Unmasking the Heiress

That was exactly why Evangeline had had the guts to stand up to Walter.

"And what about Mr. Walter Gordon?" Wade inquired, eyeing Evangeline's cheerful demeanor. They still had to decide whether to proceed with the divorce in court.

Evangeline had informed Holden about the matter and, concerned about Cole's health, could not bring herself to burden him with the troubles between her and Walter.

"We'll talk about it later. Walter is a real piece of work. If I go crawling back to him, I'd be the biggest fool," Evangeline declared.

However, fate had a cruel twist in store. Before the day was out, Cole's assistant Asher was on the phone again, that time with dire news: The hospital had declared Cole critically ill.

Evangeline raced to the ICU, finding her grandfather ashen-faced, her own eyes brimming with tears.

Cole had raised her after her mother's departure and gave her a childhood filled with love. He became her rock, and she, his only granddaughter. However, then, a call from Uncle Holden dropped like a bombshell: Dr. George had been moved by Walter. Evangeline knew she could not waste another second. If her grudge against Walter ended up costing her grandfather's life, she would never forgive herself. Evangeline did not even have time to wallow in self-pity. If she was to be labeled a jerk, then so be it. After all, who had not acted like a jerk at least once? She floored the accelerator, the needle pushing past the 200 kilometers, as she raced toward Walter's apartment.

The place was just a stone's throw from the office. She had grilled Walter's assistant for his whereabouts, snagged the keys, and made a beeline to his doorstep.

What she did not expect was to be greeted by the sight of a freshly showered, gloriously bare Walter as she burst through the door.

His dark brows and eyes were a striking contrast to the night, his stature tall and legs long. He was mid- dry, a towel in hand, water droplets cascading down his chiseled chin, tracing the contours of his chest and abs, down the lines of his Adonis belt, and further... Evangeline's breath hitched. Despite the flush of embarrassment and a surge of anger, she did not turn

tail and run.

She stood her ground, arms crossed, taking him in from head to toe.

This was Evangeline's first encounter with Walter in all his unveiled glory.

Water from his shower dripped from his dark hair, meandering from his sharp jawline to his lean neck and softly trailing down.

His usually suit-clad figure was on full display, his toned body a testament to strength and beauty, the eight-pack abs adding to the allure.

Below, his long, pale thighs hinted at more... His physique was nothing short of impressive, the object of

172. 172.

many a woman's desire.

His muscles were defined and strong, each curve exuding raw sexual energy. His boxer briefs were

stretched taut, on the verge of surrender.

Her mind unbidden flashed back to the previous night's kiss, Walter pinning her down, a kiss that seared right through her. Evangeline knew she had to look away.Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

She clenched her jaw, eyes shut tight as she cursed under her breath. "Disgusting, Walter. How dare you parade around naked!"

Walter looked unfazed, casually draping a towel over his waist. "This is my place, I can dress how I like. You're the one who's trespassing, don't you think?"

He ran his fingers through Evangeline's hair. "What's the occasion, Ms. Rearden? Have you had a change of heart and come all the way here to make a delivery in person?"

The nerve of him, referring to her as if she were just an item for delivery. Evangeline's cheeks burned with rage, yet she knew this was not the time for an outburst.

Her voice was a rough whisper as she forced the words out, "Walter, do you still want it?"