Filed To Story: Watch Out! She's a Mastermind Heiress (Isabella Patton) Book PDF Free
His gaze fell upon his friends—now soon-to-be brothers-in-law—who stood before him with expectant smiles.
Among the three of them lay carefully orchestrated tasks, each one a stepping stone toward his beloved. Without hesitation, Andrew embarked on his mission.
Jubilant laughter echoed through the air as Andrew, flanked by his loyal groomsmen, navigated through playful games before finally reaching the threshold of Isabella’s chamber.
There stood Evie, one of the bridesmaids, guarding the entrance like a gentle sentinel.
Upon seeing her older brother approach, she wore a knowing smile and gracefully stepped aside, her heart too full of joy to present any real obstacle.
“Well, would you look at that!” Maxine’s voice rang out from the sidelines.
“You’re in league with him!”
Turning to Isabella with a theatrical flourish, Maxine declared, “Isabella, I must warn you—Mr. Klein is quite the strategist! He has turned a bridesmaid against us! And Evie here has the backbone of a jellyfish. I simply cannot let them breeze through my challenge so easily.”
Yet before her declaration could settle in the air, Andrew had already pushed Norton forward as his secret weapon.
Norton was caught between his fierce-talking girlfriend and his determined friend, but his pleading eyes worked their magic. Maxine’s resolve crumbled like a sandcastle in the tide, lasting barely a minute before she surrendered. Maxine and Evie then stood side by side, silently watching Andrew proceed to Milly’s stage.
These bridal party challenges were, after all, meant to bring joy rather than create true obstacles.
As Andrew triumphed over each playful test, finally lifting a beaming Isabella into his arms, Evie started the wave of applause. But when her gaze inadvertently met Waylon’s, a sharp pain pierced her heart, compelling her to look away.
Across the celebration, Waylon’s fist clenched tightly. After witnessing Andrew and Isabella’s grand, beautiful ceremony, he strode toward Evie with Jenny at his side.
“Waylon…”
Ignoring Evie completely, he spoke to Jenny while walking.
“My family has pressing matters awaiting me back home. I’ll arrange for someone to drive you.”
“That won’t be necessary,” Jenny replied with gentle warmth.
“I’ll drive your car. Your sister looks radiant, and your new brother-in-law is quite handsome. They’re perfectly matched—I couldn’t be happier for them.”
“Thank you.”
The casual familiarity with which Waylon passed Jenny his keys suggested this wasn’t their first such exchange.
Seeing Jenny clearly now, Evie recognized her as the woman from Waylon’s video call—the same one she’d spotted with him that day in Mila’s park. They must have been dating for a while, Evie reflected, feeling her heart twist. But she’d already accepted this reality.
“Today’s your brother’s wedding. Why didn’t you invite your current boyfriend to share in the celebration? Actually, who are you seeing these days? I’ve encountered some interesting people overseas. I’d be happy to introduce you, if you’d like.”
Evie stood frozen, the words striking her like shards of ice. Before her stood Waylon, having just bid Jenny farewell, his imposing figure casting a shadow that seemed to engulf her. The bitter edge in his first words since returning home cut deeper than any blade.
“Waylon, you…”
Disbelief flooded her eyes as she stared at this stranger wearing Waylon’s face. The man she knew would never have wielded such cruel words as weapons.
“Did I say anything wrong? That Laurin—you cast him aside long ago, didn’t you?”
The mention of Laurinda’s fake name left Evie speechless, her silence painting a confession across her features—one that Waylon was all too eager to read.
Deep in his pockets, Waylon’s fists clenched tight. He was desperately containing the tempest of emotions threatening to break free.
“Never mind. Clearly, you’re not wanting for male attention. I was foolish to worry.”
With that, he turned on his heel and strode away. Evie watched his retreating form, each step widening the chasm between them, countless unspoken words dying in her throat. After all, she had wounded him first. This twisted perception he held of her—she had crafted it with her own hands.
Waylon had found someone new now. There was no point in explaining, in tangling their already complicated history into tighter knots.
Let it be this way, Evie thought to herself. From this moment forward, she and Waylon would drift apart like ships in the night, their paths destined never to cross again. Perhaps then, the ache in her heart would finally cease.
