The True Heiress's Return

R BB. Chapter 281

After returning to the villa, Shakira immediately went to find the kittens. They might have detected the scent of alcohol on her hands, as they weren't eager to be held and slipped away.

Shakira didn't push them and took the chance to make a video call to Matthew, thoroughly explaining the reasons for the recent events and willingly admitting her mistakes for causing the elders to worry about her. After Matthew heard the whole story, he wasn't angry. In fact, he felt completely at ease.

"As long as you're not upset, that's what counts. We were worried that you were troubled by those people, but now we know you're setting a trap for Yvette, and we feel relieved," Matthew said with a smile during the video call.

Ethan, who was pushed off the screen by Matthew, called out in a voice-over, "Way to go, Shakira. We're all supporting you." Shakira smiled warmly, knowing that the old folks were just worried about her being mistreated. Shakira said, "Don't worry. I won't let those people bother me."

Ethan nodded. "Exactly. Don't tolerate those people. Who would just take unnecessary anger for no reason?"

Matthew seemed to remember something and slightly held back his smile, cautiously advising her, "Now that the GUA has announced your involvement in special missions, you're likely to attract attention.

"I've talked to Kevin, and you don't need to attend the next filming sessions. Take some time to lay low."

Shakira knew what Matthew meant. "Okay."

Ethan squeezed into the frame at just the right moment, his large face taking up the screen. "Shakira, how about coming over to our agricultural research base for some fun?"

Not to be outdone, Barret added, "Who'd be interested in farming? Come check out the space research center to have your mind blown, Shakira."

Yael was feeling anxious, unable to compete with the two in front, pacing back and forth. "You two crafty old guys are up to no good, trying to lure Shakira into helping with your research. "Shakira, come to me instead. Train with me, build up your health, and indulge in fine dining!"

Matthew was fuming with anger. "What's happening here? I'm not dead yet. You're trying to take my student right in front of me?"

The three of them turned around, sneering, "Shakira is our student too. You're the shameless one who tricked her into becoming your student first."

Matthew felt no shame but was proud instead. "What do you mean by tricking? I simply had the foresight to take in the most talented student." The three old men rolled their eyes at him. "Humph!"

Watching them bicker like that, Shakira couldn't help but laugh through her tears. "Gentlemen, I need to start my college internship after the New Year."

The three old men sighed, "What? An internship? Oh, man."

Seeing the three of them look so downcast, Shakira felt a bit soft-hearted. "After I graduate, if there's an opportunity, I'll come to learn from you all." "Shakira, you said it."

"When we invite you over, don't turn us down, alright?"

Shakira nodded firmly: "Yes, it's settled then, no reneging." The three mischievous old folks smiled again, "Matthew, how to do a screen recording? I need to save this moment, just in case Shakira changes her mind later" Matthew grumbled angrily, "Get out of here. Give me my phone back, or I'll smash it." Watching the Four Elders argue like kids, the silent assistant couldn't help but marvel.

It seemed only Lonely Bird could cause such a stir among these important figures. He had never met Lonely Bird in person and just watched some live streams online. Yet, he felt that this real Lonely Bird was different from what he had imagined.

Suddenly, an idea came to him. Taking advantage of the elders' playful argument, he daringly craned his neck and sneaked a peek at the screen... Instantly, the assistant, Richard Martinez, dropped his jaw in disbelief. He thought, 'Lonely Bird is actually her?' Levi called up for dinner. Shakira finished her call with the elders and went downstairs. The villa was lively today. Not only was Benji back, but Kyle, Calton, Gavin, and several other rich kids who had previously dined at Veiled Vine were visiting too.

When they saw her, the rich kids greeted her with cheerful smiles, "Hey, Shakira." Shakira was speechless and quietly took a seat in the empty spot.

After two days of simple home-cooked meals in Pear Blossom Village, Shakira's eyes sparkled at the sight of a table full of her favorite exquisite dishes. She eagerly reached for a spoon but found there were no utensils set at her place. Confused, she looked up at Levi, who pointed toward the main seat. Following his gesture, Shakira saw Walter looking at her thoughtfully.

Seeing her confused look, he signaled with his eyes. "Come sit next to me." Only then did Shakira notice the small cushioned stool beside him. Although puzzled, she moved over.

Walter picked up his utensils and gently asked, "What would you like to eat? Would you like to start with the soup or maybe the egg custard?" As soon as he finished speaking, everyone turned to stare, their eyes sharp.

Shakira was so shocked that her mind went blank for a few seconds. She thought, 'So... Walter is going to personally feed me? I am not that injured!'

Shakira was completely taken aback and quickly raised her hand. "I can handle it myself..." Walter glanced at her slightly stained hand and said calmly, "If you're hurt, just behave yourself."

The onlookers quickly turned to check out Shakira's hand... They wondered, 'Huh? Mr. Lopez, do you call this an injury? It's so serious that we can't even see a scratch.'

She didn't respond, so he decided for her and signaled a servant to fill half a bowl of soup. Holding it in one hand, he brought the spoon to her mouth, saying, "It's not hot anymore."

Shakira didn't dare to move, while Walter casually glanced at the gossipy eyes staring at them from the dining table. Benji cleared his throat. "Walter and Shakira are just showing their affection as usual. Keep eating and drinking. Don't mind them." Gavin smiled, "Yeah, everyone just relax." Only then did the others start chatting and laughing, shifting their gaze away. But their eyes couldn't help but curiously drift back to the main seat

All jokes aside, even if they had seen it all, with all sorts of flirtatious little scenes becoming old hat, this was Walter, the guy they'd least expect to be romantic. He was flirting. It was a once-in-a-lifetime event.

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Walter still held the spoon steady, leaving Shakira no choice but to take a sip. But she couldn't help but say, "I'm really okay. I can handle eating by myself."

Walter looked at her serious face and said, "I know."

Shakira was confused, "Then why do

still..." you

Tue, Nov Chapter 281

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"No matter how the injury is, I want to look after you. I rarely get the chance to take care of someone, so I truly cherish it now," Walter said calmly. "In front of me, you can always show your vulnerable side." Shakira's heart fluttered a bit when she accidentally met his gaze unknowingly getting drawn into the depth of his eyes. His affectionate words made her heart skip a beat.

After the infatuation wore off, her eyes clearly showed signs of struggle and lucidity. She was not used to relying on others. For so many years, she had made her way on her own. Showing weakness was the most useless thing she could do. Spotting her deep-seated hesitation, Walter frowned deeply and continued to feed her soup. "At the hospital, the words from the Nelson family made me realize something." Shakira was puzzled. "What?"

Walter said, "The promises and assurances I give you are for now, and they might not hold in the future. You don't take them seriously because that's how you see it, right?" Shakira parted her lips but didn't respond, because Walter was telling the truth.

Walter's eyes deepened. "But it matters to me."

"I've told Brian to draft a plan that if we separate in the future, 3% of my shares in Lopez Group will be given to you, along with two villas in the centers of major cities as your compensation. "I'm announcing it here and now, with everyone present as witnesses."

His tone was as casual as if he were talking about the weather, but his words shocked everyone to their core.

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