Unmasking the Heiress (Evangeline and Walte)
Bitten Once Shy Forever 60

Chapter 60

After enduring a whirlwind of events, Evangeline savored a restful night's sleep, a serenity she had not known for years.

Her mother's voice and laughter were slowly fading from m ory. She clung to her mother's photographs, terrified of forgetting the precious moments they shared. Gazing around her childhood home, the bedroom she knew so well, her once-distant memories sharpened into focus, drawing her nearer to her mother's essence. The house was theirs alone at last.

At the crack of dawn, assistant Wade showed up at Evangeline's new place, armed with the day's necessary paperwork. Wade surveyed the house, which Evangeline had lovingly restored to its former childhood charm, cozy and tasteful. "What caught your eye?" Evangeline inquired, noticing Wade's curious gaze.

"Just picturing you growing up here. Beats a hotel stay any day. That family sure got more than their money's worth over the years." Wade had learned of Andrew's misdeeds and could not help but feel outraged for Evangeline.

"Yeah, but that's all behind us now, and they're just starting to get what's coming to them," said Evangeline, her eyes gleaming with unshakable confidence. She was determined to settle the score for everything that was owed to her and her mother. The Foster Group's recent charity medical center was a resounding success. The charity gala alone brought in a hefty sum, and the goodwill generated secured partnerships with major corporations and even government- owned companies. It was a stunning comeback for Foster Group, and it was all thanks to Evangeline.

Gordon Group had footed the bill, but Foster Group reaped all the praise.

Post-event, no one at Foster Group dared to look down on Cole's heir apparent. She was met with respect at every turn within the company, and even the most set-in-their-

ways executives did not dare to flaunt their seniority around her. Evangeline would not stand for it. Besides, her talent commanded admiration.

"Miss, the developers of the Riverton hot springs have skipped town, leaving behind nothing but a couple of hollowed-out buildings up for auction. Should we consider taking them off their hands?"

+25 BONUS

The meeting today revolved around the Riverton debacle, and since the last meeting, Cole had promoted Evangeline to the role of Chief Operating Officer.

The former developers of Riverton had gotten into trouble and fled the country, leaving a disaster in their wake. Given the project's scale, few domestic companies would dare to take it on, especially since Riverton was off the beaten path. With a mountain of red tape to sort through and years possibly needed for a transfer, interest in the property had dwindled.

4

Nestled in the heartland, Riverton was a gem coveted by many, even the

Foster family. With Riverton in their grasp, they could effortlessly extend their reach southward. The land's allure had even caught the eye of Gordon Group, who had been courting the local bigwigs for a slice of the pie.

"Walter's in the game now. That spices things up," mused Evangeline, her chin resting in her hand. Snagging the Riverton deal was a gamble, but Walter's move was a telltale sign of its hidden worth.

"We'll pull out all the stops to land this deal, and let's dig around for Gordon Group's lowest bid. We need to lock down Riverton's hot springs before Walter even blinks. And don't fret about the fallout-James and his legal eagles have our backs." Evangeline was a beacon when she worked, her words weaving spells of persuasion, her confidence fueled by a secret weapon: her uncles, a band of laid-back maestros with the Midas touch.

The moment the meeting wrapped, her phone lit up with missed calls-all from Trey.

Guilt gnawed at her. Trey's health was fragile, and the storm she had stirred with Walter could be taking its toll.

She made her decision. She sent Wade on a fruit run, planning to drop by the Gordons' that evening. She owed little to the Gordons, but Trey's kindness was a debt she intended to honor. In a world of tit-for-tat, Evangeline knew the score. She stood once again at the gates of the manor where she had lived for three years, her feet reluctant to move. Stepping out of the car, she wandered beneath the trees, clutching a bag of fruit, wondering if she would bump into Walter. She would put on a brave face for the press, but in his presence, her confidence always seemed to shrink away.

"Madam, why are you standing out here? Come on in!" Alice Cook, back from grocery

shopping greeted Evangeline with a warm pile

Aloe had watched Evangeline over the years seeing her dedication to the family Tvangeline, who had grown up without a mother and was raised by her grandfather in the countryside, had none of the airs of a spoiled heiress. She was down-to- earth, respectful to her elders, and treated Alice with genuine warmth.

Even when Aria bossed her around, Evangeline took it in stride, never uttering a word of complaint.

Walter, on the other hand, was another story His difference was like a slap in the face, and his very public affair was the talk of the town.

Alice's heart ached for the young woman. The Gordons did not know how lucky they were to have her.