Unmasking the Heiress

Chapter 42ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

"Let her," Walter snapped, his face set in a hard line as he shot Oscar a withering look.

Oscar bit back any further objections, getting the message loud and clear. "Alright, alright. I'll make sure the missus hears about tonight."

Walter was at it again, trying to rile up Evangeline with Julia's presence. Could that really work? Somehow, he doubted it.

The clock struck seven-thirty, and the Foster family's charity auction kicked off right on schedule in Capital City. The venue was the famed Victoria Garden House, a place that once echoed with the

laughter of the elite as they enjoyed their music and theater. Then, it was Avalon City's most opulent playground for the rich and famous. The gala was already buzzing with the elegance of classical performances, the air filled with the

harmonious melodies of flutes and zithers. The crowd was a parade of the elite, each person a vision of beauty and stature, adhering to a strict height requirement. Clad in traditional gray-blue garb, they looked like figures stepped out of a painting, a feast for the eyes.

Victoria Garden House was no ordinary venue, a gem hidden from the grasp of the average elite, and Julia, lacking such insider knowledge, dressed in an embarrassingly similar fashion to the staff.

While the servers donned gray-blue, Julia's attire, though traditional, was of a soft crescent hue. The only thing setting her apart was the delicate embroidery on her dress, which did little to ease her discomfort as she stood beside Walter.

Walter, for his part, offered no comment, his attention briefly passing over her..

Even so, his mere presence sent ripples through the room.

He was Walter, after all, Halcyonia's most prized prodigy.

As the auction commenced and the crowd settled, Julia took her seat beside Walter, instantly becoming the focus of a paparazzi storm.

Every move Walter made was headline material, stirring envy and awe.. His talent and looks had granted him stardom in the corporate and entertainment worlds. It seemed unfair that one man could monopolize such gifts.

The woman in the crescent attire, Julia, also drew the crowd's gaze. She was the

violin prodigy whose fame had surged since her return from abroad.

Walter's appearances were rare, and whispers of him

nd Julia had been confined to the upper echelons. However, their story was out in the open for all to see on this night.

Julia sidled up to Walter, her closeness a calculated move that turned heads. throughout the room.

"Walt, I nailed the interview for the Foster Group spokesperson gig, but the young heiress booted me before I even started. Did I rub her the wrong way? Could you smooth things over for me?" said Julia, her voice dripping with sweetness as she playfully pulled at his arm. "You think I'm chummy with that Ms. Foster?" replied Walter, his tone indifferent and detached.

"But your grandpa and the Fosters are..."

"Ms. Foster and I are at loggerheads," Walter cut in icily.

"What? That can't be! I'm so sorry, Walt. I had no clue. If I'd known you two were at odds, I wouldn't have considered Foster Group. I thought it'd be a great kick-off for my career... Is she snubbing me because of you?" Julia's voice was tender, almost fragile.

"It's just a spokesperson job. I'll find something else for you," said Walter, dismissing the issue with ease. He always did what he could for Julia, ever since he owed her a big favor. He looked after her like a sister, always ready to lend a hand. Julia was well aware of Walter's Achilles' heel and often probed for his breaking point, with a mix of innocence and calculation.

Despite her efforts, she had not yet cashed in on that old favor, but she was patient. As long as she remained by Walter's side, it was only a matter of time before she would be his. After all, she was the one sitting beside him, a fact that was clear for the entire world to see.

Evangeline was once seen as nothing more than a shadow lurking in the dark corners of the world, never meant to bask in the sunlight.

Julia's craving for attention was fed by the relentless flashes of the cameras, each burst inflating her ego.

However, as the main event kicked off, the spotlight was stolen by two figures

striding down the red carpet.

Julia's moment of glory faded into obscurity.

Walter's face twisted into a scowl as he caught sight of the commotion.