The True Heiress's Return novel Chapter 40

Chapter 40
A handsome man in a designer tracksuit got out of the driver’s seat. He walked around to the passenger side, opened the door, and elegantly extended his hand.
Yvette, with a shy blush on her face, took his hand and stepped out of the car. Joe, thank you for bringing me to school,” she said, her cheeks flushed.
Joe gently tucked a stray hair behind her ear, smoothing down the wind-tousled strands. “It’s nothing. Let’s go inside.”
“Okay,” Yvette replied.
They exchanged a glance, and Joe smoothly closed the car door. The couple walked into the school side by side, their attractive pairing drawing everyone’s attention.
“Joe is so handsome! He’s rich, smart, and even got a national scholarship. He’s the pride of the rich kids!”
“The best part is he’s so gentle. Who wouldn’t want a boyfriend like that?”
“Come on you all are just swooning. Didn’t you hear Yvette say that Joe brought her to the campus himself?”
Joe has his own place near the campus and even went to pick Yvette up early in the morning”
Yvette is definitely playing the victim again. She embarrassed herself in front of so many people yesterday, I thought she wouldn’t dare come to school today. But now she has Joe to protect her, making us all envious!”
“I really don’t get it. How did Joe end up with Yvette? She doesn’t deserve to be with the hottest guy in the campus!”
“Don’t be so sure. I heard Joe was really rebellious in high school, even had a nickname “Walter Junior, and he used to race cars at the Desperate Cliff. Back then, he had a girl by his side, too, a typical bad girl”
“Yeah, I heard that gossip too! That girl also got into this university!”
“Who is it?”
“I can’t quite remember. It seems like we haven’t heard anything about her in years. Joe has turned over a new leaf; they must have broken up by now.”
As Shakira walked through the hall, listening to the gossip, she turned into the classroom building. But before she could head upstairs, a hand suddenly reached out from the side and pulled her into an empty classroom next door.
The door opened and closed without anyone noticing. Shakira found herself pressed against the door, and when she looked up, she saw Joe in front of her. Her clear eyes showed no emotion
Joe’s gaze was intense as he focused on her. In public, he acted like a gentleman, but now, his charming eyes were filled with fury.
“Why didn’t you come to me?” he asked.
Shakira shot back, “Why should I?”
“You promised that after graduation, we’d go to Crescentville University together, and you’d be my girlfriend in college.” Joe tightened his grip on her wrist, his breathing heavier. “You disappeared without a word, and now that you’re back, why are you pretending like we’re strangers?”
Shakira met his gaze squarely, not backing down. “Those were your words, not mine. And besides, you already have a girlfriend.”
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Chapter 40
“She and I are not what you think. It’s because-Joe tried to explain.
“No matter the reason, when the Nelson family was having financial issues, you’re the one who let the Ortiz family help them. And today, you personally brought Yvette here,” Shakira said.
In her past life, Joe had been Yvette’s brilliant fiance, whom she often bragged about.
Shakira spoke slowly, deliberately, and raised her other hand to pry his fingers off one by one. “We might have a chance to be friends in the future, but right now, I can’t consider you one!
Whether Joe was involved in the dirty schemes in the past life, he was already tainted by his association with Yvette. Shakira pushed Joe away, ignoring his stunned expression, and walked out of the classroom.
Just as she had gone up half a flight of stairs, she heard footsteps following her. Shakira was tired. “Do you have to follow
Turning her head, she was taken aback for a moment, then frowned, “What do you want?”
Mitchell looked serious. “I need to talk to you.”
“I have nothing to say to you.” Shakira continued up the stairs, but Mitchell stepped up three steps at once, blocking her way, “I… I’m here to apologize.” The word apologize made Mitchell’s voice drop low, whether out of shame or discomfort. Shakira was about to sidestep him when she heard that and felt as if she’d heard something unbelievable. She reached out, almost as if checking for a fever, and touched Mitchell’s forehead.
“What are you doing?” Mitchell asked, confused.
Shakira furrowed her brow, thinking hard, and finally asked uncertainly, “Did Finn really switch your brain?”
“Shakira, I’m serious today.” Mitchell took a deep breath. This apology is not just from me but from Yvette, too. She copied your design, and she owes you a real apology. I’m here to make up for that.”
At that moment, his sincerity was evident as they faced each other calmly. It was the first time in their two lifetimes combined, and probably the only time.
Shakira’s lips curled into a sardonic smile. “Setting everything else aside, you’re doing a pretty good job as an older brother.
Mitchell was completely taken aback. For some reason, he found it somewhat ironic. By blood, he was also Shakira’s brother. “…
“Mitchell? What… what are you doing here?” Yvette asked.
At the bottom of the stairs, Yvette clung to Joe’s arm. Joe was expressionless, while a flash of hatred crossed Yvette’s eyes as she observed the two struggling on the staircase. Why is Shakira everywhere!’ She thought, feeling annoyed.
Mitchell, surprised to see Yvette, replied, “Yvette, didn’t Mom say you should rest at home for the next few days?” Yvette’s expression shifted slightly, instinctively shrinking closer to Joe, so joc interjected, “I brought Yvette here.” Mitchell walked down the steps to face Joe. The two men, both over six feet tall, seemed evenly matched,
“Do you know how embarrassing it was yesterday? What if Yvette encounters trouble from those with ill intentions today?” Mitchell said
“I’m here to protect Yvette. Since I brought her out, I’ll make sure she gets back safely.” Joe said nonchalantly
“Mr. Ortiz, you really talk big. How many people can you take on by yourself?” Mitchell asked.
08:22 Sat, Oct 19
Chapter 40
Nearby students noticed, drawn to the tense standoff between the two impressive men. Yvette felt a rush of satisfaction, reveling in the attention.
She instinctively glanced up the stairs, ready to flaunt her situation, only to find that Shakira had vanished.
Suddenly, her earlier confidence diminished significantly. She stepped in between the two men. “Mitchell, Joe, you’re both looking out for me, but I’m an adult now. I can make my own decisions.”
To Mitchell, she said. “You should head back, Mitchell. I have Joe here; I’ll be fine.”
Mitchell felt frustrated, but with Yvette holding onto Joe’s arm, there was no way to separate them. He turned to see Shakira had already left, feeling a little upset. Fine, do what you want,” he said.
Mitchell stormed off, and Yvette tightened her grip on Joe’s arm, her voice sweetly dripping with affection. “Joe, I’m sorry for dragging you into this.”
“It’s nothing. Are you okay?” Joe noticed her pale face.
Yvette forced a smile and shook her head, her voice suddenly low and choked with emotion. “I’m fine, and it’s not the first time. I’ve gotten used to it.”
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