Unmasking the Heiress by Sisi Yea

Chapter 63

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Evangeline was left fuming, punching the pillow in frustration. "Great timing, as always. It's like fate loves to throw us together at the worst times."

The next morning, Evangeline was up with the dawn, helping Alice whip up a pumpkin pie for Trey. He was not feeling great, but he managed to eat quite a bit, cheered by Evangeline's kindness, and seemed a little brighter for it. Afterward, Evangeline wheeled him out for a strollen the garden.

The last whispers of winter had finally retreated, and the morning sun wrapped the world in a cozy warmth. Tulips danced in the garden's gentle

breeze, their colors a vivid tapestry. Évangeline and Trey were lost in easy conversation, their laughter mingling with the cheerful chatter of their video with Trey. It was one of those perfect, tranquil moments. -However, tranquility shattered as they rounded the garden's rocky outcrop. There, a

few faces soured Evangeline's mood in an instant.

Walter and Julia sat in the gazebo, deep in discussion.

Walter had recently helped Julia's family with a place to stay. Lydia, ever grateful, had brought Julia by at dawn to say thanks. It was also a chance for Julia to get to know Walter better.

"Walt, you wouldn't believe how terrible my sister has been. She didn't just throw us out; she's threatening to make us leave the capital for good," Julia spilled her troubles, her voice tinged with tears.

"She's not capable of that," replied Walter, his tone dismissive.

"I can't believe she'd go this far. I've been bending over backward for her.

an opportunist clinging

heir. James was not a threat to Walter, but Ms. Foster, with her sights set on the same hot spring town project he coveted, was a thorn in his side.

more.

women were a rarity, and Walter found himself intrigued by the

Cha

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stroll in the garden, and then I'll come keep you company, okay?" Evangeline stepped in front, shielding her grandfather from the sight of Walter and J "Sure, go enjoy the garden. Spring is

thorns

out of sight, Evangeline intended to dod and retreat to her bedroom. However, as fate would have it, she ran smack into Aria and Lydia on

frying pan into the fire, Evangeline thought, exasperated. The

up in the garden and spoil the view?" Arial snapped, her

an ingrate. After all we've done for you, you turn

of their house! I'd like to see how long you can

had hoped to steer clear of those nuisances, but there they were, thinking they would

record, I'm twenty-three, and you're over forty. I'm bound to have a happier life than you, you old hag!" Evangeline shot back, her words laced with triumph. Their

that had closed in around her. "Bring it on," she

her hips, she looked every bit like someone ready to start a street

can you believe my sister? She's even bad-mouthing her mother.

complained, tugging at Walter's hand, urging him