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."

collar. "Find out everything about this James guy and all of Evangeline's connections down south over the past few

James walked out of the hotel, arm in

Evangeline's smooth forehead. "You're getting

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Chapter 8

with mixed heritage, perfect for having

and Walter at the hospital. If you don't, he's talking about giving up treatment and just waiting to die at home. He even skipped his meds this morning." That

trembled. "Walter and I just had a huge fight. How can I bring him back now without making Grandpa's hopes

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

Evangeline's heart clenched in pain, realizing her grandfather's condition was

not bear

with Walter. Where have you

something unforgivable! Listen, Evie, I'm on your side. I told that jerk if you two split, I'm giving you

why Walter was against the divorce: Grandpa

afford to live in a

own. No matter what happens with Walter, you're still my grandpa. If you ever need

home? I've been craving the coffee you make. It's just not the same without you. If you can't, maybe you could show Mrs. Thompson how to brew it? Then I won't have to bother you." Trey's voice was sincere, and he dabbed at his eyes, his plea tugging at her

you told him about you

keep this between us for a little while? I don't want to worry

suspicion. "He's onto us, I think. Kept asking for a picture of

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