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.

unmistakable. "So, will you or won't you? This is your

unspoken feelings. He was

chord

said, her

over the crowd, a picture

reached into her pearl-studded clutch and pulled out a document she had been hiding for far

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 family with! "Here's the

papers onto the pool table, where they landed with

in her purse for ages, but she never

let Walter shame her in front of Julia or anyone else

air. Everyone was shocked, the tension so thick that they

looked like he had been slapped with ice, his face a mask of fury. He looked like he might just tear Evangeline

Walter, the man who was always on a pedestal,

watched Walter, waiting for his reaction. He had to say yes,

pleased. He let out a detached, hollow laugh that did not reach his eyes. She had never

want a divorce just like that? If you're upset because he was teaching me pool, I'll stop. Or better

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

gave Julia a once-over, her

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 of herself in front of

you're treating him like

that!" Julia snapped, unable

one she could not stop thinking about. He was astounding.

she taunted, "So, have you tested

fists tightened, her cheeks burning.

her arms and laughed icily. "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

hit a nerve. Julia nearly

the look in Walter's eyes, but