The True Heiress's Return

Chapter 170

Suddenly, Walter was eager to get an answer from Shakira. Previously, rumors had circulated in school that Joe

was pursuing Shakira, and that the small eatery where Shakira had taken Walter was a place she and Joe had

gone to together. Walter had felt uncomfortable hearing those whispers but hadn't pressed for more details. He

wasn't one to meddle in others" affairs; Shakira's matters were none of his concem. Yet now... he found himself

unwilling to keep up this pretense. Shakira, confronted by his intense scrutiny, looked momentarily perplexed by

her analysis. 'Is Walter really driven solely by possessiveness? His gaze held a weighty intensity, hiding deeper,

more complex emotions.

An inexplicable sense of anxiety gripped Shakira, causing her to clench her fists. Taking a deep breath, she

decided to share the full story behind Walter's findings.

"Initially, Joe didn't think much of me. But after 1 showed off my skills in a few racing competitions, he started

followingaround, insisting that | teach him how to corner and overtake at the right moments. Those

memories felt somewhat distant to Shakira now.

"We becfriends. Joe understood that | wouldn't accept his money. So, he introducedto quick money-

making opportunities. He was a great help, and | can't deny | developed sdependence on him. But when he

wantedto be his girlfriend. | firmly rejected him and kept my distance."

"Why?" Walter interjected abruptly, his dark gaze sharpening with an intensity that felt almost suffocating.

Shakira smirked slightly. "Joe and | cfrom totally different worlds. Plus, | didn't want to get too entangled

with anyone else. She lowered her gaze, murmuring, "Back then, | was in a terrible place and didn't deserve his

affection.”

Walter felt a pang in his chest at her sudden vulnerability, which was rarely shown alongside her usual

competitive demeanor. Instinctively, he reached out to console her but hesitated mid-motion

With a sardonic laugh, he remarked, "You have quite the opinion of that inexperienced boy. You think you're

unworthy of him and fear accepting his advances, yet you find the courage to pursue me. Should | commend

your intelligence or question its absence?" After saying that, Walter felt a flicker of regret. He hadn't meant to

mock her, yet words of comfort seemed out of reach. He simply couldn't say, "You're wonderful and could never

be unworthy of Joe."

Before Walter could wallow in his self-recrimination, Shakira suddenly lifted her head, her eyes shining with

excitement.

Iter thought she might be on the verge of tears, but to his surprise, Shakira clenched her fists in exhilaration.

"Right? | was olish back then! It's not that I'm unworthy of Joe: it's him who doesn't measure up to me!" Walter,

momentarily bewildered, responded, "What did you say?

Shakira thought he was putting her down and pouted, "I earned enough on my own to pay for my grandmother's

medical bills. Joe fumbled around at work, causingto lose wages. His motorcycle was terrible; without the

Ortiz family name, he was nothing" Plus, Joe was a man of empty promises. He didn't have right to pursue her

Shakira shook her head. "If | were interested in him. I'd be making a huge mistake!"

While Walter pondered how to make amends, he realized that Shakira's inner strength surpassed his

expectations. She could reclaim her resilience on her own

Asmile unconsciously tugged at Walter's lips. He had begun to see her with newfound admiration because of her

unique character. If she had easily succumbed to her troubles, he wouldn't have found her worthy of his

attention. Noticing Walter's mood shifting from somber to brighter, Shakin's eyes sparkled mischievously. "Now |

have a far more

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Chapter 170-

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worthwhile goal! You have looks, a stunning physique, remarkable talent, and wealth-surely even a blind person

could see how great you are!"

Walter remained seemingly indifferent to her flattery. He shot back with a cold smile, "If I'm so remarkable, why

are you not so eager to curry my favor? It seems like you've done nothing bit annoylately"

Shakira stared at him, wide-eyed. She thought, 'As a humble servant, have | not been diligent? | went out of my

way to shower him with praise! Clearly, he is the one who has been vexing mel

"I am utterly wronged! | did nothing and said nothing, yet you grew jealous on your own!" she said.

A look of embarrassment crossed Walter's face. | wasn't jealous.

Shakira, incredulous, shot back, "Didn't you just admit it?"

"Oh. | was just speaking casually." Walter denied outright.

"No! You were definitely jealous!"

"Shakira, are you rebelling against me?"

"Dictatorial, unreasonable Big Devil!"

"| think you're just feeling a bit restless. Chere."

Levi, Brian, Xanthe, and several other servants stood lined up in the hallway, all ears straining to hear the playful

exchange inside. Shocked yet relieved, they exchanged glances.

Brian was still grappling with disbelief, wondering how Walter could engage in banter with Shakira. "Mr. Lopez is

actually trading jibes with Ms. Nelson?"

Levi wore a benevolent smile. To placate Mr. Lopez, we need Ms. Nelson's help."

Xanthe was shocked. "Are they really making up this quickly? Even sex doesn't get settled this quickly!"

As soon as she said that, everyone turned to look at her. Flustered, Xanthe stammered, "W-what's wrong?

something off?"

Ti thought for a moment and said, "I think their sex would probably take longer."

an nodded in agreement, and the other servants followed suit, showing they agreed.

Xanthe hadn't expected their thoughts to go in such a risky direction.

Did | say

still, she silently decided: Walter and Shakira were