Unmasking the Heiress

Chapter 17

Julia, having heard of Walter's location, hurried to the pub with her friends in tow. She was Walter's ex-girlfriend, and their recent reunion had rekindled old flames.

She could not let another opportunity slip through her fingers, not after the one she missed with the Gordons. She had taken extra care with her appearance, donning a white, flower-dotted dress that flared like a pristine lotus, a stark contrast to the pub's vibe. "Check out the lady in red over there. Isn't that Roslyn, the pop queen?" a friend whispered to Julia, nodding toward the glamorous figure in the distance.

It was difficult not to notice Roslyn, surrounded by a dazzling entourage of gorgeous men and women.

"Why is she everywhere, haunting us like a bad penny?" Julia muttered, spotting Evangeline sipping drinks with Roslyn.

"Isn't that your sister Evangeline with Roslyn?" someone asked, recognizing her. "How on earth is she rubbing elbows with a star like Roslyn? She's just a country girl, isn't she?"

Julia just shook her head, tooking lost. "She's probably after an autograph," she guessed. 1

"Oh, the things people do for a signature, even cozying up at the bar," scoffed one of Julia's friends.

After Walter's grand New Year's Eve gesture with the fireworks and the cruise ship, everyone was convinced Julia was on the fast track to becoming Mrs. Walter Gordon.

Thus, Julia had her own fan club, with people treating her like she was the center of the universe. When the group spotted her, they buzzed over to her, eager to amuse Julia, like flies drawn to honey.

Julia played the part of the innocent bystander, watching the scene with feigned demureness.

"Well, if it isn't the woman Walter Gordon dumped. What's wrong? Couldn't snag a man, so you're here hunting for some fresh meat?" taunted one of Julia's entourage with a sneer.

Their jeering broke the cheerful atmosphere around Evangeline and her friends, casting a shadow over their spirits.

"Who invited this party crasher? Seriously, are we just letting anyone in these days?" Roslyn's mood soured as she took a delicate sip of her red wine, her laugh tinged with scorn.

"Big deal if you're tough. You're still tossed aside like an old pair of shoes, not even fit to carry Mr. Walter Gordon's. Julia is about to take over as the head of the Gordon family, and you? You're nothing but a barfly, keeping men company with their drinks. I guess that beats working the fields, huh?" The crowd around Julia burst into laughter at the remark.

"Ruby, that's not nice," Julia chided softly, tugging at the sleeve of the woman who had spoken, her voice trembling like a meek bunny.

However, then, in a sharp turn, the 'meek bunny' added, "My sister is probably just lonely.",

Evangeline remained unfazed by the insult. She was not about to stoop to their level. However, Roslyn, fiercely protective of her friend, was ready to throw punches until Evangeline grabbed her arm to stop her.

country.

"Look who's here! Evie, over here!" Roslyn called out, spotting Evangeline making her entrance. Evangeline, with her towering height and a dark blue gown glittering with rhinestones, cut a striking figure that made her the center of attention, oozing glamor and an aristocratic charm.

In a world filled with beauties and stars, she was in a league of her own.

Gone was the facade of meekness she once wore. Standing before them was the Foster family's very own princess, Evangeline, back after a long absence.

It was no surprise that Roslyn, no stranger to the company of the good-looking and the glamorous, was completely taken by Evangeline's presence.

The bar fell into a hush as Evangeline's dazzling arrival turned heads.

Roslyn had only hinted at her enigmatic songwriting partner, but nobody imagined she would be such a knockout,

With a quick jog, Roslyn reached Evangeline and looped her arm through hers, the pair instantly becoming the crowning jewel of the Kronovia Royale Pub.

As Roslyn introduced Evangeline around, the crowd of party veterans welcomed her warmly. Evangeline mingled with ease, encircled by a bevy of charming young men, their laughter echoing over clinking glasses and playful banter. Unbeknownst to the revelers, Walter was ensconced in a plush private room with Caden.