Unmasking the Heiress by Sisi Yea

Chapter 9

The New Year holiday brought a stream of visitors to the Gordons'. The estate was ablaze with lights and festive cheer. In the living room, a circle of society ladies chatted, with her mother-in-law Aría playing the gracious hostess.

Evangeline's gaze landed on the familiar mother-daughter duo sitting beside Walter's mother Aria-Julia and her mother.

Lydia Carlson, Julia's mother, was all dolled up in a pink dress that still showed off her timeless grace, with bold and striking makeup. Julia was decked out in a fancy yellow gown so grand that everyone would think she was the bride at a wedding.

Julia fluttered around Aria like a butterfly, laying on the charm thick. "Mdm Gordon, it's been three whole years, and look at you-more gorgeous and youthful than ever. If we hit the town together, people will swear we're sisters."

Aria's smile was wide enough to light up the room, her eyes twinkling with fondness for Julia. "Oh, Julia, you've had it rough while you were away. It warms my heart that you're back and thinking of me. Now I've got my chat buddy again." "Mdm. Gordon, please... Walter and I... It just wasn't meant to be."

"Poppycock! Not meant to be? You two are sweet to each other. If it hadn't been for someone sticking their nose in, you'd be over the moon with happiness!" Aria exclaimed. "I heard Walter threw you a welcome home bash last night. After Evangeline and Walter split up..." Evangeline overheard the whole exchange, but she did not let it show.

She strode through the living room, not bothering with pleasantries, making a beeline for Trey's place.

Aria spotted her, and her mood flipped. "Evangeline, hold it right there! Where on earth were you all night? You come back and don't even greet anyone? Your mother and sister are here, and you just ignore them?"

That stopped Evangeline in her tracks. She turned, hands casually in her pockets, and said with a hint of defiance, "My mother has been gone for ages. What mother are you talking about?"

""You!"

Lydia stepped in with a soothing tone, "Easy, Aria. The kid has always had the wrong idea about me. I'm not holding on to any grudge."

"Misunderstanding? What could I be confused about? You think you're not the homewrecker? Trying to clear your name or throw dirt on me and my mother?"

"No, Evie, you've got it all wrong! I didn't mean that..." Lydia tried to

look the part of the devoted wife and mother. "We didn't mean to upset you today. Your dad said it's been ages since you've been home, and we couldn't reach you by phone. Your sister just got back, so I thought I'd bring her along." Evangeline almost laughed, but she could not be bothered with them.

Lydia. "Home? Remember how you were the ones who threw me out? Told me I'd

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+25 BONUS

her mother died that Lydia and Julia waltzed right into her life, taking over her mom's house and bedroom. They tried to

in, and since she moved to Avalon City with the Gordons, she had not stepped foot in that house again. Truth was, Evangeline was done being Andrew Rearden's daughter. Even when Andrew tried to cozy up to her,

her forgiveness. Especially not after their lovey-dovey act

carried the weight of her mother's

wish was clear: "Keep the truth hidden from your grandpa and uncles."

enigmatic Foster family

Andrew, a boy with

protect her mother's legacy, Evangeline had kept silent about Andrew and Lydia's shameful deeds, avoiding any mention that might

had a cruel sense of humor. Their daughter, Julia, just had to stir up

repeating itself, she found herself

house belonged to my

Aria's faces turned pale at her

has none! It was common knowledge-you were the one who couldn't stand your sister, nearly drowning her in the pool! And your mother's affair,

ever opening my door to you! If Walter had chosen Julia from the start, I wouldn't be dealing with this disgrace

contorted with rage. "You're planning to leave Walter, aren't you? Then leave now! I can't stand the sight of you! Mrs. Smith, pack her

frozen, unsure of

was the final say, and

Mrs. Walter Gordon to return. He's eagerly awaiting

shoe how to make,"

and finally rose to comfort Aria, "Mdm. Gordon, please don't hold a grudge against Evangeline! I'm sure it wasn't intentional... Don't let my issues come between you and her. Besides, she made it clear that even if she and Walt split up, I shouldn't even dream of becoming a Gordon, so I've

only stoked