A Journey from Bitterness to Truth (Matilda and Yvan) novel Chapter 705

The thought alone was enough to sour Matilda's mood even further, but she found herself forced into a facade of smiles to appease Dean, for she wasn't yet powerful enough.

If only she could be stronger, just a bit more like the decisive and ruthless Yvan of old, maybe then she would hold absolute sway in conversations.

Dean, sensing Matilda's disengagement, suddenly snapped his fingers, signaling the bartender to top off her glass with more liquor. Before Matilda could even protest, the bartender cracked open a bottle of high-proof bourbon and poured it straight into her glass.

Anyone who's ever navigated a bar scene knows that sticking to one type of drink is manageable; you might get sick, but mix your drinks, and you’re asking for trouble. The worst-case scenario can leave you blacked out and vulnerable.

That was precisely Dean's aim. No matter how good Matilda's tolerance was, a bombardment of mixed alcohols would eventually break her.

Dean's eyes narrowed into a smug smile, his chubby cheeks shining as if they could ooze oil, his stubby fingers raising his glass for a toast with Matilda.

Matilda's smile was strained. Dean's intentions were as clear as day to anyone paying attention, but with the crowd squarely in his corner, Matilda was isolated, making escape all but impossible.

"Here's to Miss Thompson, our esteemed CEO," Dean toasted, quite accustomed to the drinking culture from his frequent bar outings. But Matilda, born into a family of considerable standing and unaccustomed to such rough-and-tumble environments, struggled with the idea of downing such a strong drink.