming about her swapping male companions as if they were last season’s jeans, with the Simpson family’s eldest son being yesterday’s news and Mr. Farrell the flavor of the day. Everyone was speculating about the woman’s background, but all Matilda did upon her return was to toss it aside after glancing at the newspaper.

She texted Mason a message.

[Sorry, Mr. Farrell, I didn’t anticipate this mess. Apologies for the trouble.]

Mason quickly replied, saying it was no big deal, and told Matilda not to worry. Looked like he was used to the limelight, Matilda mused privately.

Meanwhile, in the president’s office of the Boyd Group, Carl was treading on eggshells as he watched his boss seething with rage. His coffee had gone from piping hot to stone cold without so much as a sip.

Yvan was glaring intensely at the newspaper headline.

Carl was braced for something to be thrown. And sure enough, Yvan reached to hurl his ashtray, but Carl, quick as a cat, caught it, and this pas de deux of throw and catch continued with Carl urging. “Mr. Boyd! Please, calm down!”

A cold veneer covered Yvan’s handsome face, “She must be quite something! To ensnare Mason like that!”

Carl, having put everything back in its place, kept his peace.

Yvan slammed his hand on the desk, “Go find out! What’s the deal with her meeting Mason?!”

Mason’s business contact responded promptly, and after forwarding the message to Matilda, he also passed on the contact details to her. Matilda expressed her profound gratitude and quickly started liaising with his contact.

It wasn’t long before they hammered out a general plan and process. Mason’s contact, a straightforward guy, was thoroughly impressed with a few previous pieces from Matilda’s workshop and decided on the spot to collaborate with her.

They agreed on a meeting place to sign the contract and casually suggested grabbing a bite together. Matilda happily agreed, and Mason, as the intermediary.

joined in. When the day arrived, Matilda donned a fresh outfit and did her makeup before heading out.

Gideon noticed her upbeat mood and cheered her on from behind, “Go get ‘em! Conquer those business folks with your charm!”

“It’s about talent!” Matilda retorted with a smile, turning back to her brother. That day. she wore a bomber jacket, jeans, and a pair of leather boots, exuding youth and energy. She waved at Gideon, “I’m off!”

“Stay safe.” Gideon called out from the couch, “I’ll be waiting to hear the good news!”

Twenty minutes later, Matilda arrived at a well–known steakhouse, which usually required reservations. They had clearly booked in advance because, upon giving the business contact’s name, she was promptly escorted to an elegant private dining

room.

Opening the door, she found Mason already seated. She greeted him with a smile. “You’re always so early.”

“Old habits,” Mason gestured for Matilda to sit down. She did so comfortably, and they both settled in with the ease of old friends. Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

The business contact was an older gentleman who quickly shook hands with everyone upon arrival, smiling at Matilda. “Never would have guessed the mysterious Dawn in our industry was such a lovely lady.”

Matilda’s response was graceful and natural, “Appreciate the compliment, Micah.”

Micah had also brought his son along, a young man who couldn’t seem to take his eyes off Matilda, causing her a bit of discomfort.