Unmasking the Heiress

Evangeline tried to sound nonchalant.

Truth was, Walter's comment had scared her more than she would admit.

The baby she was carrying was only there because her grandfather wanted it. The thought of having another was too overwhelming to even consider.

"Hahaha, that's my boy! Walter, you're the best grandson-in-law a guy could ask for!"

Cole was at that age where grandkids were his favorite thing, so he was all compliments for Walter.

However, that did not mean his worries were gone.

"Evie, you moved back home, and Walter hasn't even dropped by or called. Is he upset?"

If Evangeline's determination to stick by Cole had caused a fight with Walter, Cole would feel guilty. He would have to convince her to move back as soon as possible! Right on cue, Julieta walked in with Evangeline's phone blaring.Property belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.

"Ms. Evangeline..." Julieta glanced at the name on the screen, hesitated for a second, then said with a warm smile, "You've got a call from Mr. Walter Gordon." Regardless of how Evangeline felt about Walter, she had to play along in front of Cole.

The name on the caller ID made Evangeline pause, but she quickly got a grip.

She took the phone, not pressing the answer button just yet, but instead turned the screen to show Cole the name flashing boldly.

Walter, right next to a picture of Evangeline's relieved and beaming smile.

"Grandpa, you worry too much. Look, Walter's calling right now!

"He's swamped with work, so how could he possibly call me on the dot every time? You need to stop sweating the small stuff, got it? Walter and I are totally fine!" Evangeline rattled off her words at lightning speed, not letting Cole get a word in edgewise.

She only hit the answer button after she had said her piece.

"Hey Walter, all done with work?"

Her voice through the phone was so sweet and tender that it was like someone had stirred in a spoonful of honey.

Walter felt a sugar overload coming on.

He had never heard Evangeline sound like that before. He double-checked the number before he could be sure it was really her.

Evangeline had to have a good reason for that sugar act, and Walter, catching on quickly, played along, "Yeah, all finished. And you? What are you up to?"

Evangeline had figured she had just cooked some sweet nothings for her grandfather to overhear if Walter did not play ball. However, since she had not put him on speaker, Cole was none the wiser.

It seemed Walter was a natural, and Evangeline's face relaxed.

"Just hanging with Grandpa, watching television. You wouldn't believe it, but he's gotten hooked on this period drama-and it's the one my best friend stars in!" Evangeline made it sound like the biggest deal ever.

Walter immediately understood Evangeline's sweet demeanor that came out of the blue; it was all for Cole's benefit...

"Grandpa must be bored out of his mind. You should hang out with him more when you can..."

Evangeline's brow creased. Thank goodness she had not hit the speaker button. Walter's comment would have totally given them away!

"Got it, I've moved back to the old

place to keep Grandpa company et

However, I bet it's been tough

on

you. If you're missing me, just swing by the old house, okay?"

Evangeline was eager to show Cole just how sweet things were between her and Walter. While she was at it she slipped in the news about her move to the old house on the down low, so Walter would not accidentally let it slip.