The True Heiress's Return

Chapter

266

After he made sure the mark on her face left by Xanthe was fully covered by his own. Walter finally let go, satisfied Seeing her dejected look, he smirked and said, "Looks like you've been saving quite a bit behind my back." Shakira quickly explained, "I've spent it all now; there's not much left!"

Walter seemed unconcerned and asked, "So why didn't you use the card I gave you?"

Shakira scratched her head and replied. "If I used your money. I still need to pay it back, so I might as well use my own."

Walter cleared his throat, sensing a subtle, unspoken jab in her words. In the past, he'd pressured her to pay him back. because he feared she'd disappear without a trace someday.

She had entered his life so unexpectedly that he'd wanted something to keep her around. But now, those external things didn't seem necessary.

"That was then. Things are different now," Walter said, his tone steady. "Don't worry about it. Spend it however you want."

Shakira shrugged. "It's okay, really. I don't mind buying it with my own money." With that, she opened the box, revealing a dazzling pearl and ruby necklace that sparkled beautifully, even in the dim light of the car.

She held the box out to Walter. "Last time we went to your aunt's house, she and her husband were really kind to me, so I got this as a New Year's gift for her. What do you think?"

Walter looked surprised, and then his expression became thoughtful. "I thought you bought it just to compete with Yvette."

Shakira thought for a moment and then had a sudden realization. "Wait, you were VIP Bidder I?"

"Yes, that was me," replied Walter.

"Oh my gosh! I thought it was some random, foolish person bidding against me. You thought I wanted it, so you tried to get it for me!"

"At first, yes, but I eventually realized what you were thinking."

Shakira patted her chest, relieved. "Good thing you caught on, or you might've ended up buying that overpriced necklace."

Her concern brought Walter a sense of contentment. He took another serious look at the necklace before saying, "It's beautiful. It'll suit my aunt perfectly."

it, I thought of her. The rubies have such elegance, and the pearls add a touch of luxury. Together, they're neither overwhelming nor plain," replied

in Walter's hand. "Then I count

should come from you personally-it

"Besides what?"

haven't told my

social anxiety creeping in, instantly became nervous. "You

didn't give her a chance to refuse. Before she could protest,

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Tue, Nov 12

Chapter 266

call quickly connected. Skyla was clearly delighted as

1))

Skyla," Walter said gently, motioning to Shakira. Feeling a sudden wave of nervousness, Shakira leaned into the camera, her ears turning red, and said, "Happy New Year, Mrs. Inwood!"

relieved and broke into a wide smile. "It's Shakira. Wonderful. I'm so glad to see you two together! Are you both

tone made Shakira's ears turn

noticed this, and his smile grew a bit wider. "We're at Silverwave Bay for the company's annual event. She's here

'He just dropped that news

she covered her mouth in joyful disbelief. "You two are together? Is that true? Shakira?". Shakira took a deep breath and nodded earnestly at

you, and I'm so happy that you feel

up the gift box and displayed the necklace. "Mrs. Inwood, this is my New Year's gift for you. I hope you like it. I'll have

something you love." Shakira replied, "Alright, thank you, Mrs. Inwood." Walter wrapped his arm around Shakira's shoulder and said, "Aunt Skyla, we're heading back to the hotel now. Let's chat

finally let out a long breath and said, "Oh my

amusing. "Normally, nothing fazes you. This wasn't even your

I was nervous! This time is different-I'm

said, "I understand. You are

the front, exchanged a quick glance, trying not to

trip, Shakira joined Xanthe in some carefree exploring. By the final day, she

the others waited for their assistants to pick them up. Shakira walked out with Xanthe, helping her manage the three large suitcases. Xanthe kept saying, "Shakira, you don't have to

"Your cousin?" asked Shakira.

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