Chapter 67
When Matthew returned to the dressing room, his brow was still deeply furrowed.
Queena was still lying on the chaise lounge, her face powdered to look pale and weak.
“Matt, you’re back,” she said softly, sitting up to take his hand. “You didn’t fight with Yvonne, did you? She grew up in such a materialistic family, it’s understandable that she’s a bit difficult. As her fiancé, you should try to be more patient with her p>
Matthew remained silent, staring at her with an expression that made Queena uneasy.
“Matt? What is it? Did Yvonne upset you again? For my sake, please don’t be angry with her, okay?” she pleaded, gently shaking his arm.
“Queena, the seed money I used to start my company-who did it really come from? Why does Yvonne have the bank transfer receipt?” he asked suddenly.
Queena’s eyes darted nervously. She never imagined something from so long ago would come up again.
“Matt, you know what it was like back then. After your father’s scandal, my parents forbade me from seeing you. I had to secretly sell my bags and jewelry to raise that three million. I was so afraid they’d find out that I asked Yvonne to wire the money to you. I can’t believe she would take credit for my feelings for you p>
Her eyes, red and tear-filled, made her look like a frightened rabbit. She struggled to her feet and started for the door.
“I’m going to confront her. How could she do this to me?” But after two steps, she swayed and collapsed.
“Queena!” Matthew cried out, catching her before she hit the floor. Thıs text ıs hosted at
She wept in his arms. “Matthew, we grew up together. After all these years, don’t you trust me p>
Her tears threw him into turmoil. “Don’t cry,” he soothed. “I don’t doubt you p>
“Matt, as long as you believe me, that’s all that matters. If Yvonne says the receipt is hers, then let it be hers,” she said, her voice a portrait of self-sacrifice.
Matthew frowned. “But she’s planning to sue me p>
“What?” Queena’s voice shot up, sharp and clear, with no trace of weakness.
“The original transfer receipt is in her hands. She’s using it to demand ten percent of my company’s shares,” Matthew said grimly. “I’m not giving in this time. I’ll get my lawyers to gather evidence p>
“Matthew!” Queena cut him off. “She wouldn’t really sue you. She’s just throwing a tantrum to get your attention. You should go talk to her, smooth things over. She’s still your fiancée, after all. Besides, if this goes public, it will be disastrous for your company’s reputation, not to mention the scandal for both our families p>
Matthew’s face remained hard, but after a long moment, he sighed. “If only she was half as understanding as you are, my life would be so much easier p>
Work at his company was piling up, so Matthew flew back to Istra the next day without so much as a word to his fiancée.
Not that Yvonne cared.
She stayed on set, dutifully filming her scenes.
Since it was a male-led film, Yvonne’s part wasn’t huge. On days when shooting wrapped early, she often went exploring the nearby sights with the other actresses.
When Yvonne was a child, Bruce had been too busy with work to take her and her mother on vacations. Later, between her demanding studies and the police academy, there was simply no time.
This was her first visit to Vexel. Camera in hand, she wandered through the old town with her co-stars, Grace Smith and Shirley Don.
“I just asked a local guide,” Grace announced. “He said the stone-grilled steak and the wild mushroom stew are local specialties. We should go tonight p>
“Steak for dinner? Are you trying to gain five pounds and show up on camera with a face like a dinner plate tomorrow?” Shirley teased.
“Yvonne, are you in?” Grace asked.
“Of course,” Yvonne replied with a smile. “How can you have the energy to diet if you don’t eat p>
“Two against one! We’re getting
steak tonight. And after that, we can
check out the bonfire festival,” Grace declared, grabbing Shirley and Yvonne and pulling them toward a restaurant.
They ate until they were full, stepping out of the restaurant into the evening.
The sky had darkened, and the old town was now bathed in the warm glow of countless lights.
In the main square, a huge bonfire was already roaring, and a large circle of people, hand in hand, were dancing around it.
The three of them joined the fun.
Since none of them were famous, they could blend in with the crowd, unlike Queena, who was always burdened by her celebrity status, hiding under layers of clothing.
The three girls held hands, their laughter echoing freely around the bonfire.
Yvonne couldn’t remember the last
time she had laughed like this. It felt like it had been since the day she accepted her undercover assignment a day when she had to lock away her laughter and tears, leaving only the crushing weight of responsibility.
As Grace and Shirley pulled her along in the dance, Yvonne’s smile slowly faded.
Her eyes narrowed, focusing on a familiar face moving through the crowd on the opposite side of the fire.
Though the man wore a baseball cap, trying to conceal his features, Yvonne recognized him instantly: Justin, Colin’s former special assistant and right-hand
man.
During her undercover work at the Gonzalez Group, Yvonne had sensed there was more to Justin than met the eye. He was quiet and
unassuming but Com often sought his counsel on major decisions
After Colin’s arrest, Justin had vanished without a trace. To see him here in Vexel
was a shock.
Yvonne let go of Grace’s hand and started after him.