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."

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

out of the

smooth forehead. "You're

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Chapter 8

a guy with mixed

New Year's wish was to see you and Walter at the hospital. If you don't, he's talking

trembled. "Walter and I just had a huge fight. How

can be such a pain." James had almost lost it earlier. "Your grandpa isn't doing well. The doctor says he might have just three months if we're not careful.

her grandfather's condition was worse than she thought. She knew how sharp he

delicate. She could not bear to break

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

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

Evangeline. That explained why Walter was against the divorce: Grandpa Trey had been

afford to live

thank you for everything, for treating me like your own. No matter what happens with Walter,

that so? Well, I do need a favor. Could you come 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

you told him about you and Walter?"

little while? I don't want to

"He's onto us, I think. Kept asking for a picture of you and Walter. I told him you lovebirds were holed up in

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