The True Heiress's Return

"Not even close. You let your sons and an outsider stay in the same room, getting too cozy. That's way more disgraceful!" Shakira shot back. The entire Nelson family froze in shock.

Ignoring their stunned silence, Shakira turned and walked away without a second glance.

Yvette's heart raced at the Nelsons' reaction. She lowered her gaze, looking humiliated and powerless. "I thought that even without blood ties, we're still families."

voice faded as she gripped the hem of her shirt, despair washing over her. "But I guess I'm just an outsider."

"Yvette, don't listen to Shakira. She's just trying to cause trouble for us." Mitchell rushed to comfort her.

With red-rimmed eyes, Yvette looked up, her heartbreak clear. Mitchell felt a surge of anger towards Shakira bubbling inside him.

He remembered the birthday from years ago when Yvette had mysteriously promised him a special gift. When she finally took him to the beach, he was overjoyed to find she had spelled out his name in seashells. It was both a sweet and touching moment. However, that happiness turned tragic. Yvette got swept away by the waves, and as the bodyguard fished her out, she was almost dead. She spent three long days in the hospital before they could save her.

Mitchell faced punishment and confinement for the incident, yet the feverish Yvette still snuck him food-even after everything that happened.

From that day on, Mitchell vowed to always protect Yvette. No one should ever hurt her like that again. As for Shakira? He would not let her get away with this.

Back in the present, Selena couldn't hold back her frustration. "If I had known she would cause so many problems, I never would've let her back in. She can fend for herself out there!"

"Back then, we let her in because we knew she shared a blood type with Yvette. We thought she could donate a kidney if needed," Rebecca murmured, her expression unreadable.

Selena frowned. "But Yvette isn't even close to needing a transplant. Plus, we're the Nelson family! We can find the right donor if we need to."

Cody took a deep breath, echoing Rebecca's sentiments. "Shakira's behavior is getting worse because we've been too lenient. This talk about cutting ties is just her trying to manipulate us, thinking we will cave to her ridiculous demands." "Dream on!" Selena snapped, her eyes blazing. "The Smith family won't take her back, and she doesn't want to stay here. Let's see if she can keep up that bravado when she really needs us."

*****

At the Eastlake Valley Estate stood a sleek three-story villa. Walter sat in his wheelchair in front of a large window, watching as Shakira got out of her car. Irritation etched on his strong jaw as he sneered, "She dares to come back, huh?" Brian explained behind him flatly, "It was Mr. Benji Lopez who arranged for the driver to wait for her at the Nelson residence." Walter went silent.

Brian thought for a while and reported the latest drama about the Nelson family.

Walter smirked, amusement crossing his face. "A clueless woman who ran off with someone to Belaris is now supposed to know about antiques?"

He shot Brian a look. "Why would you tell me about her? I didn't ask."

"Sorry, that was my mistake," Brian replied, lowering his head.

Walter shifted his gaze and maneuvered his wheelchair towards the door.

Brian hurried after him. "Aren't you going to take a break, Mr. Lopez?"

Since Walter returned from that place, he had set a strict bedtime of 10 PM. But now it was nearly 11.

"If I don't check in on things, Benji's going to send that woman to my room tonight," Walter said without looking back.

Brian was at a loss of words. 'Mr. Walter Lopez knows Mr. Benji Lopez all too well.'

Downstairs, the the butler, Levi, was giving Shakira a quick tour of the estate. "To the east is the greenhouse garden, and to the west is the golf course. Mr. Benji Lopez asked me to prepare a room for you on the second floor so you can rest, and I'll show you around tomorro "Thank you, Levi." "You're welcome, Ms. Nelson."

Shakira glanced at the villa. It had a modern design, both elegant and simple. "Sorry to disturb you all so late. Are Walter and Benji already asleep?" she asked.

Levi replied, "Mr. Benji Lopez is taking a walk at Crescentville University, and Mr. Walter Lopez is resting upstairs."

Taking a

a walk at college this late? Is there not enough space here?" Shakira was puzzled.

Levi shot her a subtle glance. "He's happy and a bit jealous that Walter Lopez found true love. He's looking for that same kind of innocent romance, so he's off trying his luck at college" Shakira fell silent. 'Well, the Lopez family kids seem a bit more down-to-earth than the Nelsons.

"Since you know it's late, why are you still here?" A cold voice cut through the air as the elevator doors opened.

Shakira looked over and squinted. Walter was in his wheelchair, gold-framed glasses accentuating his sharp features. He wore a deep blue silk robe, looking much more relaxed and elegant than their last encounter. But Shakira knew he was like a lion, ready to pounce at the slightest annoyance.

Catching his intense gaze, Shakira managed a sincere smile. "The early bird gets the worm. If I show up bright and early tomorrow, I might ruin your good mood for the whole day. I'm just looking out for your health, Mr. Lopez."

'Ms. Nelson is really bold!' Everyone, even Brian, gasped.

Walter's gaze lingered on Shakira's confident smile before sliding to her delicate neck. His lips curled slightly. "You're really understanding yet I'd love to send you straight to heaven."

Shakira held her smile, meeting his icy glare head-on. The air was thick with tension, each ready for a verbal battle.

But Walter glanced away first. "If you want to stay here, fine." He turned to Levi. "Take her to the servant room."

Shakira frowned. "What do you mean by th

Walter smirked, half amused, half mocking. "The esteemed Ms. Nelson, my betrothed fiancée, will naturally be treated as a guest here. But you, Shakira, have cut ties with the Nelson family, so our engagement is void. You're no longer a guest here."

His gaze sharpened, the pressure palpable.

Shakira's smile faded slowly.

Walter seemed satisfied with her reaction and added, "If you don't like it, feel free to leave. Nobody's keeping you here."

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Levi looked at Walter nervously, hesitant to say anything. Then he glanced at Shakira, worried she might storm out in anger. After a long silence, Shakira finally opened her mouth...

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