The True Heiress's Return

At Veiled Vine, Shakira worried Sean might find out the truth, causing a scene. She then figured it'd be better to tell him directly. She hadn't expected Walter to have invited Sean as a guest today.

Lost in thought, Shakira jumped at Sean's intense call. She stepped out onto the balcony to answer. Sean didn't let her speak. "This is unacceptable! We need to clear things up today. What do you mean the little maid is you?"

His last words were nearly a shout. Shakira dropped any pretense. "It means exactly what you think. After leaving the Nelsons, I went to the Lopez family."

Sean looked pained, clutching his chest. "So you've been avoiding us because you're working as a maid?"

"Yes," Shakira replied firmly.

"Shakira, I never thought you'd indulge in something so odd!"

After a moment, Shakira said, "It's complicated. I chose to stay with Walter. If you're mad, be mad at me."

Sean took a deep breath. "Shakira, do you really like Walter?"

Leaning against the railing, Shakira gazed at the city lights. Every word she spoke was clear and resolute. "Yes, I really like Walter, and my feelings are serious." Sean struggled to accept it. "If that's true, why not go public?"

Shakira rubbed her temples in frustration. "I'm interning at Lopez Group. If I reveal this, I can't work properly. I want to avoid complications."

Sean knew Shakira well. Still, he didn't expect her reluctance was due to work. He had to admit it: Shakira cared for Walter enough to become a maid.

Imagining Shakira submitting to Walter sent chills down his spine. A reality he never dreamed of was now in front of him.,

"Let's put this aside for now. I'll explain and apologize when we meet next." Shakira hung up, only to find Walter's intense gaze on her.

Shakira asked, "How did you...?"

Walter pulled her into an embrace. Worried about his anger, she said, "I was just..."

Walter cut her off. "I know it was Sean."

His hand caressed her cheek, moving to the back of her head. In a low voice, full of satisfaction, he said, "Hearing my little fox tell Sean about her feelings for me makes me happy." Shakira blinked. "What's there to be happy about?"

Walter leaned down and kissed the corner of her mouth. "I'm happy... that you love me and you've put me first. It means a lot."

His embrace felt warm and tender, making her heart race. With her eyes closed, Shakira enjoyed the kiss, her cheeks flushed.

After work, Xanthe went straight to Jackson's house instead of home.

Jackson asked, "Xanther What brings you here?"

Xanthe, lacking her usual cheer, said, "Is Lucy home?"

"Lucy? She's in her room. You're looking for her? I'll call her..."

Before he could finish, Xanthe dashed upstairs. "I'll find her!"

Her urgency surprised Odalyn, who came out of the kitchen. "Has Xanthe lost it?"

Jackson wondered, "Could Lucy have upset her?"

Odalyn worried. "What trouble is Lucy causing? I need to make her apologize!"

"Let's see if they can sort it out first. If not, then we'll have Lucy apologize!"

Xanthe stood outside Lucy's door. Inside, Lucy bragged about a limited-edition game skin she bought, "This costs less than my weekly allowance!"

Her teammate flattered her, saying, "For Lucy, that's nothing! She even gifted me a fancy perfume!"

Lucy laughed, "That perfume? I barely use it. I can send you more if you want."

Cheers erupted from the other end. "Thanks, Lucy! You're so generous!"

Outside, Xanthe's fists clenched. That perfume was a gift from her dad, which Lucy had repeatedly demanded.

Xanthe thought, 'And then she gave it away as a gift?' Taking a deep breath, Xanthe kicked the door hard.

With a loud bang, the door hit the wall, shocking Lucy, who turned to see Xanthe's fierce look. Lucy shrank back. "Xanthe, why are you here?"

Xanthe approached, eyeing the game skin on Lucy's phone. With icy sarcasm, Xanthe said, "You often pretend to be poor, yet here you are flaunting wealth. Are you using my perfume to impress others?" Lucy's face fell. She quickly quit the game, avoiding Xanthe's gaze. "I was just joking. The things you gave me are still here, I gave away duplicates..."

Xanthe scoffed, "Duplicates? You can't fake game skins! You got money from Sean and wasted it!"

Lucy nearly bit her tongue. "That's ridiculous! I earned that money myself!"

"Really? If you did, show me. Let's see who sent you money." Xanthe lunged for her phone.

Lucy panicked. The transfer records from Sean were on that phone. Angry and embarrassed, she shoved Xanthe away. "So what if Sean gave me money? I earned it fairly!"

"What is it if not deceit?" Xanthe raised her voice, staring at the angry Lucy as though Lucy were a stranger.

Xanthe pointed out, "That perfume my dad bought for me-you asked for it and gave it away!Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

"Sean asked you to tell me, yet you hid it from me. Are you really looking out for me?",

Xanthe stepped closer, her eyes piercing. She questioned, "Was your sweet demeanor all an act? Have you just been using

me?"

Lucy felt cornered, realizing Xanthe wouldn't believe her no matter what she said.

"What if I was acting? Lucy snapped, revealing her darker side. Lucy retorted, "You make friends outside but still get fooled. 17:32 Wed, Dec 4 GG.

I'm your cousin-wouldn't it be better to share your money with me?"

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