Unmasking the Heiress by Sisi Yea

Chapter 8

At the sound of the voice, Evangeline glanced toward the entrance.

James strode in, looking sharp in his suit and his scholarly gold-rimmed glasses. Evangeline's caution 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."

James guy and all of Evangeline's connections down south over the

out of the hotel, arm

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

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+25 BONUS

Chapter 8

mixed heritage, perfect for having a super-smart, drop-dead gorgeous Foster heir, Ugh, but no-Walter had to

come just 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 talking about giving up treatment and just waiting to die at home. He

voice trembled. "Walter and I just had a huge fight. How can I bring him back

a pain." James had almost lost it earlier. "Your grandpa isn't doing well. The doctor says

her grandfather's condition was worse than she

not

call-it 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

he's done something unforgivable! Listen, Evie, I'm on your side. I told that jerk if you two split, I'm giving you all my shares in the company. Alex can take over

Walter was against the divorce: Grandpa

to

own. No matter what happens

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.

and he dabbed at his eyes, his plea tugging at her heartstrings. "You know,

Have you told him about you

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

need to come back," said Trey 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 up

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