'Wasn't Evangeline's maternal grandfather supposed to be tucked away in the mountains of Sapphire City? When did he and Grandpa become such good friends?' thought Walter.He had just heard his grandfather bring him up, and Evangeline had quickly changed the subject.Something told him they were keeping a big secret from him.Walter, intent on proving a point, rose to his feet with a calculated slowness. He casually adjusted his collar, a deliberate move that showcased his sculpted, golden chest.His tailored black pants hugged his long legs, and the crisp white shirt accentuated his chiseled features—an air of unmatched elegance about him.With a hand nonchalantly tucked in his pocket, he sauntered past them, pausing by the expansive window.Bathed in the outside light, he looked like a model, his proportions almost painfully perfect, his looks top-tier. It was as if he were a god emerging from the glow.Evangeline was taken aback. Walter, who never paid her any mind, was sudden
Before Walter could follow Evangeline, however, Trey called out to him."Hold it right there, boy! I've got a bone to pick with you!"Walter stopped and leaned against the door frame, though he looked a bit pale. "What's up?""What's with the scowl? If it wasn't for my quick thinking, do you think you'd have been able to keep Evie around? You don't even know what her grandpa looks like. Some husband you are!""I don't need your advice, and frankly, I don't care to know," Walter snapped back, his frown deepening and a coldness creeping into his gaze."Go on, keep playing the tough guy! Evie's poured her heart into this family, and you? You've been nothing but a headache. I want that mother and daughter gone from downstairs, and don't you dare bring me more problems in the new year!"Walter's lips were a tight line, his face an icy mask. Then, with a crease in his brow, he asked, "You're hiding something about Evangeline's grandpa from me, aren't you?"They had always said he was
Walter's hot breath cascaded down Evangeline's neck, his chest pounding against her bare back."So you're just going to walk out? Is streaking your thing now?"She would rather go naked than stay?Evangeline fought back. "Let go! You're the one who told me to undress, or do you think I should strip off the last two pieces as well?"She held back her feelings, her voice low and tense, "Walter, do you have any idea how despicable you are?"Walter's face was drawn tight, the friction between them making him uncomfortable. He clenched his jaw and kept his composure.Then, he picked up a trench coat from the pile of discarded clothes and draped it over her shoulders from behind."Go ahead and leave if that's what you want. Nobody's stopping you. Once you're out that door, though, you can forget about the Gordon family's shares!"Evangeline turned, her fiery gaze blazing beneath a tangle of hair. "Are you out of your mind? We're getting a divorce and splitting assets. Those shares we
The bedroom door stood closed before Julia. She knocked tentatively, only to be met with Walter's gruff voice from within."Leave me alone."The rebuff startled Julia, but she did not give up. "Walt, it's me, Julia. Can I come in?"Her voice was a soft whisper in the tense silence.Inside, Walter broodingly sat on the couch with a cigarette dangling from his lips. He was the picture of brooding, his eyes fixed on the window where he had last seen Evangeline's retreating figure.No answer came.With a deep breath, Julia smoothed her skirt and pushed the door open.Chaos greeted her. The bedroom was in disarray, Evangeline's clothes strewn about as if in the wake of a storm. Walter lounged on the couch by the window, his profile a mask of icy detachment.He was the epitome of allure, his very presence a siren call of raw magnetism that kept others at bay—a trait she found utterly captivating.However, as she stepped forward, Walter's gaze snapped to her. His voice was a low rumb
Before Evangeline could get a word in, Roslyn's voice crackled through the phone, fiery and fierce."Last night's drama? I've heard it all. That jerk Walter has quite the audacity, alright! You're about to kick him to the curb, and he's got the nerve to say you can't see other guys? The nerve!"Roslyn's tirade against Walter was relentless, and she barely paused for air. "Evie, don't waste your tears on that loser. The world's full of decent guys. So what if you want to date a younger guy? If Walter's got a problem with it, we'll just find you a whole lineup!"'That might be overkill,' thought Evangeline. Nevertheless, the rant did take the edge off her mood.Without giving Evangeline a chance to chime in, Roslyn barreled on. "Where are you? Leave tonight to me. I'm throwing you a singles bash. Sure, finding someone richer or hotter than Walter might be tough, but there's a sea of guys who are sweeter and know how to treat a woman right. Be at Kronovia Royale Pub at eight, and let'
Julia, having heard of Walter's location, hurried to the pub with her friends in tow. She was Walter's ex-girlfriend, and their recent reunion had rekindled old flames.She could not let another opportunity slip through her fingers, not after the one she missed with the Gordons. She had taken extra care with her appearance, donning a white, flower-dotted dress that flared like a pristine lotus, a stark contrast to the pub's vibe."Check out the lady in red over there. Isn't that Roslyn, the pop queen?" a friend whispered to Julia, nodding toward the glamorous figure in the distance.It was difficult not to notice Roslyn, surrounded by a dazzling entourage of gorgeous men and women."Why is she everywhere, haunting us like a bad penny?" Julia muttered, spotting Evangeline sipping drinks with Roslyn."Isn't that your sister Evangeline with Roslyn?" someone asked, recognizing her. "How on earth is she rubbing elbows with a star like Roslyn? She's just a country girl, isn't she?"Jul
