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Chapter 178

Author: Sisi Yea
James' voice carried a note of self-deprecation, but everyone there knew the truth.

James was a legend, a top-tier lawyer with a golden touch. Most lawyers bill by the hour or by the case, but not James. His time was so valuable that he charged by the minute, and only the big shots could afford to get him on board.

Around Evangeline, however, he was just a big softie, playing the fool to make her laugh. Everyone was in on the joke, and it only made them respect him more.

Evangeline had unwrapped so many presents that the thrill was starting to wear off—until she saw the unusual gift box from Uncle James. Her curiosity sparked back to life.

She opened the box with care and pulled out a rolled-up piece of paper. It was a painting!

Unrolling it, she was greeted by a serene autumn landscape. The golden oak leaves fluttered gently in the breeze, while the deep red maples stood tall, adding a vibrant contrast to the scene. The painting's deer, captured mid-leap, added a touch of gracefu
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  • Unmasking the Heiress   Chapter 179

    "Evie, life hasn't been kind to you, and no matter how much your uncles and I try, we can't take the place of your real parents."Normally, I wouldn't give you a gift at my age—it might mess with your luck. But how could I not give you something for your first birthday with the Fosters?"Cole's heartfelt words made Evangeline's eyes brim with tears."Grandpa, you don't have to do anything..."Before she could finish, Cole gestured for her to be quiet."I don't have much to give, and I wouldn't want to curse your luck, so I'll just give you a little something to remember this day by."With everyone watching, Cole lifted his left hand. The emerald jade of his ring drew all eyes to it.That ring was the very one Cole had won from the last great gambler in his legendary victory. Once it became part of the Foster family, it turned into a symbol of their authority.As the onlookers held their breath, Cole slid the ring off his finger.The excitement was palpable, with gasps echoing

  • Unmasking the Heiress   Chapter 180

    With everything laid out before her, Evangeline found it impossible to say no.The serious talk was done, and it was finally time for everyone to relax and share a moment or two.This was Evangeline's favorite part. She was not one for small talk, but she could not turn away her uncles' kindness.Finally free, she was eager to reconnect with Alex, whom she had not seen in far too long.The fact that Alex was using a wheelchair—and she had not known—pained her deeply.Without hesitation, Evangeline wheeled Alex out to the back garden.As they reached the swing, Evangeline noticed a woman with an effortless grace entering the garden. She looked up and realized it was the same woman who had helped Alex earlier. With a polite smile, she acknowledged her presence.The woman took her place next to Alex's wheelchair with a practiced grace, her eyes twinkling with a smile that did not quite reach the distant look in her gaze. She seemed to be somewhere else entirely.Evangeline's gaze

  • Unmasking the Heiress   Chapter 181

    Evangeline bit her lip, wanting to ask about the injury that had taken the spring out of those once-lively legs, but the thought of dredging up Alex's painful past made her heart heavy.Amid her indecision, Minnie piped up with a sparkle in her eye, "Ms. Evangeline, who was that dreamy guy standing with you earlier? He's a total knockout! Any chance you could hook us up?"The man in question, the one who'd been glued to Evangeline's side at the party, was none other than Walter.Minnie's eyes practically danced at the mention of him, her crush as obvious as a neon sign.Alex's face clouded over, a frown marring his usually smooth features as he shot a warning glance. "Minnie, you're here to dive into your new project, not daydream about boys."The air between Walter and Evangeline was thick with awkwardness.Evangeline understood that Alex's scolding was his way of protecting her feelings.She was over it, though."Alex," Evangeline chided, "Minnie's about my age, and it's tota

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    "Excuse me, miss, do you... know me?"In Avalon City, Walter was a known figure, so it was not odd for women to recognize him. Usually, however, they would get all bashful and scurry off.This woman had the guts to tap his shoulder—a bold move, for sure."Hi there, I'm Minnie. Maybe you and I could get to know each other better?"Minnie's words were coy, but her actions were anything but. She reached out her hand to Walter with no hesitation.Her eyes locked onto Walter with an intensity that was almost predatory, as if he was just a piece of meat ready for her to carve up.Walter did not like that one bit.He had much experience with women, but he never met a woman who looked at him like he was her next catch.He was not like the others. This kind of move did not intrigue him—it turned him off.Ignoring Minnie's outstretched hand, Walter coolly fished out a cigarette from his pocket, struck a match with a flick of his wrist, and took a leisurely puff. He then nonchalantly sai

