Unmasking the Heiress

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Holden was ready to roll the dice

He was betting on Evangeline's sharp eye for judging character, betting that Celina was the kind of person with a conscience, who would not bite the hand that fed her. With that, the severely wounded Celina was smoothly settled into the Foster family's old house.

When Evangeline got back, she found the confused Cole at the doorstep. He watched the medical team bustling in and out of Celina's room.

"Grandpa?" Evangeline sidled up to Cole and tugged at her grandfather's arm.

Cole snapped out of it and put on a show of being irritated. "Evie, since when did you start making big decisions like bringing someone home without telling me?" Evangeline knew Cole was not mad. He was just a bit miffed she had not informed him beforehand. With that, she turned on the charm. "I was just worried, you know?

"Grandpa, you see how many docs she's got with her? That must've told you how bad she's hurt. I was scared that waiting any longer would mess with her healing.

Cole huffed "If you're that concerned, wouldn't she be better off healing up in the hospital? Our place isn't exactly equipped like a hospital. What if something urgent comes up? They'd be on it faster there." He might be getting on in years, but he was not senile. Evangeline treating him like he was clueless really got

under his skin!

Evangeline was super quick on her feet. She sensed her grandfather's mood and jumped in to smooth things

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"Look, I'm just really worried about her. Think about it: If I'm at the hospital with her, I can't be here at the old house hanging out with you. That would be awful, right?

"Oh, and Grandpa, you don't even know who she is, huh? Her name's Celina. You know Walter's assistant, David? Celina's his girl, his soon-to-be wife."

Cole scratched his head, remembering David.

That guy

who's always tagging along with Walter? He's got that whole handsome-smart thing going

doesn't he?"

He was being honest but still had to ask, "His girl? What's she got to do with us?"

"You see, Grandpa, David is out of town and can't make it back. Celina got hurt, and to keep David from worrying, Walter and I figured we'd have her stay with me for a bit. I'll look after her until David's back, and then she's off with him."

Evangeline was secretly giving herself a high-five for her smooth talking.

Spinning tales with a straight face, she was so good that she nearly fooled herself.

However, twisting Celina's story was the only play she had. Only by tying her to Walter could she get Cole to

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chill about Celina showing up.

"Well, then, we've got to take care of her. David might not be on the Foster family payroll, but he's been there. for Walter. We can't let him down."

"Yep, I knew you'd get it, Grandpa. I was just so rushed I forgot to fill you in."

Evangeline tried to butter Cole up, but he was not having any of it. Still, with doctors buzzing around like bees in a hive, he had to admit there was some truth to Evangeline's 'emergency' spiel.

"Evie, this can't happen again. If you're going to bring someone home, you've got to give me a heads-up, okay?" Evangeline was on the verge of dodging the bullet, but bargaining then? That was out of the question.