Unmasking the Heiress

The servant nodded and hurried off

Aria had been convinced that Walter was just fiercely protective of Evangeline, but when Trey's unexpected message reached her, her heart lurched.

She was never Trey's favorite, and him seeking her out could only mean trouble. Even so, Trey's word was law in the Gordons' world, and she could not just ignore his summons.

With her heart pounding. Aria made her way to Trey's study and asked with a shaky voice, "Dad, you wanted to see me?"

Trey waved the servant away, and once they were alone, he finally spoke up, "I brought you here to tell you something.

"You're aware of Cole from the Foster family, aren't you? Evangeline is his granddaughter."

Those words hit Aria like a ton of bricks.

"Are you kidding. Dad? If she's his granddaughter, doesn't that make Evangeline the Foster family's heiress?

"Why would I lie to you? I'm telling you now that Evangeline is leagues above Julia, the perfect match I've handpicked for my grandson. And remember, for the Gordons, I will only ever have eyes for Evangeline. "That Julia you like so much? She's not fit to even carry Evangeline's shoes!"

Stunned, Aria clapped a hand over her mouth and stumbled back to her room, tears streaming down her face, filled with remorse.

If only she had known Evangeline was the Foster family's prized daughter, she would never have dismissed her. She should have cherished her all this time.

Meanwhile, at the bar, Walter was drowning his sorrows, one drink at a time.

Walter had drained most of the bottle of red wine, but instead of feeling tipsy, his thoughts were sharper than ever. Evangeline's face haunted him: Her childhood smiles, her grown-up frowns, her flashes of anger, and moments of hurt.

The more he dwelled on it, the more he despised himself for not cherishing the good times and for neglecting her feelings so completely.

Out of the blue, his phone buzzed. It was James on the line. "Mr. Walter Gordon, sorry to bother you. Evangeline has decided to finalize the divorce tomorrow. Please be on time at the County Clerk's Office. Let's not repeat last time's delays. And about the necklace you bo one hundred thirty-five million will hit your account by morning."

James' tone was brusque. Last time they broached the subject of divorce, Walter had ducked out. heading south to dodge the bullet. He swore he would hot run away again.

James, you're Evangeline's uncle, aren't you?" Walter's voice was icy, not really seeking an answer. "We're family. You should be trying to keep us together, not tear us apart. However, deep down, Walter was desperate. The thought of losing Evangeline, of her giving her love to

someone else, stirred a wild jealousy in him that nearly drove him mad.

James could not help but snort at Walter's attempt to quilt-trip him. +25

BONUS

"Walter, Evie is our Foster family's darling, the one we all adore. You know exactly what's happened to her since she's been with you, so let's not pretend otherwise, okay?

"As her uncle, all I want is for my niece to live a life filled with peace and joy. Whether you're part of that joy, well, that's none of my business!"

The thought of Evangeline's suffering made him wish they would get divorced sooner rather than later. The call ended abruptly. Walter stared into his drink, the whiskey suddenly tasting bitter... What he did not realize was that Evangeline had accidentally become a hit during Julia's live-stream, racking up fans and drawing the paparazzi's attention.This belongs to NôvelDrama.Org: ©.