  • Unmasking the Heiress   Chapter 183

    "Evangeline and I need to talk. You're excused."Walter's grip was unyielding, and Evangeline could not resist as he dragged her away from the garden.…Back in Evangeline's room, Walter slammed the door with a bang and spun around to see Evangeline in her evening gown, his expression darkening.He pointed accusingly at the blue diamond on her dress and growled a warning, "So, are you going to take that off, or do I have to do it for you?"His words sent a shiver down Evangeline's spine, reviving unpleasant memories.Remembering Walter's past roughness, she held onto her dress for dear life.The party was still in full swing, and Evangeline had to make a round of personal thank-yous to the guests soon. "You need to get your mind out of the gutter, Walter!" she snapped.She had thought the stern warnings from the uncles at the party would have put him on alert, but it looked like they did not faze him one bit. How else could he be so bold as to ask her to strip down in the middl

  • Unmasking the Heiress   Chapter 184

    This was utterly ridiculous!Evangeline shot Walter a withering look."What's the big deal about wearing clothes from someone else? First, the gift is from Alex, not just some other man," she snapped at Walter. "And just to be clear, we're on the brink of divorce. Maybe you should start getting used to being my ex and stop being so grabby, okay?"Walter was a piece of work.Back when she was head over heels for him, doing everything to be by his side, he could not have cared less.Now, all she wanted was to speed through the divorce and break free, but he was all up in her business, even fussing over what she wore.Was this his idea of fun? Being a control freak?Walter had been standing on the floor, but at her words, he took a step that landed him on the bed, closing in on Evangeline, still in her tattered dress. He seized her chin with a grip that was as cold and shocking as his expression."Clearly, Ms. Evangeline, you're clueless about the law, so let me enlighten you. The

  • Unmasking the Heiress   Chapter 185

    This was not about love.Evangeline's heart ached for Alex, who had to give up his booming career to teach overseas. She felt for him, having lost the use of his legs for reasons unknown, leaving him bound to a wheelchair.What hurt her most was seeing Alex, such a good-hearted guy, get trashed by his own kin—just because he got along well with her, his in-law!Why did Alex, a guy who was supposed to shine bright, have to have a lowlife like Walter for a relative?Walter felt like he had been stabbed in the heart, the pain so sharp that he could barely get his words out.He just could not see what was so special about Alex. They had the same face, so why did Evangeline choose Alex and not him?He was seething with rage.He wanted to lash out, to break things, to use brute force to make Evangeline fall in line.Then he remembered the hurt he had caused her, and his fists clenched even harder."Great. After we get divorced, you can go ahead and pity whoever you want—it won't be

  • Unmasking the Heiress   Chapter 186

    Evangeline rolled her eyes. 'Not bad'? More like 'drop-dead gorgeous.'Alex's dress was all soft and sweet, perfect for a demure debutante at a birthday bash. Evangeline was not one for soft and sweet. Walter's choice, with its regal elegance and a hint of sass, seemed like it was made just for her.Not that she had ever admitted it moved her.With Walter's influence and power, commissioning a custom dress was as easy as flashing cash and rattling off his measurements. Someone else would do the legwork.He would just sit back and pick his favorite from a lineup of designs…Why would someone like Walter ever put his heart into something for her?With that thought, a wave of bittersweet resignation washed over Evangeline."Come on, Evangeline, it's time to see things for what they are. No point in denying the obvious."Walter casually smoothed out the folds in Evangeline's dress with one hand, while with the other, he produced a small box he had tossed aside earlier and handed it

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    Celina noticed that Evangeline was about to leave and asked with concern,"Are you going out, miss?"Evangeline nodded while picking up her bag, not understanding why Celina's brows were furrowed.Before she could ask, Celina continued, "The Gordon family is in turmoil recently, and with your relationship with Walter… it might be best if you don't go out and attract attention."Evangeline could easily understand the meaning behind Celina's words. The Gordon family was in a crisis, and she had poured more fuel on the fire at a critical moment, practically throwing herself into the whirlpool of public opinion. If she went out, it was highly likely that paparazzi and reporters would follow her, and the consequences could be unimaginable."I'm sorry, but I still need to go."Evangeline's worry for Trey had reached its peak. Facing Celina's concerned expression, she reassured her, "Don't worry, I'll be careful. If necessary, I'll bring a few more bodyguards."Celina knew she could not

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  • Unmasking the Heiress   Chapter 946

    Evangeline listened to Thomas's lament and felt a wave of sadness in her heart.However, there were too many such people and stories in Avalon City, and she could not sympathize with all of them.Besides, Carl had done many bad things while working for Alex. How could she pity him?"Is there nothing else? No more information? Those who are pitiful must have their faults."Evangeline was not someone whose sympathy overflowed, nor did she want to connect with this situation."My men discovered that Carl has been wandering around Avalon City recently. His whereabouts are completely uncertain, and we've been unable to track him down or know where to start looking."Thomas fell silent for a moment, and Evangeline could only hear the sound of a mouse clicking.After some time, he added warily, "Carl is probably looking for his family."Before Alex was arrested, Carl secretly returned home one night. What exactly happened is unclear, but the next day, his family was taken away. And the

