The True Heiress's Return

Chapter 20

Shakira lifted her gaze cautiously to meet Walter's intense stare. His eyes were like a dark abyss, making her heart race.

She tried to inch back toward the door, but just then, the car lurched to a stop, sending her tumbling forward again. This time, her face landed on Walter's hard, warm thigh. Rubbing her forehead, Shakira shot an annoyed look at Brian, who was driving.

Brian explained, "It was the red light, Ms. Nelson. Just stay put."

Shakira thought, 'Stay put? I can barely buckle my seatbelt. Irritated, she pulled herself up, about to retreat to her corner.

Walter's icy voice cut through, "Did you choose that seat to end up in my lap next time?"

Shakira shot her head around, unable to contain her sarcasm. "You could stand to be a little less narcissistic, you know?" Walter smirked, "Are you really going to say those last two incidents weren't planned?" "That was just a fluke!"

"Oh."

Shakira fought the urge to smack him. She then turned her attention to the outside, where billboards were still flashing images of the chaos-reporters were now trailing the Nelson family to the hospital.

Yvette had been rushed to the emergency room, and Rebecca and Selena showed up too, alongside the Smith family. They were all anxiously waiting outside while the Nelson family's bodyguards blocked the reporters, refusing interviews or explanations. Online gossip about the Nelsons was spiraling out of control.

As Shakira pondered how Yvette planned to smooth things over with her family, Walter's voice broke her thoughts. "Shakira, what do you really want?"

"What?" Confused, she turned to look at Walter, who had leaned in closer, his tall frame looming over her. His cold gaze like it was piercing through her.

felt

Tell

he continued, his voice steady. "That 'Shakira' is arrogant, rebellious, and clueless. But you? You're a fantastic cook, quick-witted, and you have design talent that a

to make it up to you. I want to help you heal your leg." Each word was clear and sincere, as if she really had

in silence for what felt like forever. Finally, Walter smirked, a hint of sarcasm on his lips, and leaned back

closer, propping herself up

to the point. "I don't know what you've been up to, but you're definitely

her to look at him. "Even going after your own family like that? Your intentions are murky."

fiercely, "That's my business. What does it

respond, and they

1/3

Thu, Oct 17

Chapter 20

Brian to follow him upstairs. Levi approached

Shakira

63%

truly seemed alright before relaxing his worry. "Don't take it personally. Mr. Lopez used to be cheerful, but he changed after the injury." Shakira scoffed, "Just

momentarily speechless. All he could manage was an awkward

his leg, even if he acts like a total jerk, I won't let it bother me. You can count on

a sigh of relief. "With you here,

Shakira

"Thanks for trusting

lightly, unintentionally spilling the beans. "Honestly, no one else can handle Mr.

mind that night. Shaking it off, she glanced at the clock and headed to the kitchen to make dinner for Walter. After the chaos from last night, the kitchen staff was on high alert, clearing out everything Walter disliked. Just in case, they peeked in to watch Shakira cook, worried she'd toss something weird into the dish-if another fallout happened, they could

Walter, and no one else

the accurate details, she'd have to see Walter in action. Right now, the biggest problem was Walter refusing her