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 won't you? This is your

of unspoken feelings. He was not one to

was deliberate, his lips a straight line that struck a chord in her heart. "Forget about having my child, Evangeline. It's

she said, her laugh

the crowd, a

pulled out a document she had been hiding for

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

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

burning a hole in her purse for ages, but she never found the guts to pull them out until

let Walter shame her in front of Julia or anyone else

air. Everyone was shocked, the tension so

slapped with ice, his face a mask of fury. He looked like

who

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

was not 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

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

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

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

like that!" Julia snapped,

He was

gaze was piercing as she taunted, "So, have you tested his

her cheeks

before Julia could fully respond, Evangeline crossed 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

nerve. Julia nearly lost

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