Unmasking the Heiress (Evangeline and Walte)
Bitten Once Shy Forever 221

hapter 221

Walter was already gone. Evangeline reached out for the cold space beside her, not at all surprised by his absence.

She tried to sit up, only then fully realizing how over-the-top Walter had been. Her legs were jelly, shaking with every little move. Getting out of bed seemed like an impossible task.

Evangeline's brow creased as she took in the room. She could not just keep crashing in Walter's office lounge forever, could she?

Gritting her teeth, she forced herself to stand, her legs shaking like leaves in the wind.

As she moved, a hot flush of embarrassment coursed through her, starting somewhere deep and trickling down to her heels. She knew exactly what it was, and the mortification that followed made her wish she could vanish into the floorboards and never resurface. Walter, at least, had shown some decency. He ripped up her old clothes but thoughtfully prepared a fresh set in the bathroom, even including a pair of comfy flats.

The light green jumpsuit he had chosen was crisp and chic, entirely Evangeline's vibe. She could not help but nod in approval at her reflection.

Regardless of everything, Walter had a knack for picking out clothes.

Hobbling out of the lounge, she immediately spotted Walter at his desk, buried in paperwork.

He looked up and gave her a knowing lift of his eyebrows. "Morning," he said with a hint of a tease. "Why not sleep in a little?"

Evangeline took in the sight of Walter, from his crisp white shirt-two buttons undone, casually revealing a glimpse of his sculpted chest-to his sleek black trousers and the way his short hair seemed to have a mind of its own.

He was effortlessly cool and undeniably hot. Of course, it was his face, with

its chiseled features, brooding brows, and the slight smirk playing on his lips, that really drew the eye.

Seeing him like this, a word danced into Evangeline's thoughts.

Charismatic.

Yeah, that was Walter. Pure charisma.

Evangeline could not help but notice Walter's eyebrows seemed to be doing a victory dance. How could he be so pleased after putting himself through such an ordeal?

"Time's flying," she said, eyeing the clock. It was already ten in the morning.

A thought struck her, and with a furrowed brow, she tossed two frosty words. over her shoulder at Walter, who looked far too pleased with himself. "I'm. out."

"Leaving already?"

Walter set aside the papers he was holding, his voice cool as ice, though inside, he was a storm of conflicting emotions.

They had shared a night full of passion, yet she was walking out without a second glance.

"Got stuff to do."

Evangeline headed for the door.

Walter's gaze sharpened, and in a flash, he was on his feet, pulling her back and gently but firmly guiding her to the couch.

Before she could protest, he spoke from above her, "You've got things to do, I get it. But not before breakfast."

He seemed to realize he might have been too persistent and softened his tone. "Just remember, you're trying for a baby. You've got to eat regularly."

As Walter dialed David's number, Evangeline looked down at the floor, her mind a million miles away. Her heart felt heavy, tangled with sadness and a

+25 BONUS

sense of loss.

She had fooled herself into thinking Walter was being caring by insisting on breakfast. Alas, his concern was all for the baby they were trying for, not for her. In his heart, it was all about the child...