Unmasking the Heiress

"Mrs. Cook, is Walter at home?" asked Evangeline as she pulled Alice to the side, out of view of the security cameras.

Alice could see the worry in Evangeline's eyes and reassured her, "The young. master's not here. There's been some trouble at the company, and he's been so tied, up that he hasn't been home in ages. You came to chk on Mr. Gordon, didn't you? "Let's go inside, it's fine. Mr. Gordon often mentions you. He was so distressed when he heard about your divorce that he fell ill. Dr. Lawson just left a little while ago." Alice shared the latest news as she led Evangeline into the house. Evangeline reluctantly trailed behind her into the house.

In the living room, Aria lounged on the couch, her eyes glued to her smartphone. Her gaze snapped up as they walked in, a mix of surprise and annoyance crossing her

features.

"Alice, after all these years with the Gordons, you know better. What's with dragging in every random person? Are you trying to get fired?"

Alice, who was not one to be pushed around after years with the Gordons, shot back, "I work for Mr. Gordon. If you think you can, go ahead and fire me. Maybe you should focus on keeping your mouth shut if you're bored."

With a dismissive huff at Aria, Alice reassured Evangeline, "Don't worry, Madam. Mr. Gordon is upstairs resting. Go on up. If anyone gives you trouble, I'll let Mr. Gordon

know."

"Alice, you..." Aria, who had not been in the house nearly as long as Alice, pointed a trembling finger at her. "You're just a servant! Who do you think you are, acting all high and mighty here?"

However, Alice just grabbed her basket of veggies and walked off, leaving Aria to redirect her fury at Evangeline.

"Look who it is. Didn't you vow never to return the day you left? Yet here you are, not even a month later, crawling back. You've got some nerve to discuss divorce in public. Have you no decency? How could someone like you, a simple country girl, ever match my son? You The whole town was buzzing with the news of Evangeline's split from Walter, and Aria, who had stumbled upon the gossip on her phone, was fuming. The stress had

enhed a few more lines into her arealy furiowed brow

trire

She had been pilofting to give vangene a diece of her mind once the divorce was final but Evangeline had beaten her to the punch, airing the family's dirty laundry for all to bee

Ana's scathing remarks were like water off a duck's back to Evangeline.

"Are you done here? I'm heading upstairs," said Evangeline chalantly.

Ana's blood boiled at the sight of Evangeline's carefree demeanor.

"How dare you show your face here at the Gordons' to see Mr. Gordon after making such a spectacle! I'm going to teach you a lesson for my son!" Aria lunged at Evangeline with a slap, but Evangeline caught her wrist with ease. Aria struggled, but her hand was trapped in a vice-like grip.

Evangeline's gaze was icy as she warned, "I'm still speaking to you with the courtesy any person deserves. However, make no mistake: If you try to hit me, I won't hesitate to drop the pleasantries."

With a swift motion, Evangeline released Aria's wrist, sending her stumbling

backward

"You're nothing but a wild, ill-mannered brute!" Aria, outmatched in both wit and strength, retreated with her arm cradled to her chest. "My hand! Just you wait until Walter hears about this. You're going to regret it!" Evangeline brushed off Aria's threats and marched upstairs with a basket of fruit in hand. The pretenses were gone. She had no reason to play nice or respect Aria like a mother-in-

law, especially not after all the trouble she had caused back when Evangeline was with the Gordons.

She had bent over backward for Walter, only to be taken advantage of. No more. She was done holding back.

Trey was truly ill, lying frail on his bed with a thin blanket draped over him and an IV drip by his side.

The sight of Trey softened Evangeline's fiery demeanor.

"Grandpa, it's been too long. I've missed you," she said warmly, setting the fruit down on the bedside table.

"Alice mentioned you've been skipping meals, so I brought your favorites-

mangosteens and durians. Shack on them when you feel like it, but remember, moderation is key."

Her tone was gentle, almost motherly, and Trey soaked it in. "Evie, you're such a good soul. I've heard about the troubles with you and Walter."

Evangeline's hands froze as she peeled a mangosteen. She had braced herself for that, but hearing it from Trey stirred a pang of guilt. "I'm sorry, Grandpa. I never wanted it to become everyone's business.

Trey stroked her hair, offering solace. 'Don't you worry about it. It's my grandson who's at fault. Just like his dad-never a moment's peace. And the divorce... I don't hold it against you."

"Look, no matter what happens with Walter and me, you're my grandfather through. and through. Il drop by to see you whenever I get the chance. You've got to keep yourself healthy. I'm still planning on showing you up with my calligraphy skone of these days."

Trey chuckled, then broke into a fit of coughing. "You've got a ways to go before you can beat me. Maybe you could take on your grandfather, though." He remembered how Evangeline's attempts at calligraphy had once sent him into peals of laughter. "Grandpa, drink some "Don't talk like that. You're the picture of health. I bet you could give those Guinness World Record holders a run for their money!"

"You're always good for a laugh. So, when are you planning to head out? Think you could stick around and keep this old man company? No one is else around here to chat with," said Trey.

"I'm staying the night. How about tomorrow I wheel you out to the garden for a bit, maybe whip up a pumpkin pie? Evangeline figured Walter would not be back for a while, so she decided to stay with Trey. She would feel better leaving once she knew he was on the mend.