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."

such elegance, and the pearls add a touch of luxury. Together, they're neither overwhelming nor plain," replied

I count on you to pass it

said, "Your gift should come from you personally-it means more that way.

"Besides what?"

haven't told my aunt

in, instantly became nervous. "You are going to do it now? Isn't that

chance to refuse. Before she could protest, he'd already

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Chapter 266

Skyla was clearly delighted as

1))

nervousness, Shakira leaned into the camera, her ears turning red, and said, "Happy New Year, Mrs.

was relieved and broke into a wide smile. "It's Shakira. Wonderful.

tone made Shakira's ears turn even

bit wider. "We're at Silverwave Bay for the company's

thinking, 'He just dropped

girlfriend?!" Skyla seemed to be stunned for a moment, and then, realizing what Walter meant, she covered her mouth in joyful disbelief. "You two are together? Is that true? Shakira?". Shakira took

that's wonderful!" Tears shimmered in Skyla's eyes as she murmured, "I knew Walter felt something special for you, and I'm so happy that you feel the same and that

"Mrs. Inwood, this is my New Year's

I'll take you shopping and get you 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 next time."

let out a

reaction amusing. "Normally, nothing fazes you. This wasn't even your first time meeting my aunt. So why so

time is different-I'm meeting her as your

her nose and said, "I understand. You are just shy. Both of them

front, exchanged a quick glance,

the rest of the trip, Shakira joined Xanthe in some carefree exploring. By the final day, she was so exhausted that she fell sound

landed, Kyle and 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

"Your cousin?" asked Shakira.

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