Unmasking the Heiress (Evangeline and Walte)

Chapter 180

+25 BONUS

With everything laid out before her, Evangeline found it impossible to say no.

The serious talk was done, and it was finally time for everyone to relax and share a moment or two.

This was Evangeline's favorite part. She was not one for small talk, but she could not turn away her uncles' kindness.

Finally free, she was eager to reconnect with Alex, whom she had not seen in far too long.

The fact that Alex was using a wheelchair-and she had not known-pained her deeply.

Without hesitation, Evangeline wheeled Alex out to the back garden.

As they reached the swing, Evangeline noticed a woman with an effortless grace entering the garden. She looked up and realized it was the same woman who had helped Alex earlier. With a polite smile, she acknowledged her presence. The woman took her place next to Alex's wheelchair with a practiced grace, her eyes twinkling with a smile that did not quite reach the distant look in her gaze. She seemed to be somewhere else entirely.

Evangeline's gaze lingered on the woman, a playful glint in her eye as she ribbed Alex, "Alex, you've been away for ages, and now you show up with this stunning lady on your arm. Aren't you going to introduce her to your dear sis?" Alex responded with an easygoing air, "Minnie and I met overseas. She's one of my students."

With an elegant smile, the woman reached out her hand to Evangeline. "Minnie Kast. A pleasure to meet you."

"Evangeline."

As Evangeline took her hand, the softness of her touch sparked a memory of someone else. Driven by curiosity, she studied Minnie's features more closely. It was odd; she was sure she had seen that face before.

Minnie was Alex's friend, and it would not be right to start questioning that. So, Evangeline turned her attention back to Alex.

Chapter 180

+25 BONUS

"How long are you back for this time, Alex?"

She tried to hide her reluctance to see him go. Everyone had their own journey, and Evangeline knew she had to respect his. Alex had made quite the name for himself as a leading professor at a renowned university abroad, and he had put down roots there.

The thought of saying goodbye again brought a wave of sadness over her, but before she could dwell on it, Alex shook his head. There was a playful twinkle in his eye that she did not quite recognize, not the Alex she remembered. However, it was gone in an instant, makin "Ahem." Alex cleared his throat, a teasing tone in his voice, "Evie, are you trying to get rid of me?"

"Of course not, I'd hate that. Once you're off overseas, who knows when we'll see each other again." Evangeline's voice carried a whiff of complaint.

"Well, if that's how you feel, I guess I'll just have to stay!" Alex's grin was like a warm spring breeze, as bright and comforting as the morning sun, impossible to ignore.

"Are you serious?" Ex

serious?" Evangeline had always looked up to Alex like a big brother, and the thought of him staying put was more thrilling to her than hitting the jackpot. "Dead serious. I've got a job lined up right here at home, so I'm not going anywhere."

Alex's gaze softened as he went on, "Grandpa Trey is not getting any younger, and he's always dreaming of having us grandkids close by, to soak up the good times together. So, I'm back for good!" Alex said it with such ease.

Evangeline knew better. She could only imagine the inner turmoil he must-have faced, abandoning the life he had carved out for himself abroad to start anew back home. That took a lot of bravery. She gave the swing a gentle push, her eyes lingering on Alex's legs, motionless in the wheelchair.