The two sides were a whirlwind of flying hair and ripped clothing, the fight heating up by the second. Evangeline, emboldened by the booze, dove into the fray. Roslyn had her back, and she was not about to let her down.The commotion in the bar drew a crowd of rubberneckers in no time.While bar fights and disputes were common, they were rare at Kronovia Royale Pub. After all, it attracted influential figures, and any altercation there was scrutinized for its potential repercussions.Caden had planned a laid-back evening with Walter, hoping to enjoy some drinks and the company of lovely ladies, pouring out their hearts. However, Walter was more interested in sulking over his drink, a total killjoy.The other side of the hall was in utter disarray. Word had it that the celebrity Roslyn was in a tussle, and Caden could not resist the urge to check it out.He was back before long."Snap out of it, yo! The brawl over there involves Evie-Baby and your so-called new flame." Caden jostl
Julia's friends, bolstered by Walter's arrival, found a renewed sense of confidence.Evangeline remained silent."Walt!" Julia's voice dripped with sweetness as she preempted any other conversation. She ran her fingers through her hair, and tears streamed down her face in gratitude for her timely rescue."I don't know what I've done wrong, but my sister and her friends just attacked us. Look at my face—it's all swollen."To be attacked twice in one day…This time, away from the Gordon estate, Julia was determined not to let Evangeline get away with it.Julia's tears were a portrait of distress, though the slap marks on her face lent a touch of the absurd to her plight.Walter stared at Julia's bruised cheek before glaring at Evangeline icily.It was bad enough Evangeline had struck him, but she was even cavorting with young men too? They were not even divorced yet, and she was already so impatient!Taking in her flawless makeup and the sultry dress that was a far cry from anyt
In the past, Julia would not have batted an eye at whatever grand gesture Ethan made for her.However, things had changed. After pouring her heart out for Walter, only to have it wasted, how could she not feel a pang of guilt and a rush of gratitude when Ethan still stood by her side, ready to give his all?Ethan gently stroked her hair, his eyes soft with affection. "Julia, you shouldn't have to worry about this...""But I can't help it!" Julia's voice broke through her restraint, loud and clear. "Why should Walter get away with hurting me, and then turn around and manipulate you?"Ethan's eyes flickered shut for a moment, clearly done with the conversation. "Let's go home."Hand in hand, they made their way onto the plane at Meadowvale's private airstrip. Walter, bound by his deal with Ethan, had no choice but to bid them farewell.He watched the sleek private jet take off, his gaze deep and calculating, a sly smile playing on his lips. That was his first chess move against t
Julia gazed at the man's face, her mind wandering.Was it true? This man, who everyone looked up to, dropped everything—his work, his family duties—to be there, all because he did not want her to be alone?What kind of feeling was that?Whatever it was, just seeing what he had done was enough to stir any girl's heart.Even Julia, who had Walter in her thoughts, could not hide her emotions.Tears filled her eyes, and without a care for the watchful eyes of the bodyguard, she lunged into the man's embrace."Thank you. Thank you for still choosing to love me, Your Highness."She hardly ever used such formal titles for the guy, standing in front of her.Titles like 'duke' or 'viscount' from overseas just were not her thing. She even thought that using them created an invisible gap between people.However, right then, she felt compelled to use his title, as a reminder to herself of just how incredible he was.In Julia's eyes, Ethan Jefferson was infinitely better than Walter—by a
The diamond mines in Southern Crownlands were a gold mine, literally. Any official could name their price and be set for life. There was no way they would turn down a fortune that was practically in their hands.Unless... It was all because of the guy standing in front of Walter.As Walter locked eyes with him, the man casually threw up his hands. "No need to be suspicious. I gave him a ring before I came to see you. For a deal this big, he wouldn't dare call the shots without backup."Walter's stoic expression betrayed none of his thoughts, while the man in front of him seemed like he could not wait a second longer."Do you still have reservations? If you do, why don't you mull it over here while I go see Julia?" The man spoke as he casually opened his arms, allowing Walter's crew to give him a quick pat-down."Don't worry, I'm here to rescue, not to wreak havoc. Why would I bring anything dangerous?"Walter caught his bodyguard's eye with a meaningful glance.Getting the hint,
