Unmasking the Heiress (Evangeline and Walte) novel Chapter 586

"Do I... even have the right to say I'm not satisfied?"

Walter had not forgotten why he was there, not for a second.

He arched an eyebrow, his smile a mix of mischief and warmth, but his hand was firm, keeping a careful distance between him and Julia.

Julia stroked his cheek with a tenderness that belied the cruelty of her words, her fingers tracing the rough stubble on his chin.

"Of course... not," she said, her voice dripping with malice.

With a sudden flourish, she lifted her head and with a flick of her wrist, the crimson drapes tumbled to the floor.

Behind a pane of glass, Evangeline was tied up, her eyes wide with fear, her mouth sealed shut. Her belly was still round, a sign that the baby was safe—for the time being. Walter's heart eased, if only just a bit.

"Mm mmh mmph!"

The glass was thin, so Walter could hear every muffled sob from Evangeline.

Her hair was a mess, and a dark bruise marred her forehead—a clear sign of Julia's rough handling.

The thought of what might be hidden from view, the unseen injuries, sent a wave of both heartache and fury crashing through Walter. His grip on Julia's waist tightened involuntarily.

"Ouch."

Julia's gasp was theatrical as she nestled closer into Walter's chest.

"Feeling sorry for her?" she purred. "I hate to break it to you, but you should know this glass is no ordinary glass. If it breaks, the shards are deadlier than knives. And your precious Evangeline is right behind it. If you try to bust her out, you might not kill her, but her face... let's just say she won't be pretty anymore."

Her voice took on a taunting edge. "I wonder, Walter, if her beauty is ruined, would you still care for her?"

Her lips sketched a path along Walter's face, turning the scene into something straight out of a forbidden romance.

However, when Walter locked eyes with Evangeline, all he could see was sheer panic.