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 never be welcome again?

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and Julia waltzed right into her life, taking over her mom's house and bedroom. They tried to pin the blame on her for Julia's pool accident, just to get rid of her. On a stormy

not stepped foot in that house again. Truth was, Evangeline was done being Andrew Rearden's daughter. Even

forgiveness. Especially not after their lovey-dovey act drove her mother to her

carried the weight of her mother's bitter

grandpa and uncles." She did not want them to know the depths

daughter of the enigmatic Foster family

had fallen for Andrew, a boy with empty pockets, and chose him

silent about Andrew and Lydia's shameful

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

repeating itself, she found herself walking in her mother's footsteps. Enough was

house belonged to my mother. It's time for you

faces turned pale at her

none! It was common knowledge-you were the one who couldn't stand your sister, nearly drowning her

Julia from

tall, her face 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 things. It's time

Smith, the housemaid, stood frozen, unsure of her

was the final say, and the young mistress Evangeline was

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

to make," she

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,

words only stoked the