Unmasking the Heiress by Sisi Yea

Chapter 10

At last, Evangeline's gaze landed on Walter by the door

His tall frame cut a silhouette against the light as he handed his black suit jacket to the butler, his black vest and crisp white shirt in full view.

He walked forward, face stern as he adjusted his tie. He did not have to say a word, and the room's mood plummeted to an icy chill.

The once festive hall fell silent. Everyone's eyes were glued to the scene, anticipating the drama.

Nonetheless, Evangeline was composed. She had heard the car engine outside the moment she slapped Julia, and those slaps were a show for him. Walter's steady steps brought him closer, his eyes briefly scanning Julia's swollen face before settling on Evangeline, his brow furrowing in disapproval.

Julia, sensing a shift, ran down the stairs to Walter, her tears turned to weapons. "Don't be mad at her, Walt. She's probably upset and didn't want to see me, causing her to lash out." Walter's eyes were icy as he stared at her. "Who said you could come here?"

The question startled everyone. He did not sound the least bit welcoming.

The whole city was buzzing about how Walter had lavished Julia with gifts the night before. The gossip was not just among the youngsters; even the heads of the top families knew.

Julia was stunned by Walter's frosty demeanor. A flash of pain crossed her eyes, but she masked it quickly. Biting her lower lip, she stammered, "It's the New Year holiday. I came with Mom to join Mr. Gordon Senior and Mdm. Gordon in celebration..." Tears welled in her eyes as she gazed at Walter, her look so forlorn it would soften any man's heart.

However, Walter's lips were a thin, icy line. "Then why did you mess with Evangeline?"

"I... I didn't... My sister just came up and slapped me. I don't know why..."

Evangeline had no patience for their drama, especially not in front of everyone. She did not even glance at Walter's reaction before unfeelingly turning away and heading upstairs.

come to wish Trey a happy new year and to go to the hospital

glance, Walter's

think twice to know Walter was trying

firm hard line as he moved to follow her, but his mother's voice

to side with

is it?" Walter fiddled with his shirt buttons, glancing

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+25 BONUS

Chapter 10

"Evangeline has crossed the line! She wanted the divorce, right? Couldn't she just slip away without a fuss for the new year? But no, she had to stir up a storm! Look at Julia's face-all bruised up. "You have to do Julia right. Go up there, lay it all out for Evangeline, and

"Stay out of it, Mom. This is between Evangeline and

are you two sorting out

"Wedding?"

cheeks pink as she avoided his gaze. "Great, why don't you clear the air about last night? I'm all

was stern,

heart skipped. His frosty, deep eyes made her feel guilty. She had let it slip that Walter was ditching Evangeline, the so-called country girl, and that she, Julia, was next in line. However, she never said it outright-it was all just gossip. She simply cozied up to Walter, playing the

let that little scandal ruin her standing with Walter. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears,

the spat had with my sister today? I wanted to invite her over for a visit, nothing more. If you

Aria stepped in to shield her "Walter, how can you be so tough on Julia? You know she's always been delicate. Don't tell me you've forgotten who she changed for... Julia, ignore him!" Walter's face eased a bit

I'm to blame. Don't be mad. Go and cheer up my sister. I'll

comforting words, but Walter shrugged

a

your feelings?"