Unmasking the Heiress (Evangeline and Walte)
Bitten Once Shy Forever 53

Chapter

53

Julia saw him when she turned-Walter, looking like he had just trekked through a dust storm, standing at the hospital room's entrance.

Evangeline nearly whistled in admiration. He had arrived quicker than she had expected.

At that moment, Julia was a picture of distress with tears streaming down her face. Andrew was slumped in a chair, clutching his chest as if wounded. "You made it," said Evangeline, her voice dripping with mock surprise.

True to form, Walter had come running the moment Julia needed him. Evangeline realized she had been the fool for far too long-it was time to bow out. "Walt, she's lost it. I'm terrified." Julia clung to Walter by the bedside, her eyes brimming with tears, the picture of a damsel in distress.

"Don't worry, I'm here now," Walter reassured her, gently patting her back.

His gaze fell on the livestream, and his face turned to stone.

Julia quickly killed the feed.

Evangeline did not wait for Walter to respond.

The show was over, and she had said her piece. Sticking around would be just plain dumb.

"I'm out of here. You two carry on. I'll just play the dutiful Mrs. Walter Gordon and stand watch," said Evangeline, her smile not quite reaching her eyes.

She stormed out without a backward glance, the door slamming shut with a definitive chill. Walter felt the sting of her anger.

He let go of Julia's hand. "You need to rest. I'm going to replace her.

Julia's face twisted with resentment as Walter was once again drawn away by Evangeline. "Walt, how can you chase after her when she treats me like this? Don't you see? Evangeline doesn't love you." Walter paused. "What does it matter?"

Her heart ached. Did he really prefer Evangeline, even knowing she did not love him? Was Walter truly smitten with that woman?

"Walt, won't you stay? Julia's voice broke as she reached out to him, her posture. pleading

However, Walter's retreating figure was the only answer she got.

He dashed downstairs and caught Evangeline just as she was about to get into her

car

"Where have you been all evening?" he demanded, desperate to know if he was the infamous thrill-seeker of Sunlit Heights.

"I was at the hospital. Didn't you see?" Evangeline retorted, shrugging off his grasp.

*And after I left? Did you enjoy the night view at Sunlit Heights?" he pressed, searching her eyes for a flicker of evasion. Evangeline locked eyes with Walter and unleashed a torrent of anger. "Walter, have. you lost your mind? This is absurd!" She despised the smell of his cologne. She could not bear it even for a single

moment.

Determined not to be outdone, she gave a wry smile. "Oh, and you've got the divorce. papers, right? I'll see you at the County Clerk's Office the day after tomorrow."

Walter's frown cut deep into the night, his body feeling as if encased in ice. "Are you certain about the divorce?"

"All I know is that every second with you now disgusts me, and the longer I wait to divorce you, the more I regret it!" Evangeline did not hold back. With those final words, she drove off, leaving Walter choking on her car's fumes. Walter watched her drive away, a storm of emotion raging in his eyes, threatening to tear the world apart.

The next morning, Trey's call came bright and early. Walter had barely caught a wink of sleep, and he was in no mood for pleasantries.

"Morning, Grandpa."

"Morning? It's half past seven, you scamp. Have you been taking care of Evie? She's a good girl, just a bit headstrong. You've got to be patient with her," lectured Trey -over the phone.

Walter massaged his temples. The advice was sound, but divorce was looming.

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125 BONUS

"Grandpa, maybe we need a bit more time. Maybe Evangeline and I both need to cool off," Walter suggested

"Cool off? That's a load of crap! blurted Trey in frustration. "Men can cool off, but when a man and woman 'cool off, it's just nonsense. If she cools down, what use will she have for you? Once she's gone cold, you're out in the cold too. You were so sharp in your studies, how "Grandpa, I've done everything I could."

"You've done everything? I know exactly what you're made of, you little troublemaker. If Evie doesn't make it back, don't you dare show your face here either!" Trey's voice was thick with fury as he cut off Walter's call.

Walter tried to stay composed, but it was no use. In a fit of rage, he hurled his phone across the room.

She asked for a divorce, but why should he have just rolled over and given her what she wanted?a

Was the title of Walter's wife' something just anyone could claim?

His head was spinning with these thoughts when his assistant Oscar came in with news that the Francoria project was hitting a snag.

"Get me on the next flight out, I'm leaving today!" Walter latched onto the idea like it was his saving grace.

Oscar looked on, puzzled. The Francoria project was in trouble, and yet the boss. seemed thrilled?

On the flip side, Evangeline, who had let off steam all night, did not wake up until the clock struck ten. Her phone was flooded with missed calls-several from Roslyn, a bunch from her uncle, even her reclusive great uncle had rung her up, not to mention a slew of calls from unknown numbers.

Then came a video call from Wade.

"Miss, we've got a situation. Your hospital visit last night is all over the Internet. Julia was streaming the whole thing live, and now there's a ton of nasty chatter about you online. Maybe you should lay low for a bit, just until things cool down," said Wade, clearly concerned. Evangeline was not fazed; she knew all about Julia's livestream. "I'm not the one who

should be embarrassed. Why should I be th