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.

will you or won't you? This is your last chance

a storm of unspoken feelings. He was not one to be

that struck a chord in her heart. "Forget about having my child, Evangeline. It's not

said, her laugh tinged with

eyes leisurely over the crowd, a picture of ease

out a document she had

point in keeping 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

tossed the papers onto the pool table, where they landed with a slap that echoed through the

for ages, but she never found the

She would not let Walter shame her in front of Julia or anyone

the air. Everyone was shocked,

mask

have guessed that Walter, the man who was always on a pedestal,

her excitement in check, watched Walter, waiting for his reaction. He

was not pleased. He let out a detached, hollow laugh that did not reach his eyes. She had never seen him look at anyone the way he looked at Evangeline then,

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

I'd never forgive myself!" she said, offering the

a once-over, her sneer

want to learn to play? No, she just figured Evangeline, the country girl, would not know how and wanted to watch her make a fool

can't even have kids, and you're treating him like he's some kind

Julia snapped, unable

not stop thinking about. He was

as she taunted, "So, have you

fists tightened, her cheeks burning.

"Don't think for a second you've got a shot with him just because we're through. Even if I don't want to be Mrs. Walter Gordon anymore, you'll never be welcome in the Gordon

a nerve. Julia nearly lost

eyes, but there was an unmistakable chill in