A Journey from Bitterness to Truth (Matilda and Yvan) novel Chapter 472

The tension between Matilda and this mystery man was palpable, and it was clear they weren't strangers. Carl felt the weight of his boss's frustration. "How did we miss this guy?" Yvan's silence was more intimidating than any outburst.

Carl shrank back, murmuring about digging deeper into the man's background, but his attempts at lightening the mood fell flat. "Don't worry, Mr. Boyd. Maybe he's just a friend, you know, maybe even gay?"

His words, meant to console, only fanned Yvan's anger, making Carl wish he could disappear. "Get on it already! Do you think I need your comfort? The more you try to comfort me, the more pathetic I feel!"

...

Rachel's days at the Boyd residence were growing increasingly strained. After Opal, the family matriarch, learned of the scandal, she was so distressed she ended up in the hospital. Now back at home, her health was the subject of much attention, with Rachel, wheelchair-bound and timid, always at the sidelines.