The True Heiress's Return

Shakira lifted her gaze cautiously to meet Walter's intense stare. His eyes were like a dark abyss, making her heart race.

She tried to inch back toward the door, but just then, the car lurched to a stop, sending her tumbling forward again. This time, her face landed on Walter's hard, warm thigh. Rubbing her forehead, Shakira shot an annoyed look at Brian, who was driving.

Brian explained, "It was the red light, Ms. Nelson. Just stay put."

Shakira thought, 'Stay put? I can barely buckle my seatbelt. Irritated, she pulled herself up, about to retreat to her corner.

Walter's icy voice cut through, "Did you choose that seat to end up in my lap next time?"

Shakira shot her head around, unable to contain her sarcasm. "You could stand to be a little less narcissistic, you know?" Walter smirked, "Are you really going to say those last two incidents weren't planned?" "That was just a fluke!"

"Oh."

Shakira fought the urge to smack him. She then turned her attention to the outside, where billboards were still flashing images of the chaos-reporters were now trailing the Nelson family to the hospital.

Yvette had been rushed to the emergency room, and Rebecca and Selena showed up too, alongside the Smith family. They were all anxiously waiting outside while the Nelson family's bodyguards blocked the reporters, refusing interviews or explanations. Online gossip about the Nelsons was spiraling out of control.

As Shakira pondered how Yvette planned to smooth things over with her family, Walter's voice broke her thoughts. "Shakira, what do you really want?"

"What?" Confused, she turned to look at Walter, who had leaned in closer, his tall frame looming over her. His cold gaze like it was piercing through her.

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"You're not the 'Shakira' that people talk about," he continued, his voice steady. "That 'Shakira' is arrogant, rebellious, and clueless. But you? You're a fantastic cook, quick-witted, and you have design talent that a lot of people wish they had. What else are you hiding from me?"

Shakira held his gaze and didn't flinch or show any signs of panic. "Walter, I told you, I'm here to make it up to you. I want to help you heal your leg." Each word was clear and sincere, as if she really had no hidden motives.

They locked eyes in silence for what felt like forever. Finally, Walter smirked, a hint of sarcasm on his lips, and leaned back in his seat.

Shakira frowned, puzzled by his attitude. She leaned closer, propping herself up beside him. "You don't believe me? Are you scared of me?"

"Why should I trust you?" Walter asked, getting right to the point. "I don't know what you've been up to, but you're definitely caught up in this whole Nelson family mess."

He lifted his hand to pinch her chin, forcing her to look at him. "Even going after your own family like that? Your intentions are murky." With that, he tightened his grip and pushed her aside.

Shakira froze for a moment, then whispered fiercely, "That's my business. What does it have to do with you?"

Walter didn't respond, and they fell into a heavy silence.Material © NôvelDrama.Org.

Once they returned to the villa, Walter signaled for Brian to follow him upstairs. Levi approached Shakira, concern lacing his voice. "Are you okay, Ms. Nelson?" Shakira shook her head. "I'm fine."

Shakira

Levi took a close look at her, making sure she truly seemed alright before relaxing his worry. "Don't take it personally. Mr. Lopez used to be cheerful, but he changed after the injury." Shakira scoffed, "Just because he can't stand up, he got knocked down, huh?"

Her words were too sharp, leaving Levi momentarily speechless. All he could manage was an awkward laugh.

Shakira shrugged. "It's all s all good. I know I owe him. Until I fix his leg, even if he acts like a total jerk, I won't let it bother me. You can count on that, Levi."

Seeing her sincerity, Levi let out a sigh of relief. "With you here, we can relax a bit."

Shakira

smiled. "Thanks for trusting me."

Levi chuckled lightly, unintentionally spilling the beans. "Honestly, no one else can handle Mr. Lopez's current mood like you can."

Shakira blinked, feeling the odd sting of the comment, as if she were being made a scapegoat. She couldn't help but think that she must have been out of her mind that night. Shaking it off, she glanced at the clock and headed to the kitchen to make dinner for Walter. After the chaos from last night, the kitchen staff was on high alert, clearing out everything Walter disliked. Just in case, they peeked in to watch Shakira cook, worried she'd toss something weird into the dish-if another fallout happened, they could lose their jobs. Knowing she wasn't welcomed, Shakira dropped off the dinner and left before Walter arrived.

She sought out Levi for Walter's medical history, but unfortunately, it was all with Walter, and no one else had access to it. Hence, she asked Levi about Walter's symptoms and pieced together some thoughts.

But really, to get the accurate details, she'd have to see Walter in action. Right now, the biggest problem was Walter refusing her medical help. She couldn't stick around forever. Just then, her phone buzzed with a new message...

*****

At 9:30 PM, Walter rolled out of his study and back to his bedroom. When he pushed open the door, he heard running water from the bathroom. He scanned the room but didn't see Shakira anywhere.

'So, she's too embarrassed to face me after I exposed her intentions? What a hypocritical woman!' Irritation washed over him-feelings he wouldn't dare admit were triggered by Shakira

Once he dismissed Brian, Walter maneuvered his wheelchair into the bathroom, where there was a servant with her back to him, checking the water temperature. "Get out," he ordered.

The servant stood up and turned around slowly. "Mr. Lopez, it's too dangerous for you to be alone in here. Let me help you."

Time seemed to slow down as Walter caught a glimpse of Shakira's beaming face. For a brief moment, surprise flickered across his expression-so quick that even he might've missed it. He managed to scowl. "Shakira, what are you up to now?" Shakira came up beside the wheelchair, mischief dancing in her eyes. She leaned in slightly, her tone playful. "Didn't you ask me to take care of you? Here I am, doing just that." Walter froze, caught off guard by the view down her neckline.

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Just as he was in a daze, Shakira quickly unbuttoned two buttons of his shirt. Instantly, his expre

grasped her slender wrist, feeling it as fragile as a twig in his grip.