The True Heiress's Return

Shakira shot Walter a resentful look, making him shut his mouth and hold back what he was about to say.

"Matthew is Matthew, and I'm me. I don't care what he thinks; I do what I want. Plus, this herbal bath not only helps your leg but also cases your cold." Shakira said stubbornly, pushing him forward without waiting for his okay.

She added, "Haven't you noticed how much better your leg has felt during the last couple of times it hurt? When you hugged me for warmth, your grip was gentler than before. If you keep this up, one day you'll be able to take care of yourself." Walter immediately frowned at this. He coldly smirked, using his usual sarcastic tone, "So, you're tired of being my heat

source.

With a haughty air, Walter turned his wheelchair away, grabbing Shakira's wrist and pushing her out of the bathroom, slamming the frosted glass door shut with a loud bang.

Outside, Shakira was confused by the sudden gap that had opened up between her and the imposing Walter. It felt like an unbridgeable chasin

Pouting, she sat on the edge of the bed and picked up her phone, just in time to see a message from Gideon sent an hour

ago.

Gideon: [The fish has taken the bait]

Shakira: [Gideon, you're amazing! By the way, can you give me his contact info? It'll be easier for me to handle it myself.j Gideon: [Shakira, are you planning to sneak around and do something behind my back?]

Shakira: [That's not true!]

Gideon: [Shakira, you won't tell me where you're living, and you won't let me help relay messages. They're bullying you, and I want to help you get back at them. Is that not okay?]

Shakira helplessly rubbed her forehead. Gideon was someone she had rescued in Belaris. Like Dale's son, they had both been tricked and trapped in that dark, cruel place..

Gideon was the illegitimate son of Daphne, a three-time Golden Award-winning actress, and the Duke of Yarovia. The Virovia royal family looked down on Daphne and refused to recognize Gideon as an heir. It was Daphne who took all the eat and raised her son on her own.

The Duke was locked up by the royal family and never married. His family eventually had to reconcile with Daphne and let Gideon into the royal family.

However, Gideon held a deep resentment towards those who tore his parents apart, the same people who made him feel ashamed as a child without a father. He stubbornly refused to go back, choosing instead to live as a carefree illegitimate-son. So, he became known as the most esteemed illegitimate child. Gideon's troubles were just a stroke of bad luck.

Sensitive to money and sharp-witted, he was relentlessly pursued and tormented by shady characters who would do anything for cash, constantly coming up with new scams to chea

When Shakira found Gideon, he was thin and frail. He refused to be part of their schemes and was brutally abused. They tortured him repeatedly, and even though Matthew managed to help him heal a bit, he would carry those scars for life. Shakira remembered the first time she saw Gideon, trapped in a dark, damp place, his hollow eyes trembling and shrinking in silence as they caught sight of the light.

Shakira: [Well then, I'll need your help, Gideon.] Gideon: [You are welcome.]

Shakira couldn't help but smile.

When Walter came out of the bathroom. he caught sight of Shakira smiling while holding her phone. Her ability to smile after provoking him made his gaze darken.

Walter deliberately maneuvered his wheelchair past her, casually bumping her phone with his elbow.

Shakira looked up at him. Walter kept a straight face, avoiding her gaze as he coldly urged. "Hurry up and turn off the lights and go to bed."

"...I'm going to wash up, Shakira quickly replied, tucking her phone away and rushing into the bathroom.

Walter turned his head, watching her leave, his eyes showing an unfathomable depth. In his mind, he suddenly recalled Benji's haunting words. "Don't you want Shakira to love not just your body but your soul?"Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

Of course, he did. Realizing he had entertained such a ridiculous thought, Walter shook his head. In a fit of embarrassment and anger, he called Brian, "Starting tomorrow, Benji isn't allowed to come back and mess things up." Brian said. "Got it, sir."

In the next half-month, Lago took Gideon to the casino every other day. With each visit, their account balance grew. Then, Lago would transfer a few to Gideon to keep him on board. Unbeknownst to them, Lago had racked up nearly two million, all won from the casino. As Lago thought about continuing this profitable venture, the casino manager stopped him.

The manager wore a fake smile. "Mr. Smith, your luck has been pretty amazing lately, I've noticed you win quite a bit every time you come in." Gideon instinctively hid behind Lago.

Lago felt a twinge of guilt but covered it with bravado. There are tons of people winning and losing in this casino every day. why pick on me?" Lago raised his voice on purpose, "Before, my luck was terrible; I lost hundreds of thousands every day. Why didn't you check on me then?"

The manager offered a polite smile, "Mr. Smith, while you've lost a lot here, your winnings have far surpassed that, putting you among our top lucky patrons."

Lago's expression hardened. "What do you mean? Do you think I'm cheating and my current financial situation defines my worth? You should know the only heiress of the Nelson family is my daughter. Your money doesn't impress me; my daughter gives me way more!" The manager quickly apologized, "Mr. Smith, you've misunderstood! I was just showing concern and congratulating you on your good luck. I never meant to offend you; I hope you can forgive me."

"Can't handle losing, and yet you call yourselves the biggest casino chain in the world? I don't even want to come here again," With that, Lago stormed off, leading Gideon away.

They quickly hailed a taxi by the roadside. Once inside, both men let out a deep sigh of relief.

Gideon, with wide, innocent eyes full of admiration, exclaimed, Mr. Smith, you were awesome just now! You totally intimidated the casino manager

Lago waved his hand, his vanity easily stroked by Gideon's praise. "I have no reason to be afraid of him. But we can't go back to that casino, or we'll get into