Unmasking the Heiress (Evangeline and Walte)
Bitten Once Shy Forever 195

Chapter 195

Truth be told, Evangeline never cared for such theatrics. She believed in the strength of the self-

reliant, and she did not need everyone's eyes on her or their empty praise. Nonetheless, Minnie had crossed a line, and Evangeline was not one to back down. She might not seek attention, but that did not mean she could not command it. However, there was something Evangeline did not realize: Walter was completely engrossed in Evangeline's performance from start to finish.

He did not know anything about violins, but Evangeline's playing was so incredible that even he, a total newcomer to the music scene, was blown away by her amazing talent and the gorgeous sounds she coaxed from her instrument. "Evangeline, oh Evangeline, what other secrets do you have up your sleeve that I haven't discovered yet? I'm getting more curious about you by the minute,' thought Walter.

The Foster family brothers, among the crowd watching Evangeline's show, could not stop raving about her. They were totally wowed.

Alex, parked in his wheelchair, kept his cool as if nothing could faze him. He had known all along that Evangeline was a violin virtuoso.

Someone in the crowd started talking about the bet tied to the contest.

"I remember the deal was that if Evangeline lost, she'd have to hand over her wrist bracelet to Minnie. But, now that Minnie's the one who lost, what was she supposed to give up again?"

The way they said it was dripping with sarcasm. They were not actually trying to remember, they were stirring the pot to remind everyone else.

Sure enough, someone took the bait.

"Minnie's bet was her dress, wasn't it?"

"That's right, she was supposed to give her dress to Evangeline right then and there if she lost. Geez, stripping down in front of all of us? Talk about a blush-worthy moment!"

It was obvious to everyone that Evangeline was in a league of her own, and her earlier boastful talk had just crumbled away.

In the time it took to play just one tune, the mood in the room had done a complete 180.

The Fosters were far from broke, so when Evangeline laid down the bet involving Minnie's dress, everyone smelled a rat

Minnie had stepped on Evangeline's toes by challenging her to a contest, so Evangeline itched to teach her a lesson she would not forget.

As the crowd pieced it all together, all eyes turned to Minnie.

The room fell into a rare hush, with everyone eager to see if Minnie would hold up her end of the deal.

Feeling the weight of their stares, Minnie stood up, her discomfort clear. "Evangeline, I may have lost, but I'm still a guest at your birthday party. Stripping down in front of everyone... Isn't that a bit much?" she +25 BONUS

Chapter 195

ventured.

Her words set off a wave of support for Evangeline.

"You're the one who stirred the pot, and now that you've lost, you're trying to weasel out of the consequences?"

"Ms. Evangeline, don't let her off the hook. We've got your back!"

The chant "Don't let her off the hook!" filled the room.

Evangeline had not expected Minnie's defiance to spark such an uproar. It was her party, and a scandal was the last thing she wanted, but the crowd's fervor left her torn.

Just then, Alex wheeled himself up to the front, signaling to Evangeline with a gesture.

Catching on, Evangeline quickly handed him the mic. "Everyone, just chill for a second. I've got something to say."

The room went silent as Alex took the floor, commanding respect.

It looked like everyone

was on the edge of their seats, waiting to see what kind of spin Alex would put on the situation to get Minnie out of hot water.