Unmasking the Heiress by Sisi Yea

Evangeline held her gaze before breaking into a sly smile. Her eyes sparkled mischievously as she sauntered toward Walter, heels clicking on the floor. She pulled out a disinfectant wipe and, with a show of casual authority, began to clean the spot on his silk shirt that Julia had touched.

"You think I want to be in this dump? I'm only here because Grandpa and Mom wouldn't stop nagging."

She tossed the wipe away and straightened his collar with feigned nonchalance. "Are you done playing around? Ready to go home?"

"Go home for what? To play house and make babies?" Walter's dark eyes shimmered with a mysterious allure as he towered over her. "Do you really think you're fit to bear my children?"

A laugh escaped Evangeline, a mix of disbelief and pain. Her heart ached like never before.

She had, once upon a time, truly wanted to be a mother.

Cole was getting on in years, and late-stage lung cancer was a clear sign his days were numbered. His dying wish was to see her and Walter have a baby.

Little did anyone know, she had been harboring a secret crush on him for years.

As she recalled his past indifference and the dazzling fireworks he had launched for Julia just that New Year's Eve, a faint smile played on Evangeline's lips.

"If you're so against the idea of being with me, you could just handle things yourself and donate the outcome for in vitro fertilization. Your grandfather is on my back about this, and if you can't get me pregnant in three months, you might kiss your future as the Gordon family heir goodbye!

"Having a kid benefits us both, I swear. Once it's done, you're free to live it up. I won't ask questions..."

At last, Walter snapped. He firmly grabbed her chin and shoved her onto the billiard table.

His jaw was as sharp as a blade, his gaze deep enough to send shivers down her spine.

He smirked icily. "What's this? Am I just your baby-making machine to lock down your status? Evangeline, have you no decency left?"

Decency?

She had thrown that out the window long ago, had she not? Ever since she had blackmailed him into marriage with an old engagement promise, decency was off the table.

the pain, her challenge was unmistakable. "So, will you or

of unspoken feelings. He

was deliberate, his lips a straight line that struck a chord in her

That's settled," she said, her laugh

the crowd, a picture of ease and

a document she had been hiding for far

you around? And with all your pals here, it's as good a time as any for a divorce, Walter. Once I'm free, I can find someone else to start a family with! "Here's the divorce papers I drew up. Give them a once-over, and if they're all good, just sign on the dotted line. We'll sort out the rest with the County Clerk's Office after the

where they landed with a slap that

her purse for ages, but she never found the guts to pull them

done holding back. She would not let Walter shame her in

her words hung in the air. Everyone was

he had been slapped with ice, his face a mask of fury.

would have guessed that Walter, the man who was always on

check, watched Walter,

hollow laugh that did not reach his eyes. She had never seen him look at anyone the way he looked at Evangeline then, his

talk this out. You finally married Walt, and you want a divorce just like that? If you're upset because he was teaching me pool, I'll stop. Or better yet, you

reason your marriage falls apart. I'd never forgive myself!" she said, offering the pool cue to

the bait. Instead, she gave Julia a once-over, her sneer cutting through the air. "Don't

the country girl, would not know how and wanted to watch her make a fool

man who can't even have kids, and you're treating him

that!" Julia snapped, unable to hold

not stop thinking about. He was

taunted, "So, have you tested his

tightened, her cheeks burning.

respond, Evangeline crossed her arms and laughed icily. "Don't think for a second you've got a shot with him just because

hit a nerve. Julia

could see the look in Walter's eyes, but there was