Unmasking the Heiress

Evangeline took a deep breath, realizing this would not be the day things got resolved.

After yesterday's ugly confrontation and her plotting against him, she was sure he would be looking for payback.

Walter chuckled as if she had told a joke.

He slipped into a black robe, nonchalantly pulled out a cigarette, and lit it. He was not a regular smoker, but he let the bright flame flicker and smoke swirl around him.

The smoke masked the icy storm in his eyes. "Didn't you say you didn't want it yesterday? Leave!"

Evangeline's mind raced back to the previous day.

She did not need to guess; she was certain Walter had been with Julia.

"I was wrong yesterday."

She approached him, eyes downcast.

Walter sat sprawled out before her, a picture of languid arrogance tinged with a hint of gloom. At her admission, he scoffed. "Ms. Rearden, are you admitting a mistake? That's a rarity."

He pulled her closer, right between his parted legs, and tilted her chin up, forcing her to meet his gaze.

Evangeline's gaze was clouded with a mist of mystery, her eyes beneath it both enchanting and alarmingly intense.

He was like a predator eyeing his prey, leaving Evangeline with no chance of escape.

His mocking laugh cut through the air. "Why would you think I'd want you when I have Julia? Where's that confidence you had yesterday?"

If it were not for the dire situation, with her grandfather's life on the line, she would have exploded in rage right then and there.

She clenched her fists, biting back her anger.

The scoundrel had deliberately hidden Dr. George, and yet he had the gall to play innocent!

He was heartless, wanting nothing more than to see her grovel.

"I was wrong," Evangeline admitted.

"Is that how you ask for a favor?" Walter's voice was a low purr, dangerously inviting as he leaned in closer.

With a sigh of defeat, Evangeline closed her eyes.

However, in the next instant, a sharp flick to her forehead made her wince. "Ow," she muttered, rubbing

the spot. 'This man... Is he into some twisted games?' she thought.

Walter reclined on the sofa, commanding, "Come, dry my hair."

"That's it?" she asked incredulously.

"No, once it's dry, we'll move on to the next step," he said as if laying down the law.

Evangeline picked up the hairdryer as she internally growled, 'Enjoy your little game, Walter. Once Grandpa is safe, you'll get what's coming to you.'

She glanced at Walter, sitting so properly, yet the corner of his towel had slipped, hinting at the sculpted muscles beneath.

Any warmth she might have felt, any lingering trace of last night's encounter with Julia, was then as scattered as the wind.

Evangeline bit her lip and edged closer to Walter, her fingers playfully teasing the strands of his hair. They were so close, their breaths mingled in the charged air. "Do you like the way I'm doing this, Walter?" she teased, her voice a sultry whisper.

She reached for the towel's edge, but before she could lift it, Walter's hand shot out, capturing hers and pinning her down.

His strength was undeniable, a man in control.

"Evangeline, are you trying to flirt with danger?" Walter's voice was a low rumble, his chest rising and falling against her, his heartbeat thunderous in the silence. This was too much, she realized. She had pushed the boundaries too far.

He was...

So easily provoked...

Had Julia left him wanting more?

"Walter," she said quickly, trying to diffuse the tension, to bring him back to his senses.

"I'll help your grandfather, but we need to agree on some terms first, right here, right now." His voice was steady despite the desire she could feel in his touch. Evangeline's lips formed a tight line. "What terms?"

"First, no other men. That includes James. You can't even think about having kids with anyone but me.

"Second, no more talk of divorce.

"Third, you move back in with me."

His conditions were laid out with a smooth certainty. It was as if he had been planning them all along, just waiting for the right moment to lay them out before her, each word a slap of cold reality. Evangeline's heart sank, her frown deepening. "I can handle the first two, but the last one... There has to be a limit. How long do Thave to stay?"

"Until I'm done with you," said Walter, his breath warm against her skin, his words sending a shiver down her spine.NôvelDrama.Org content rights.

Evangeline's dream of freedom seemed to be slipping through her fingers again, pulling her back into the same trap that had held her captive for the last three years. She had fought tooth and nail to break free,

and then, there she was, about to step back into that nightmare willingly.

Waiter was a man without a heart. He never once cared for her and merely used her as a toy. He would toss aside what he did not want, but heaven forbade his toys ever walked away from him.

Even her grandfather, lying frail and old in the ICU, was nothing more than a pawn to Walter. The thought made Evangeline's grip tighten until her nails nearly pierced her skin. "Alright, I'll sign."

If that was Walter's game, she would play along.

However, she would not make it easy for him. If he wanted her to stick around, he would better be ready for the sting of her resistance. Evangeline might bend, but she would not be trapped in the shadows, helpless, forever. Once her grandfather was well, she would find a way out. Walter would regret ever crossing her.

She finished signing and looked straight at Walter. "So, when is Dr. George coming? My grandfather's running out of time!"

"He is already in your grandfather's OR.'

"You!" Evangeline bit back her anger, fighting the urge to lash out.

He had already sent the doctor to the hospital and still had the nerve to force her hand.

Walter was a complete sleaze, a lowlife, a total jerk.

"Go clean up now," said Walter, oblivious to her seething rage, as he let her go. The pressure was suffocating, a crushing weight on her body and soul.

'Fine, I'll take the damn bath. For now, I'll do as told, like I'd been nipped by a rabid dog,' she thought.

Walter might have been tough on her, but with his chiseled features and striking looks, it was almost like a consolation prize, as long as her grandfather pulled through.

With a heavy heart, Evangeline rose and secured the bathroom door behind her.

The sound of cascading water soon filled the room, and through the frosted glass, a vague outline danced. Her flawless silhouette was as captivating as the relentless stream, igniting the anticipation of those outside.