A Journey from Bitterness to Truth (Matilda and Yvan) novel Chapter 186

The stinging words slapped Matilda across the face, leaving her ashen as she watched Yvan and Carl exit the building. She sat in the lobby, lost in a daze, before eventually drifting back to her desk in the studio.

Her colleagues quickly noticed her off-kilter demeanor and gathered around with concern. "What's wrong? Did you have a spat with the client?"

"I told you that client seemed high-maintenance; should've sent one of the guys. Look, they've gone and scared our goddess!" Yoshi brewed a comforting cup of coffee for Matilda. She muttered a small thank you, and as the warm brew trickled down, it brought a semblance of calm.

Orson, busy with his coloring work, glanced at Matilda's slumped figure and said after a long silence, "You know Yvan?"

Matilda's face tensed, and then she quickly turned away, "No... I don't know him."

"Your face tells a different story, like there's history there," Orson smirked cryptically. "You sure there's nothing between you two?"

Her face turned a shade paler as she quickly denied it, "No. Impossible. If I had anything to do with him, I wouldn’t be working here now."

"Fair point," Orson said with a loaded tone, looking at her knowingly. "Seems he's not a fan of your charms. I thought a beauty like you could've at least won us some funding."

Matilda gave a wry smile. Yvan had never spared her a shred of affection. And her own affection had been worn away with the years of waiting.

At lunch, the mood was noticeably somber. Matilda's spirits were down, likely due to the failed investment pitch for the studio.

Concerned she might be feeling too pressured, Baxter sat beside her with a dish of barbecued ribs. "Stop worrying about it. No one’s blaming you."

Matilda sighed. "Would he sponsor you if I left?"

Did he despise every place she existed? Was he targeting her on purpose?

"Why would you say that out of the blue?" Baxter was taken aback. "Don’t quit over this; it's not worth it."