Unmasking the Heiress (Evangeline and Walte)
Bitten Once Shy Forever 44

Chapter 44

"Sixty million dollars."

The room hushed in an instant. Walter was the one who bid, casting a challenging look at James and Evangeline, a smirk playing on his lips, his eyes set on the Foster Group's treasured heirloom.

James caught Walter's challenging gaze, as sharp as a thorn, and then shared a knowing look with Evangeline. With her silent nod he countered, "Sixty-seven million five hundred thousand dollars." ["Seventy-five million dollars," Walter shot back, lifting his paddle once more.

The auction had turned into a private war between the Gordon family and Foster Group. The rest of the crowd, recognizing the futility of competing, bowed out. gracefully.

The sapphire necklace, rare as it was, should not fetch more than 30 million at its peak. The current bid was astronomical, way beyond the necklace's worth. No one else was willing to play the fool and foot that bill.

Encouraged by a subtle cue from Evangeline, the two headstrong men kept upping the ante until the price hit a staggering 120 million dollars. Julia, beside herself with worry, nearly lunged to snatch the paddle from Walter's grip, her entire frame quivering. 120 million dollar Finally, Walter Gordon snagged the Foster Group's prized heirloom for a cool 135 million dollars. James watched him, a touch of regret in his shrug, but his smile did not fade as he passed the charity ambassador badge to Walter.

Evangeline, quick as ever, slipped off her necklace and gave Walter a playful wink. Well, I'll be, Mr. Walter Gordon, you've turned out to be quite the philanthropist!"

Walter was not born yesterday. He knew he had been played by Evangeline and

James.

However, what was 135 million to a man like him? Nothing.

It was just that sight of Evangeline, standing by James, cheering him on-that really got under his skin.

"What a shame. I was planning to win that necklace for you, but it looks like that's off the table now." James chimed in, patting Evangeline's head with a fond smile.

1/3

+25 BONUS

When James' gaze landed on Walter, it turned icy, laced with sarcasm. "Mr. Walter Gordon, your willingness to drop a whopping one hundred thirty-

five million dollars. on our family's treasure, well, that's destiny for you. Who else in the world has the heart to throw around that amount to help those in need in the mountains?

"The Foster Group's soon-to-be-launched Charity Care Medical Association owes you one big thank you."

Who would have guessed the charity fund would take off without a hitch? Foster Group barely had to dip into its coffers, thanks to Walter picking up most of the tab.

James could not help but marvel at Evangeline's ingenuity. 'She's a sharp one, my niece,' he mused with a hint of pride.

Walter's lips twisted into a frosty smile as he casually dismissed the praise. "Oh, it's nothing. Gordon Group wouldn't be where it is without everyone's backing. It's only fair we do our part for the community. "Nonetheless, you seem to be up to your ears at work these days, Mr. James Foster!"

Their smiles were polite, but the air crackled with tension.

Walter's comment was a veiled jab, and James knew it. His law firm was indeed in a tight spot, and Walter's knowledge of it meant he had either been snooping around or he was the mastermind behind the troubles.

Still, James maintained his composure, taking a leisurely sip of his wine and responding with a frosty chuckle, "Lawyering is just a side gig for me. If it gets too much, I'll just step back into the family empire."

He paused for effect, then with a pointed look added, "Though, rest assured, I've got plenty of time to wrap up your divorce from Evangeline before I bow out."

As they continued their verbal sparring over drinks, Julia picked up on the underlying strain.

Meanwhile, Evangeline stepped out from the circle of power players, instantly becoming the center of attention. The spotlight seemed to follow her every move. Curious glances and whispers about her connection with James buzzed around the room, but she navigated the

answer.

Julia might as well have been a ghost for all the attention she got as she marched toward Walter. Every eye in the room, including James's and Walter's, was fixed on

+25 BONUS

Chapter 44

Evangéline, the enigmatic beauty who stood out like a rare black swan among them.

Seething, Julia tried to snatch Walter away, but he shrugged her off and stepped in front of Evangeline.

"I need to talk to you," he said, his voice low and urgent.