Novel Update
Chapter 131
After slipping out of her gown at the hotel, Matilda lounged on the edge of the bed, taking the time to touch up her makeup.
It took a while before she got up to change into something more comfortable–a casual hoodie paired with denim shorts that showcased her long legs, topped off with over–the–knee boots. She was reapplying her lipstick when she casually asked Criss. “So, you’re really going with me tonight?”
“Yeah,” Criss replied. “That guy hanging around your friend is quite the looker, too.”
Matilda pondered for a moment before saying, “Oh, you mean Declan Yeager?”
Criss nodded. “That’s the one. Heard he’s quite the catch?”
“He’s something else,” Matilda walked over, giving Criss a playful smile. “Even Yvan gives him props. But if you’ve got your eye on Declan, you might be in for heartbreak.”
Criss let out a dramatic groan. “What do you mean?”
Matilda continued with a mysterious grin, “I have a hunch that our dear Chloe and Declan have a little something–something going on.”
“Great,” Criss flopped back onto the bed, deflated. “The guys I like are either into you or your friend. My love life is tragic. I’m done being gay.”
Laughing, Matilda finished her lipstick and wrapped an arm around his neck, “Don’t be so down. We’ll grab some drinks tonight and see what happens.”
“Just don’t steal any guys from me.” Criss raised an eyebrow playfully. “Your allure is just too strong. Lucky for me..I’m gay. Speaking of, Mr. Boyd and the others don’t know, do they? The way they look at me, you’d think they want to devour me.”
Matilda chuckled lightly. “Him? What does he have to do with me? After all, I was the reject he discarded years ago.”
“Chin up, girl, that’s the spirit,” Criss encouraged her. “Ready to go?”
“Let’s hit it, Mr. Criss.”
Matilda took her friend’s arm, and with a natural smile, they pushed open the hotel door. Meanwhile, Yvan’s men, secretly tailing them, quickly messaged him, “Mr. Boyd, they’re on the move.”
“Keep watching.” came Yvan’s icy voice.
“How long have they been together?”
“From what I’ve seen Ms. Thompson and Mr. Criss rested for at least an hour-
An hour.
Yvan clenched his hand, a flicker of emotion crossing his eyes before he repressed it.
The man seemed eternally unswayed by others, gathering his thoughts as he walked to the floor–to– ceiling windows of his hotel room, the night sky held captive in his gaze. All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.
Meanwhile, Matilda and Criss were on their way to the bar, following the address Chloe had given them. When they arrived, Chloe was waiting outside, puffing on a cigarette with practiced ease, her
eyes half–closed, a far cry from her poised demeanor at the afternoon’s event–she looked like a street– smart ruffian.
Approaching, Chloe playfully blew smoke in Matilda’s face and teased in a flirtatious tone, “Hey there, pretty lady, coming for a drink all by your lonesome?”
Criss chimed in from behind, “And me.”
“Lord Criss.” Chloe winked at him. “Joining the party?”
“Yeah, it’s been ages since I’ve hit a spot like this,” Criss replied with a smile. “Used to be a regular at the bars back in the day. Now that I’m older, I miss that fresh thrill. Shall we go? Got friends inside?”
With an arm around Matilda, Chloe looked back at Criss and said, “Of course, gotta make sure Matilda gets the VIP treatment.”