Unmasking the Heiress

Evangeline held her gaze before breaking into a sly smile. Her eyes sparkled mischievously as she sauntered toward Walter, heels clicking on the floor.She pulled out a disinfectant wipe and, with a show of casual authority, began to clean the spot on his silk shirt that Julia had touched."You think I want to be in this dump? I'm only here because Grandpa and Mom wouldn't stop nagging."She tossed the wipe away and straightened his collar with feigned nonchalance. "Are you done playing around? Ready to go home?""Go home for what? To play house and make babies?" Walter's dark eyes shimmered with a mysterious allure as he towered over her. "Do you really think you're fit to bear my children?"A laugh escaped Evangeline, a mix of disbelief and pain. Her heart ached like never before.She had, once upon a time, truly wanted to be a mother.Cole was getting on in years, and late-stage lung cancer was a clear sign his days were numbered. His dying wish was to see her and Walter have

Walter did not allow Evangeline to fight back, not sparing her another glance. With a face of stone and a fury that could shake the earth, he stormed out, slamming the door behind him.The sound was like thunder, and the chill wind that followed seemed to freeze the room, the dark night and churning sea outside consuming Evangeline's heart.However, she did not rage. She laughed, a laugh that kept the tears at bay, and hurled her cup against the wall. "Walter, you bastard!"Her inner rebel, long caged, shattered the facade she had maintained for three years. He had flaunted Julia in her face, a clear message to get out of the Gordon family. However, when she was ready to do just that, he balked?She was not fooled. Walter was not the type to have second thoughts. He was always the one in charge, the mastermind. He would be damned if he was not the one calling the shots in their marriage, too.He could walk away from her, leaving her to wear the label of a divorcee, but she was not

Walter ended the call, a storm brewing in his chest. He paced the room with a gloomy expression and smoked one cigarette after another until the last one was crushed in the ashtray.He grabbed his coat and stormed out of the bedroom, not without delivering a swift kick to the coffee table that sent it toppling over.Feeling the extremely low pressure, wherever he walked felt like a hurricane had passed through.Aria, oblivious to the brewing tempest, chased after him. "You just got back, and it's the holidays! Where are you off to now? Why not stay and spend some time with me?"Walter said nothing as he marched out with a scowl on his face.Just then, his phone rang. It was Caden Scott, his close friend."Missed the show on your yacht last night. I heard Evangeline gave you the boot and wants a divorce?""News travels fast. I'm hanging up," said Walter."Wait, don't hang up. So it's over? Who would've thought Evangeline had it in her to be so tough? The whole social circle is b

At the sound of the voice, Evangeline glanced toward the entrance.James strode in, looking sharp in his suit and his scholarly gold-rimmed glasses. Evangeline's caution melted away as she rushed to him, clinging to his arm and murmuring something.James' expression turned icy as he shot Walter a withering look, then led Evangeline to the front desk.Like a knight in shining armor, he whipped out his phone and took care of the bill. "Ms. Rearden's room charges are on me."Just like that, 300000 dollars hit the hotel's account with a thud."Forget the change."Mr. Walter Gordon, you're so tightfisted with your wife. Consider the rest a parting gift from me, for all the kindness you've shown our Evie these last couple of years."With that, he whisked Evangeline away, leaving Walter as if he were nothing but a ghost.Who would have guessed James would settle Evangeline's bill without batting an eye? They must share a bond deeper than anyone else knew.Walter's expression hardened

At last, Evangeline's gaze landed on Walter by the door.His tall frame cut a silhouette against the light as he handed his black suit jacket to the butler, his black vest and crisp white shirt in full view.He walked forward, face stern as he adjusted his tie. He did not have to say a word, and the room's mood plummeted to an icy chill.The once festive hall fell silent. Everyone's eyes were glued to the scene, anticipating the drama.Nonetheless, Evangeline was composed. She had heard the car engine outside the moment she slapped Julia, and those slaps were a show for him.Walter's steady steps brought him closer, his eyes briefly scanning Julia's swollen face before settling on Evangeline, his brow furrowing in disapproval.Julia, sensing a shift, ran down the stairs to Walter, her tears turned to weapons. "Don't be mad at her, Walt. She's probably upset and didn't want to see me, causing her to lash out."Walter's eyes were icy as he stared at her. "Who said you could come h