Unmasking the Heiress

Evangeline was left fuming, punching the pillow in frustration. "Great timing, as always. It's like fate loves to throw us together at the worst times."

The next morning, Evangeline was up with the dawn, helping Alice whip up a pumpkin pie for Trey. He was not feeling great, but he managed to eat quite a bit, cheered by Evangeline's kindness, and seemed a little brighter for it. Afterward, Evangeline wheeled him out for a strollen the garden.

The last whispers of winter had finally retreated, and the morning sun wrapped the world in a cozy warmth. Tulips danced in the garden's gentle

breeze, their colors a vivid tapestry. Évangeline and Trey were lost in easy conversation, their laughter mingling with the cheerful chatter of their video with Trey. It was one of those perfect, tranquil moments. -However, tranquility shattered as they rounded the garden's rocky outcrop. There, a

few faces soured Evangeline's mood in an instant.

Walter and Julia sat in the gazebo, deep in discussion.

Walter had recently helped Julia's family with a place to stay. Lydia, ever grateful, had brought Julia by at dawn to say thanks. It was also a chance for Julia to get to know Walter better.

"Walt, you wouldn't believe how terrible my sister has been. She didn't just throw us out; she's threatening to make us leave the capital for good," Julia spilled her troubles, her voice tinged with tears.

"She's not capable of that," replied Walter, his tone dismissive.

"I can't believe she'd go this far. I've been bending over backward for her.

Evangeline was just an opportunist clinging to James from

the Foster Group. Sure, James was part of the company, but the real power lay with the enigmatic Ms. Foster, the rightful heir. James was not a threat to Walter, but Ms. Foster, with her sights set on the same hot spring town project he coveted, was a thorn in his side. The Foster family drama had barely cooled down, and there she was, hungry for

more.

Ambitious women were a rarity, and Walter found himself intrigued by the prospect of meeting the elusive Ms. Foster.

Cha

128 BONU

"Grandpa, Dr. Lawson will be here any minute. I've asked Mrs. Cook to wheel you. back to your room. I'll just take a quick stroll in the garden, and then I'll come keep you company, okay?" Evangeline stepped in front, shielding her grandfather from the sight of Walter and J "Sure, go enjoy the garden. Spring is in full bloom, and it's a sight for sore eyes. It'll lift your spirits," said Trey, offering a comforting smile.

the two thorns in her side

Once Trey was out of sight, Evangeline intended to dod and retreat to her bedroom. However, as fate would have it, she ran smack into Aria and Lydia on another path.

Talk about jumping from the frying pan into the fire, Evangeline thought, exasperated. The Gordon estate suddenly felt too cramped.

"Of all the luck, why do you have to show up in the garden and spoil the view?" Arial snapped, her mood souring at the sight of Evangeline.

Lydia chimed in with equal venom, saying, "You're such an ingrate. After all we've done for you, you turn out to be just as heartless as your mother. You kicked your own parents

out of their house! I'd like to see how long you can keep up with this charade!"

Evangeline had hoped to steer clear of those nuisances, but there they were, thinking they would be stronger with their combined nagging.Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

"Watch your tongue, Lydia. Criticize me all you want, but leave my mom out of this. And for the record, I'm twenty-three, and you're over forty. I'm bound to have a happier life than you, you old hag!" Evangeline shot back, her words laced with triumph. Their spat did not go unnoticed, Walter and Julia, drawn by the noise, left the gazebo and headed their way.

Evangeline scanned the circle of foes that had closed in around her. "Bring it on," she said with a defiant sneer. "I'm not afraid of a few more headaches."

With her hands on her hips, she looked every bit like someone ready to start a street brawl. There was no point in wasting her breath on high-minded talk with that bunch.

"Walt, can you believe my sister? She's even bad-mouthing her mother. It's just too.

much," Julia complained, tugging at Walter's hand, urging him to witness. Evangeline's venomous attitude.

"Oh, feeling left out, are you? Spreading rumors online every day, squatting in someone else's house for years, and you think you're getting a raw deal because I haven't charged you rent?

"You and your family have been living large at someone else's expense, and you still don't know how to play nice. What is this, a soap opera? You and your so-called friends are thick as thieves, always chasing after the next affair, desperate for drama, aren't you?" Evangeline let loose on them without taking a breath.

"Evangeline, remember you're in the Gordon family's house now, and you will show some respect!" Aria demanded, trying to assert her authority as the matriarch.

"And what of the Gordon family? Since when can they dictate what I say? You've been nothing but a pain since I got here, even expecting me to clip your nails for you. What, are you helpless?"

Before Aria could snap back, Evangeline continued her tirade without missing a beat. "Go on, deny it. If you're not helpless, then you're just a spoiled brat, always expecting others to wait on your hand and foot. You think you're so high and mighty!"

Walter was floored. He knew Evangeline could hold her own in a verbal spar, but he had never seen her take on a crowd like that. He had figured she would be overwhelmed by the numbers, but there she was, weaving through the throng like a pro.

"You little tramp! I'll rip your mouth off!" Aria, unable to outshout Evangeline and counting on Walter's support, lunged at her.

To her surprise, Walter was the one who stepped in to block her.

Evangeline froze. For the first tim