A Journey from Bitterness to Truth

Horatio’s gaze lingered on Matilda’s smile with an intensity that could shatter stone. He signaled his men to restrain her despite her fierce struggle, and with cold indifference in his eyes, he forced her into the car.

“Declan’s got a shindig at Mago tonight,” he commanded, “Take this woman there!”

Twenty minutes later, Horatio was forcefully ushering Matilda into Mago. They made a beeline for the V2 room, and Matilda couldn’t help but wonder how Horatio had gotten wind of their location. But then, it made sense–the Yoakum family’s influence was far–reaching. It was unlikely they wouldn’t know where Declan and Chloe were.

As they entered, Matilda and Horatio spotted Chloe, all smiles, gracefully toasting with the men at Declan’s side. She had the act down pat–an old pro at playing the part of the charming companion.

The word on the street was that Chloe would do anything for Declan, even if it cost her her life. She was his fiercest defender, his most loyal hound. Men came and went, treating her with disdain or cruelty, but at Declan’s command, Chloe would rise, battered but beaming, her voice sweet as honey, “How are you doing, sir?”

It was as if she felt no pain–or perhaps she had long ago discarded her own senses.

It was then that Matilda noticed the shift in Horatio’s mood.

Chloe’s hand stiffened as she saw Horatio bring Matilda in, and her practiced smile

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Sensing an unexpected turn of events, Declan casually squinted his eyes and raised his glass toward the door. “Mr. Yoakum, joining the party? Care for a drink?”

Chloe’s face drained of color. “Mr. Yeager, please…” she pleaded silently for a shred of dignity.

But Declan, as if deaf to her pleas, continued to watch Matilda with a half–smile. “Ms. Thompson, are you joining us too?”

Matilda’s hands were restrained behind her back; it was clear she wasn’t there by

choice.

The crowd sensed a drama unfolding–Horatio Yoakum, the family’s golden boy, had come with a purpose.

10.03

“Horatio, let Matilda go!” yelled Chloe.

Horatio sneered, “Chloe. Since when do you give orders to me?”

Chloe’s voice trembled as she spoke, “Who gave you the right to lay a hand on her!”

“Do I need your permission to act?” Horatio flicked his cigarette to the floor and crushed it under his heel, hands in his pockets as he strode in, his men following

with Matilda in tow.

Dapper and composed, only his eyes betrayed a ruthless glee as he addressed Declan. “Mr. Yeager, I need to borrow your secretary.”

“You fancy my secretary?” Declan chuckled nonchalantly. “Fine, I’ll gift her to you.”

As Chloe’s eyes welled up, she stood to protect Matilda and preserve the peace. She grabbed a glass of liquor. “Mr. Yoakum, don’t scare me. If I’ve offended you, I

apologize. Please, have mercy and let my dear friend go!”

Look at that–Horatio loathed nothing more than Chloe’s silver tongue, her way of charming and disarming anyone who dared to degrade her.

I

Horatio’s laugh was sinister. “Drink a whole bottle, and I’ll let you off the hook.”

Chloe’s grip on the glass shook. Declan noticed her fear but remained silent, the room. thick with tension.

Then, a clear, cold voice cut through the silence. “Drink a bottle? Mr. Yoakum, you didn’t specify who, did you? I’ll do it!”

Before anyone could react, Matilda snatched an unsealed bottle of Hennessy from the table and pressed it to her lips, tilting it back fiercely.

Chloe couldn’t hold back her tears.

Declan’s pupils constricted in shock. He had always thought Chloe, devoid of dignity, could never have a true friend. Yet, in the face of adversity, when everyone else was eager to torment a defenseless woman, it was the slender Matilda who stood up for her.