Yet what could possibly fill the void he would leave behind?
Evie had no answer, but life’s relentless march demanded she move forward.
With Andrew’s wedding now a cherished memory, the practical matters of life rushed to the forefront. He faced a whirlwind of tasks: wrapping up company affairs, conducting the annual meeting ahead of schedule, arranging employee vacation dates—all before whisking Isabella away on their honeymoon.
While the newlyweds basked in their romantic getaway, Waylon balanced his flourishing modeling career with overseeing Isabella’s company responsibilities. His silent dedication ensured his sister could fully embrace these precious moments with Andrew, unburdened by business concerns.
The evening unfolded like any other, yet something in the air felt different.
Waylon attended the banquet on behalf of the Patton Group, standing on the second floor, surrounded by influential business figures. On the first floor, Evie stood beside a well-known singer, casually sipping her wine.
“See him up there?” the singer whispered, nodding toward Waylon.
“That’s Waylon Patton, the third son of the Patton Group’s chairman. Word is he has finally come home to take over the family business. Everyone’s scrambling to get on his good side.”
Evie twirled the stem of her glass between her fingers, her expression unreadable.
The singer smirked.
“He’s rich, powerful, and not bad to look at. And from what I hear, he’s generous too. Tempted?”
Evie glanced at her, her voice cool and steady.
“He has a girlfriend. So don’t get your hopes up.”
The singer sighed, her enthusiasm deflating.
“I knew it. Men like him are out of reach for people like us.”
Evie had no interest in continuing the conversation. Setting her glass down, she excused herself.
“I’ll be back. I need to freshen up.”
In the restroom, she stood at the sink, mindlessly rubbing hand sanitizer between her palms. The scent of alcohol and lavender filled the air as she repeated the motion over and over. Eventually, she washed away the foam, dried her hands, applied a light layer of hand cream, and walked out.
As she stepped into the hallway, she heard the faint shuffle of footsteps. A man was approaching—tall, well-dressed, but slightly unsteady on his feet. Even in the dim lighting, she recognized him instantly. Carleigh Salazar. He was talented and ambitious, but with a playboy reputation that preceded him.
Evie instinctively stepped aside, intending to walk past him unnoticed. Carleigh, however, was in high spirits. Earlier that day, he had secured a major deal with the Patton Group—a partnership that would elevate his family’s status significantly. He had celebrated with a few too many drinks.
The Patton Group was growing rapidly, cementing its place among the top five business giants in Ansport alongside the Klein, Riggs, and Lambert Groups, as well as Homelight Enterprise.
With their new partnership in place, Carleigh was certain of one thing—his time had come. If everything went as planned, his family’s status would only climb higher, and soon, his siblings would no longer stand in his way.
Carleigh’s eyes gleamed with triumph, a mix of confidence and alcohol-induced giddiness fueling his mood. Thanks to his partnership with the Patton Group, he had been the center of attention all evening. Now, as he watched Evie approach, her complexion glowing under the soft lights, her quiet grace undeniable—his mind began to wander. A slow smirk spread across his face.
“Evie?” he called, his voice smooth as he stepped forward to block her path with an air of confidence.
“I’ve been a fan of your music for quite some time,” he said, his tone casual but loaded with meaning.
“Now that we’ve finally met, how about sharing a drink—just the two of us?”
His raised eyebrow made his intentions clear. Carleigh was certain she wouldn’t refuse. Given his current status, how could she? She was just a singer with no powerful family to back her. No matter how famous she was, she couldn’t possibly defy the influence of wealth.
But to his surprise, Evie took a small step back.
“I appreciate the invitation, Mr. Salazar, but I’ve had enough to drink tonight. Perhaps another time. My treat.” Her voice was polite yet firm, leaving no room for argument. She attempted to step past him.
Carleigh hadn’t anticipated rejection. His smile faltered, and irritation crept in.
“Evie, you don’t seem drunk to me,” he said, his voice sharpening.
“Come on, just one drink. You don’t really have a choice.” As he reached out to grab her wrist, Evie’s breath hitched, and she quickly stepped aside, putting distance between them.
“Mr. Salazar,” she said, her eyes dark with warning, “please mind your manners.”
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