The True Heiress's Return

As soon as Shakira finished speaking. Matthew playfully scolded You little rascal' I thought you'd finally called to wish me a Happy New Year, but it turns out you're here to question me! Yes, I did it-what of it

Then he snorted and continued self-righteously. "Now everyone can see the frue colors of the Nelson family. It's the New Year, I'm just adding a little spice to everyone's holiday entertainment!"

Shakira chuckled, softening her tone to humor the old man. "That's why I called to compliment you as soon as I saw the news! I knew right away that only my brilliant master could come up with such a clever, two-birds-one-stone idea."

She checked her phone. Neither Kevin nor the production team had sent any advance notice about the surprise appearance. Only after the news went online did they post a message in the group chat, delayed by a full minute. Shakira immediately knew Matthew had a hand in it.

Matthew felt quite pleased after being flattered like that.

He added. "Everyone online is laughing at the Nelson family early this morning, and they must be desperate for the buzz to die down soon. The show's set to air around New Year anyway, so releasing it a few days early doesn't hurt." The early release made no real difference, except that Yvette would be roasted a little more thoroughly.

Shakira smiled. Since she'd called already, she formally offered an early New Year's greeting and casually added. "I'm down in Silverwave Bay. There's plenty of good food around here; I'll make something and bring it to you in a few days. Matthew's happiness only grew at the mention of food, though he had his own little grudge. "And you're only bringing it to me this time?"

Shakira held back a laugh, easily catching the meaning behind his words. "Sure thing. Even if Mr. Kierce and the others end up mad at me, I'll only bring it to you."

For a moment, Matthew fell silent. He'd love nothing more than to enjoy Shakira's cooking all by himself, showing it off to those old geezers.

He believed it would be far too petty of them if they were to get mad at Shakira.

Waving his hand generously, he relented. "Fine. It's the New Year-go ahead and bring them some too."

"Really?" Shakira sounded surprised.

Matthew replied without hesitation, "Absolutely!"

"Alright, I'll do as you say." Shakira deftly placated Matthew.

The two then chatted for a while about the hospital. Shakira hadn't officially resigned, so Matthew offered thoughtfully, "If you're reluctant to bring it up, I can speak to the director for you." Shakira slightly furrowed her brows. "I'd like to keep trying for awhile longer. My university internship starts in March, so I still have two weeks to see patients.

"I never used to feel this way, but... seeing patients come in looking so worried and leaying with a smile makes me feel... pretty good."

It was such a strange feeling, something she hadn't experienced in two lifetimes combined. Though her words were halting, they brought a soft smile from Matthew on the other end.

He didn't say much and just reassured her by saying, "Good. Do as you wish. Whatever you want to do, I'll stand behind you."

-

12.09 Tue, Nov 12

Shakira smiled. "Thank you

Stepping out of the bathroom. Shakira realized that Walter had arrived too.

In the spacious suite, she and Xanthe usually had plenty of space to fool around, but now with Walter in the room, the space suddenly felt a bit crowded.

Even Xanthe had retreated to a corner by the window. When she saw Shakira come out, she was relieved and said. "Shakira, Mr. Lopez came to see you!"

Only then did Shakira notice that Walter was wearing the birthday gift she'd given him, and his tie was tied in a Windsor knot. When he looked her way, his eyes held a deep gaze.. The gentle, accommodating man from last night revealed his scheming side.

With a slight raise of her eyebrow, Shakira walked over to him and said, "Didn't you say you'd be busy today?"

"I'm getting ready to leave and wanted to see you first," replied Walter.

Shakira blinked, not quite understanding the reason for his visit yet, and simply said, "Now that you've seen me, you can go with peace of mind. We'll be fine having fun on our own." Her reply clearly left Walter a bit disappointed.

Amused and frustrated, he gently took her hand, gave it a light squeeze, and murmured, "You little heartbreaker.

What?" Shakira was baffled, but before she could ask, Walter had already let go and left.

Once he was gone, Xanthe looked Shakira up and down in disbelief.

Then she said, "Who would've thought that between you and Mr Lopez, you'd be the one lacking sensitivity in a relationship!"

""What?" asked Shakira.

"You still haven't figured it out?" Xanthe felt a bit sorry for Walter. "Mr. Lopez was clearly hinting that he missed you! I thought you'd give him a big kiss or at least a hug, but..." Shakira was stunned, only now realizing what Walter had meant

Silently, she pulled out her phone and sent him a message. [Were you just implying you missed me?]

Walter replied: [What do you think?]

Shakira thought, 'Oh wow, that really is what he meant! No wonder he looked so defeated earlier.

Shakira texted: [But we just saw each other last night.]

Walter replied, [We didn't get to meet today.]

That simple answer brought a flush to Shakira's cheeks.

In the parking lot downstairs, a group of people was already waiting, including not only Benji and the others but also several CEOS from longtime partner companies. As Walter approached, admiration lit up their faces.

23

12 09

Tue, Nov 12 WWG.

One of the CEOs remarked, Mr. Lopez, you look quite dashing today!"

Another CFO added, "Absolutely! It's rare to see someone pull off a blue suit with such charm. Only Mr. Lopez has the poise to do it"

Even Benji and his group looked surprised.

Benji said, "Walter, we're just going to an auction. No need to dress up this much, right?"

"Exactly! You're making us look so plain," Calton teased, folding his arms behind his head.

Gavin squinted, studying the outfit. "This design looks familiar. feel like I've seen it somewhere before..."

"Now that you mention it, I recognize the style too. Isn't it by some well-known designer?"

"You mean that genius designer who only released a few pieces before vanishing?"

Before they could continue, Walter gave a slight smile and said, "You like it? My fiancée designed and made it for me."