A Journey from Bitterness to Truth

Encountering Yvan must have been her personal trial by fire. Matilda, once so fiercely proud, had become a pitiful joke, all for him.

Five years in a gilded cage was just a hard reset. She’d be damned if anyone thought they could break her spirit.

She took on a stage name, started a studio with her brother, and now things were looking up. They weren’t rolling in dough, but keeping her son Logan fed and happy was a breeze. Matilda was grateful she wasn’t some spoiled brat with more money than sense. She was resourceful and talented, ready to bounce back at a moment’s notice.

Yvan had wrecked five years of her life. She wouldn’t let him take a second more.

As she drove, Matilda flicked on the car radio. Logan, who was fiddling with the dial, landed on a news report about Yvan.

“Insiders reveal that Yvan Boyd of the influential Boyd family is set to arrive in Sapphire City by month’s end to ink a deal with Yeager Group. Both companies went public five years ago and are now flush with capital…”

Before she could hear more, Logan switched the station.

Matilda blinked in surprise. “Oh… you don’t like it?”

“I don’t,” Logan said without hesitation. “That Yvan, he’s my dad, isn’t he?” Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

How do you handle a kid who’s too bright for his own good? Maybe a light scolding would do the trick?

Urgent advice needed!

Matilda chuckled nervously. “How did you…”

“How did I know?” Logan pointed to himself. “Mom, I’ve seen his face on TV, and then there’s mine.”

It seemed the father–son resemblance was so obvious that even a five–year–old could suss it

out.

Matilda glanced at Logan. “To keep Yvan from whisking you away one day, I’ve decided to take you abroad for a… make–over this holiday season.”

Logan said, “Won’t work. If the Boyd heir wants to find me, he’ll check the DNA, too.”

Damn it!

Why did her son have to be a genius?

Matilda laughed awkwardly. “Haha, you’re so clever.”

After a moment, Logan said solemnly, “Mom, you don’t have to worry, I won’t go with him.”

Matilda nearly slammed on the brakes, trembling as she turned to look at him. “Why bring this up all of a sudden?”

Logan looked earnestly at Matilda. “I just want to be with you, Mom. I don’t need anyone else, not even if it’s my dad.”

Matilda’s eyes welled up. “You little rascal, who taught you that?”

Logan was quick to tattle, “Uncle said it would cheer you up, and I might even score some extra treats.”

Matilda honked the horn in frustration. That damn brother of hers, giving her false moments of tenderness!

Twenty minutes later, the trio regrouped at the amusement park entrance.

Gideon took Logan to get tickets, leaving Matilda alone, smiling at their retreating figures.

However, a black Maybach cruised past them-

Yvan’s gaze lingered, then he ordered the driver, “Stop the car!”

Caught off guard, the driver hit the brakes. “Mr. Boyd, what’s the matter…”

When Yvan looked again, the wide road was empty.

Had he been seeing things? Why did that silhouette seem so familiar?

With a sigh, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath, commanding, “Drive on.”

“Right away.” The driver restarted the car, and Yvan leaned back, his gaze fragmented and lost.

Five years had passed. Why did her silhouette still haunt him?