The True Heiress's Return

Chapter 15

Shakira finally accepted the truth-she couldn't expect Walter to say anything nice.

Seeing her sulking but not daring to say anything, Walter couldn't help but feel a bit satisfied. A rare smile flickered on his lips as he said, "Take me to the study." "Okay," Shakira said, rolling her eyes discreetly. He thinks he can boss me around, huh?" Then a mischievous thought popped into her head, and she cleared her throat. "What do you want for dinner, Mr. Lopez?" "Just a main dish is is fine," Walter replied, glancing at her. "Did you learn to cook in Belaris?" Shakira shrugged. "Sort of. It's easy."

Her tone was light, but the truth was a bit darker. Back when she lived with the Smith family, she'd desperately tried to win their attention. She would grocery shop, cook, and study hard, thinking that if she did well enough, they might be happy- maybe even notice her. But no matter how much effort she put in, they stayed indifferent and treated her like a servant. When she finally found out she wasn't even their biological child, she thought it wasn't her fault. She'd just mistook them for "family."

After everything, Shakira had hoped the Nelson family would reignite her dreams. But unfortunately, they turned out to be another dead end.

A bitter

r smile appeared on Shakira's face-thanks to the Smith family, she had gained some skills during her time in Belaris.

Just as she sank deeper into her musings, Walter studied her reflection in the mirror. He noticed her drifting away, her usual boldness faded to a dull gray, as if the world had turned its back on her. An unexpected annoyance bubbled up inside him. As Walter realized his mood had shifted because of Shakira, his expression darkened. "Shakira, go clean Baby Fishy's pond."

"Uh?" Shakira blinked, snapping back to back to reality as she met his gaze. It It took her a a moment t to process his his words.

"You're calling that massive lake, which is bigger than two football fields, a pond?" She stared at him, wondering if he learned geography from a gym teacher.

Without even looking her way, Walter wheeled himself out of the elevator. "You chose to be my servant. If you don't like it, then leave."

"Hey! I stick to ! I stick to my word!" Shakira shot him the finger behind his back. She couldn't help but wonder, 'What's wrong with this guy? One minute he seems fine, and the next, he is a total jerk!' The rest of the

of the afternoon passed as she scrambled around the so-called "pond." She couldn't get back at Walter, but could she deal with a crocodile?

The sunny afternoon morphed into Baby Fishy's worst nightmare. The poor crocodile, with its hefty body, could only hide in the tall grass, quaking in fear while Shakira chased it around. Meanwhile, Walter sat in the study, running an international meeting, sipping coffee, and enjoying the view of the frantic Shakira from the surveillance feed.

Shakira's frustration simmered until dinner. She rolled the food cart over, announcing, "Mr. Lopez, dinner's ready."

Walter glanced down at the meal-all simple, homestyle fare. He nodded. "Thanks for your hard work."

Shakira replied with a smirk, "Not hard work-just hard life."

back their laughter.

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Chapter 15

and cold like an empty castle. But since Shakira showed up, everything had changed. Walter was now capable of anger, laughter, and even playful teasing-it was how a living person should be. Levi wiped away a tear that had formed in the corner of his eye as he felt a gentle nudge at his

with a chewy and crunchy texture, but there was also an indescribable odor. He pointed to the dish and asked Shakira, "What is this?" Shakira blinked

is a bit odd,"

nervous looks, but none of

"That's kinda the point. It's pig intestines-basically what they use to store waste. The smell might

changed dramatically. But before he could explode, Shakira

and the others rushed to Walter's side. "Drink some soup, Mr. Lopez.

to shout, "You never said you didn't eat offal. Just a heads-up-there are pig intestines

of rage, his handsome face contorting into an almost

*****

before Walter woke up, Shakira slipped out of Eastlake Valley Estate quietly. She had overheard the servants chatting about how Walter had thrown a fit the night before, spending nearly half an hour brushing his teeth. Shakira had shuddered. 'Goodness, I never thought Walter would be

gross

Shaking her head, she opened it

[I'm on my way.] She glanced out the window, her eyes

long after she left, Walter's internal clock woke him right at 7 AM. He opened his eyes

room.

peculiar expression, he hesitated for a moment before saying carefully, "Ms. Nelson left

knitted together, irritation radiating from him. "I told you, I don't want

grew. "Does she really think she can come and go as she pleases

low. After a moment, Walter's

took a half-day off with Levi-said she had something to take care

giving Brian a

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