Unmasking the Heiress by Sisi Yea

melted away as she rushed to him, clinging to his arm and murmuring something.

James' expression turned icy as he shot Walter a withering look, then led Evangeline to the front desk.

Like a knight in shining armor, he whipped out his phone and took care of the bill. "Ms. Rearden's room charges are on me."

Just like that, 300000 dollars hit the hotel's account with a thud.

"Forget the change.

"Mr. Walter Gordon, you're so tightfisted with your wife. Consider the rest a parting gift from me, for all the kindness you've shown our Evie these last couple of years." With that, he whisked Evangeline away, leaving Walter as if he were nothing but a ghost.

Who would have guessed James would settle Evangeline's bill without batting an eye? They must share bond deeper than anyone else knew.

Walter's expression hardened as he stared at James and Evangeline's linked arms.

His voice cut through the silence like a specter in the night, "James, you have the nerve to take on my divorce case. Ready to throw away the empire you've slaved over?" James did not even look back. "Big talk for someone so small, Walter. I won't stoop to your level. But mark my words: With me in the picture, you're the one who's going down!" With those final words, James pulled Evangeline along. They disappeared into the night.

The air in the hotel lobby turned icy in their wake.

No one caught the chilling menace flashing in Walter's shadowed eyes.

Just then, Hector, the bodyguard, finished dealing with the mixed-race kid Alex upstairs and hurried down, only to find Walter standing alone.

He approached Walter cautiously. "Mr. Walter Gordon? I've carried out your orders. The kid's been kicked out of the country for good. He won't ever step foot in Alvernia again."

stormed out, furiously unbuttoning his shirt collar. "Find out everything about this James guy and all of Evangeline's connections down south over the past few years! I want answers in thirty minutes!" "Right

walked out of the hotel,

playfully flicked Evangeline's smooth forehead. "You're getting too gutsy, picking up

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Chapter 8

in her eyes. "I wasn't just picking anyone. I found a guy with mixed heritage, perfect for having a super-smart, drop-dead gorgeous Foster heir, Ugh, but no-Walter had to

to stop you. You know, your grandpa's New Year's wish was to see you and Walter at the hospital. If you don't, he's

sooner, Uncle?" Evangeline's voice trembled. "Walter and I just had a huge fight. How can I bring him back now without making Grandpa's hopes

isn't doing well. The doctor says he might have just three months if we're not careful. We

pain, realizing her grandfather's condition was worse than she thought. She knew

could not

was Trey. His face filled the screen, his eyes soft and rimmed with red. "Evie, I know all about the trouble with Walter. Where have you been? Why haven't you come home? Have you given up on me too?" Evangeline fought to keep her voice

your side. I told that jerk if you two

clicked for Evangeline. That explained why Walter was against the divorce: Grandpa

afford to live in

your own. No matter

Mrs. Thompson how to brew it? Then I won't have to bother you." Trey's

him about you and Walter?"

us for a little while? I don't want to worry him until

over the phone, his voice tinged with suspicion. "He's onto us, I think. Kept asking for a picture of you and Walter. I told him you lovebirds were holed

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