Chapter 117
Matilda’s designs were a hit even before they hit the shelves, with socialites lining up to place custom orders. When Micah transferred his share of the profits into her account, he promptly called her up.
“Ms. Thompson, I really must express my gratitude for your collaboration with our company on this collection. I was wondering if you might be free this evening to join me for dinner?”
Micah was polite as always and even provided the address.
Matilda didn’t refuse. Despite the fact that his son had once wronged her, she couldn’t help but feel a twinge of sympathy for Micah, who consistently apologized for his son’s foolish actions. She noticed the streaks of grey in his hair, and her heart softened a fraction.
So, she agreed to meet him that night.
After hanging up, Matilda started rifling through her wardrobe.
She had always been a woman of refined taste, and her clothing choices were no exception. As the weather had taken a chilly turn, she opted for a cream–colored overcoat. Given its generous cut, she wore just a snug–fitting turtleneck underneath and chose a pair of sleek stilettos. before heading out..
The evening breeze was brisk, and Matilda pulled her coat tighter as she arrived at the restaurant right on time. Pushing the door open, she found Micah and a group of associates already gathered, raising their glasses in her direction, “Ms. Thompson, you’ve arrived!”
“The epitome of beauty and brains!”
“Thank you all,” Matilda replied, unable to decline the gesture. She poured herself a modest glass of red wine and toasted with the group.
During the meal, Micah brought up Matilda’s designs, lavishing praise on her work while recommending her to his partners. “Oh, it’s a record–breaker for us!”
“Ms. Thompson, here’s my card. I’d love to collaborate with you in the future.“.
Matilda was handed business cards from all around the table, and it felt as though new doors were opening up in her life. She designed with care, and Micah paved the way. This time, her trust was not misplaced.
She thanked everyone repeatedly, and the group shared laughter and drinks. Once satiated with food and wine, some of the executives suggested heading out for some karaoke, and all eyes. turned to Matilda.
Feeling the weight of everyone’s expectations, she agreed to join. Micah quickly booked a private karaoke suite on his phone, and the group left in high spirits.
Someone joked as they noticed Matilda trailing behind, “What fun is it for Ms. Thompson to hang out with a bunch of middle–aged gents? Bradford Simpson, why don’t you call your son
over to join in? It would be a shame for Ms. Thompson to feel bored.”
“That rascal’s got plans tonight, sigh. Ms. Thompson, I hope you don’t mind our company.”
“Not at all,” Matilda replied courteously. “I used to go singing with my dad, actually.”
Upon arriving at the karaoke suite, Micah made sure Matilda wouldn’t feel awkward by inviting a few young women to join them. Matilda smiled and raised a glass, filled to the brim, toasting the group again.
Twenty minutes later, feeling a bit bored, Matilda stood up to get some fresh air. “I’ll just head to the restroom.”
After she stepped out of the restroom, she felt the buzz of the alcohol and took a deep breath by the sinks. Suddenly, a shadow loomed behind her.
As she looked up. Adrian’s face, barely suppressing a smile, appeared behind her in the mirror. His mixed heritage features, sharply reflected, sent a chill down Matilda’s spine…
Whistling nonchalantly, the man behind her remarked. “Came in here out of boredom, and what do you know, stumbled upon something interesting.”