  • Unmasking the Heiress   Chapter 945

    Perhaps going out for a walk with Celina to clear her mind would help her regain her composure.To her surprise, Celina declined Evangeline's suggestion and said, "No, I want to go on a stroll alone.Seeing the sadness in Celina's eyes, Evangeline did not know what to say."Ms. Evangeline, I'm just feeling down for no reason. You don't need to worry about me. Maybe it's because… I've been too idle."In the past, Celina always had various tasks, but after returning to the Foster family, there were no more tasks, no work, and her sole focus was on David.All of a sudden, Zhang Tao recovered and no longer needed her.She needed some quiet time to rediscover her own value. Otherwise, she would only live in confusion and self-doubt.Evangeline did not insist. Adults need time for themselves, after all. She could not take away the time for solitude that Celina needed just because they had a good relationship."Then… be careful."Evangeline patted Celina's shoulder and watched her le

  • Unmasking the Heiress   Chapter 944

    Evangeline's brow furrowed. This situation was indeed tricky."Why is Carl Fowler still running around outside on his own when his boss has been exposed? If I were him, with Alex arrested, I'd rush back to Southern Crownlands immediately. Even if I couldn't return here, I'd send the message to the Bennison family as quickly as possible."Instead, he's been wandering around Avalon City!"Evangeline's speculation was not without merit. After all, if Carl had sent news of Alex's arrest back to Southern Crownlands, the Bennison family would have taken action. They would not be unaware, like they were at this moment where they've fallen for Walter's smokescreen and did not even realize it.David stroked his chin thoughtfully. "There's definitely something else going on here, and we just haven't figured it out yet. Is Carl wandering around because he's looking for something—or someone?"Having been by Alex's side, he naturally understood the dangers around him.Avalon City was especiall

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    "Insufficient evidence!"Evangeline and David seemed to be perfectly in sync. David looked at Evangeline with admiration."You truly are incredible, ma'am. Your analytical skills are simply amazing!""You don't need to flatter me. Since you led me to this conclusion, you must have a solution, right?"Gordon Group never kept idle people, and Walter was a perfectionist when it came to hiring. Therefore, the fact that David had worked under Walter for so many years was enough to prove his capabilities.Realizing he had been seen through, David awkwardly scratched his head. "I do have a plan, but it's still a bit underdeveloped, and I don't know if it will help Mr. Gordon."Since he was not sure, he did not dare to bring it up to Walter, only discussing it behind his back with Evangeline."Come on, tell me. Maybe it'll help."If the evidence Walter had was not enough, Gordon Group would remain in turmoil. Trey Gordon was still in the hospital recovering, and the situation at Gordon

  • Unmasking the Heiress   Chapter 942

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  • Unmasking the Heiress   Chapter 941

    "But you know David didn't do anything wrong, right?"If he had, then Celina would not have said she was waiting for him to finish his task. Instead, she would have barged into the study and confronted him immediately.Celina lowered her gaze. "Yes, I know."Both of them were workaholics, and once there was work to be done, they would not care about anything else. So, Celina understood David's feelings very well. That being said, she did not want him to neglect her."I just hate his boss. If it weren't for him giving David some task, he wouldn't be like this."Walter is such a heartless boss. My David is still seriously injured, yet he gave him such an important task. It's practically exploitation!"Just when David could barely move around again, he started working like a dog for Walter!Evangeline did not care about any of the exploitation talk. Her attention was solely on one thing, and that was…"What task did Walter assign to David?"Evangeline's intuition told her that th

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    After all, if The Bennex Corporation knew about it, it would mean there was an insider in Gordon Group who was working for the Bennison family. At that point, it would trigger another internal purge.Walter finally regained his focus, and the entire Gordon Group was filled with a sense of harmony and renewed vigor. Even the department head of the Operations Department, who had been tortured by stress for days, looked relieved. He knew that the time for their president to strike back had finally arrived!The intense applause from the employees expressed their excitement.Walter felt unexpectedly touched. After all, if the employees did not have any sense of belonging to Gordon Group, they would not have been moved by his sudden actions.Some even shed tears.Evangeline also had not expected that the moment of action would come so soon. She really had waited for Walter to strike back.Apart from this, what surprised her was that David had mysteriously gotten busy. Even Celina, who

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