Unmasking the Heiress

However, what could he do? The thought of Julia, the thought of his true love Evangeline trapped by that witch, sapped all his will to care about his appearance. Walter slowly lifted his hand, brushing his chin.

Overnight, his face had sprouted a rough stubble, making him look worn and nothing like the dashing Mr. Walter Gordon of the Gordon family.

Was Walter the kind of guy Julia would be happy with?

He was not sure, but just putting on a clean shirt to see Julia who made his skin prickle was pushing it for him.

Walter kept his calm and did not bother calling the police. After all, when he was part of the mighty Gordon family, he did not need the police to handle a lady.

Once he had set up the rescue team for Evangeline, Walter hit the road solo, heading to the spot they had picked out.

Warehouse 226, just outside the city, was like a blast from the past.

Taking over the company from Alex had not been a walk in the park. The old guard did not take kindly to change, and Alex's loyalists were always griping about their beloved second-in-command. Walter's solution for the rebels? A trip to warehouse 226 for a 'persuasion session'. Sure, it was rough, but it worked like a charm, and soon enough, they all fell in line.

However, as the company got its act together and profits soared, the troublemakers zipped their lips. Walter's visits to the warehouse dropped off until he just let the place go. That was when Julia saw her chance.

Walter shoved open the big warehouse door. Inside, everything looked the same but felt different-more run-down than he remembered.This content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

He strode to the back room, the very place where Julia had once been held captive.

However, just as he was about to swing the door open, a skinny figure stepped in his way.

"Walt, don't you think it's a bit rude to barge in without asking?"

Julia's laughter rang out, light and teasing. She stood there in a slinky, bright red dress that hugged her curves, her hair tossed up in a carefree knot. She was the picture of glowing confidence.

Walter raised an eyebrow. "And who's supposed to be in charge here?"

With a playful twirl, Julia pointed at herself, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Of course, right here."

Walter could not help but smirk.

They were in an old warehouse owned by Gordon Group, yet Julia was acting like she owned the place. She was more like a squatter than a queen, and she had the nerve to boast.

"Since when is this place called Rearden? Must've missed the memo," Walter quipped, his tone dripping with sarcasm. Julia's smile faltered, but before she could retort, he added, "But let's not dwell on that. I'm here now, so how about showing me what I've won before we get

down to business?"

Walter never thought, in his wildest dreams, he would be playing the gigolo. However, unlike the ones who did it for cash, his payout was the safety of his family.

Julia's hand Hightly touched his

shoulder. Hold your horses. The

main event will kick off soon enough, and she'll show up. Until

then, why don't we break the ice with

a dance?"

Julia was still seething from that disastrous dinner on the cruise ship, a night ruined by a single glass of wine and that snake Evangeline walking away with everything.