Just then…"No, you really do need to."The guy was dead serious, a determined glint in his ocean-blue eyes.Walter was lost for words, about to retort, when the guy went on, "I didn't come to fetch Julia without bringing something big to the table."He gave Walter a knowing look and a smug smile, like he was sure Walter would not turn him down."I'm offering the diamond mines of Southern Crownlands in exchange for Julia. Sounds like a sweet deal for you, Mr. Walter Gordon, right?"Walter's brow creased as he weighed the likelihood of that guy having any say over the diamond mines.Those mines were a big deal for the Bennison family, yet this guy was talking like it was a walk in the park, not something to be taken lightly."Do you even realize what you're suggesting?"Walter needed to make sure, but he kept the conversation going smoothly. "The diamond mines in Southern Crownlands are a big deal for the Bennison family, aren't they? Are you sure you're the one who can make th
"I don't want to see anyone, I'm not in the mood!" Walter snapped back without hesitation.Julia had pushed him to his limits, and he had no desire to talk to anyone else.The bodyguard persisted, "But sir, he claims he's here to take Ms. Julia Rearden with him. He insists he won't leave without seeing her."A rescuer for Julia?After her parents were gunned down, the only one left to shield her was probably the mysterious powerhouse backing her.The Bennison family!A spark of interest flickered in Walter's eyes. He composed himself and then commanded, "Show him in."With Julia under his control, there was no rush to leave. If that stranger had the guts to show up, he must believe he could take Julia from Walter's grasp.Well, Walter was eager to see just how much that person was willing to sacrifice to save her.The room was in disarray thanks to Julia's earlier struggle, but luckily, the living room was still spotless.Walter settled onto the sofa, waiting for his distingu
Was she not just using Evangeline's name?All she wanted was his love. How could that be wrong?However, the guy standing in front of her had no problem playing a game of life or death with her!Julia could not help it, she burst into wild laughter on the ground. Pushing herself up on shaky arms, she managed to sit up while Walter watched, his body shaking with anger."Julia, come clean now, and I swear you'll make it out of this alive," Walter threatened, his voice a low growl.He was not sure he could keep his composure if Julia kept up her stubborn act. Would he be able to let her off the hook again if that happened another time?However, Julia was not scared.Staring down Walter, who looked like he could breathe fire, she knew that being caught by him was a fate worse than death. So why play into his hands?"Tell me, Walter. Why don't you love me?" she challenged him.Julia knew she had put in as much effort as Evangeline ever did, so why had she not ever captured Walter's
When Walter made it clear he intended to make Julia his bride, Trey, defying everyone's expectations, managed to get Evangeline hitched to the Gordons.Just like that, Julia's dreams of marrying into high society crumbled to dust…Snapping back from her reverie, Julia locked eyes with Walter, his gaze dark with barely concealed anger."Julia, even now, you won't come clean, will you? Let it go."Walter sighed. He knew Julia was all too familiar with weaving tales of fiction, and offering her a chance to save face might not even appeal to her. Why go to the trouble?"You went into such detail about my rescue back then. You must know who my savior was, right? I'm not interested in digging up the past. I just want to know, who was it that saved me?"For years, Walter had been thanking the wrong person, and in doing so, he had hurt the one girl he truly cared about.What a total backfire!Regret swallowed Walter whole, but he knew he could not go easy on Julia. She was a handful, w
"Please, Ms. Rearden, don't be mad. We're in a tight spot here. See those bodyguards over there? They're with the Foster family. We're small fish in Avalon City, and the Fosters? They're sharks. Mr. Rearden made us swear to keep our heads down and steer clear of trouble."At the time, the Fosters' crew had just pulled Walter and Evangeline to safety.Both were out cold, but the Fosters only whisked Evangeline away, leaving Walter by himself, sprawled on the shore.Julia, curious about the lack of commotion, strolled over with her bodyguard to inspect the still-unconscious Walter. "Any of you know who this guy is?"She could not help but notice how handsome he was at first glance. Marrying him would be a dream come true.However, dreams were all they could be. The Reardens were nobodies in Avalon City, and their bodyguards would not know a VIP if they tripped over one. They had no clue who Walter really was.Julia sighed, a mix of disappointment and longing, as the bodyguard shook
How could he, Walter, have been so blind? To have mistaken his own lifesaver!Julia was losing her patience. "What do you really want to ask? When are you going to let me go?"A chilling laugh suddenly filled the air, making Julia's skin crawl.She remembered that laugh. It was the same one Walter had when he planned to send her off to Northern Montavia.Just as expected, a second later…"Julia, if you don't even recognize this keychain, how can you say you're my savior?"Walter's voice rumbled deep and rough, each word slicing through the air like it was forged in the depths of the underworld.Julia's mind snapped into focus, her eyes darting away in a guilty flinch. She could not bring herself to meet Walter's gaze."Walt, I was just... I was so ticked off when you yanked me up earlier that I didn't really look at it, okay? But staring at this keychain, it sort of rings a bell. Looks like the one I snagged from you way back."Her wavering voice was all the confirmation Walte