Unmasking the Heiress

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.NôvelDrama.Org holds text © rights.

She had come to wish Trey a happy new year and to go to the hospital to check on Grandpa Cole, not to waste time on people she would rather avoid.

As she walked away without a backward glance, Walter's face turned stormy. "Stop right there!"

However, Evangeline did not need to think twice to know Walter was trying to take Julia's side. She ignored him entirely.

Walter was seething, his lips a firm hard line as he moved to follow her, but his mother's voice stopped him.

Aria, proud of her son, thought he was about to side with Julia. She sternly called out, "Hold on, Walter! I want a word."

"What is it?" Walter fiddled with his shirt buttons, glancing at his mother.

Aria's expression was all hard lines. "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 wrap up this divorce mess. Julia doesn't deserve to suffer like this!"

Walter's eyes rested lightly on his mother. "Stay out of it, Mom. This is between Evangeline and me."

Aria's face fell at her son's tone. "So, when are you two sorting out the divorce? After last night's drama with Julia, everyone's buzzing about your wedding."

"Wedding?"

Walter turned to Julia, her cheeks pink as she avoided his gaze. "Great, why don't you clear the air about last night? I'm all ears." "Walt..."

"Don't call me that." Walter's gaze was stern, and he stood still ominously.

Julia's 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 lady.

With that thought, Julia steadied herself. She could not let that little scandal ruin her standing with Walter. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, the picture of vulnerability.

"What's the matter? Are you upset because of the spat had with my sister today? I wanted to invite her over for a visit, nothing more. If you don't like me...

Watching Julia's distress, 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 as he recalled everything Julia had done for him.

Julia gently tugged at his sleeve, offering a generous smile. "Let's forget it, I'm to blame. Don't be mad. Go and cheer up my sister. I'll be okay."

She expected a few comforting words, but Walter shrugged off her hand and headed upstairs to find

Evangeline without a backward glance t

Downstairs, Aria was beside herself with worry. "Julia, you sweet, silly girl, it's Evangeline who's at fault. You're the one who's been hurt, yet you're nudging Walter back to her... What about your feelings?" "It's fine, Mdm. Gordon. Maybe he's not ready for a divorce. I don't want to trouble him... As long as he's happy, I'm content to be the woman who supports him in silence."

Aria's heart ached more with each understanding word

She took Julia's hand, offering solace. "My dear, you're the daughter-in-law I always wanted. Your sister took your place. With everything you've done for Walter, how could he not want to marry you?" Chapter 10

With a promise in her eyes, Aria assured her, "Don't worry, their marriage is as good as over."

Julia nodded meekly. "I'll follow your lead."

Even so, a chill flickered in the depths of her heart.

Walter climbed the stairs and was greeted by the sound of Evangeline and the family patriarch, Trey, talking in the study.

Walter drew closer with each step but hesitated at the door, letting his hand drop.

He wore his suit jacket over one arm and casually opened the top two buttons of his shirt, revealing a hint of his alluring collarbone.

Leaning against the wall, his tall frame stood out as he eavesdropped on the conversation between Trey and Evangeline.