The Scorned Heiress's Hidden Empire (by Jade Quinn) novel Chapter 100

Chapter 100

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“Seriously, just because someone’s an influencer, does that give them the right to film whoever they want?”

Rosie planted herself beside Blondie, gripping her cue like she was ready to swing if anyone dared to cross

her.

A young guy in a uniform hurried over, stepping between them with a professional smile, but his voice was firm and authoritative.

“Sir, please calm down. Our club has a rule: you can’t film anyone without their permission. If you keep doing this, we’ll have to ask you to leave,” he said, not leaving any room for argument.

Howard’s face burned with embarrassment, and he looked even more awkward after the staff member’s

words.

“What kind of stupid rule is that? What’s wrong with me streaming? I’m giving you free promotion, isn’t that a good thing?” he snapped.

An older supervisor came over, his tone even firmer than the young staff member’s.

“Sir, we don’t need your kind of promotion. Please cooperate with us,” he said firmly.

Howard was left speechless, his face turning bright red.

He looked back at his two staff members, but they just kept their heads down, pretending not to notice.

The crowd around them kept growing, with people holding up their phones and filming nonstop.

“This influencer has no shame. He’s still filming even after they told him to stop.”

“Seriously, just because he’s an influencer, he thinks he’s above everyone else?”

The whispers kept reaching Howard’s ears, and his face fell, looking more and more embarrassed.

But then Howard remembered he was an influencer. He couldn’t afford to lose his cool. If someone caught him acting out and posted it online, his whole persona would be trashed.

Anyway, the stream had been cut off, and everyone watching already knew the whole story.

With such a massive fanbase, he could just drop a video or go live again to steer the narrative. Let’s see if they still act all high and mighty then.

Howard took a deep breath, and in an instant, his whole demeanor changed. Gone was the flustered anger, replaced by an air of magnanimity, like he was above it all.

“Alright, alright, I won’t film anymore,” he said, raising his hands in mock surrender.

He spread his hands and gave the crowd a helpless smile. “Hey, I always respect the rules. If she doesn’t want to be on stream, then I won’t film her, simple as that.”

He paused, then added, “I came here to play pool anyway. Streaming was just for fun. Let’s just get back to our game!”

11:12 Sun, May 10

Chapter 100

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As he spoke, he waved at the people still filming him, as if to say, “Alright, show’s over, move along.”

Someone nearby murmured. This influencer’s actually pretty easygoing…”

“Guess he’s not as annoying as I thought…” another person added.

Howard heard those comments and felt a surge of smug satisfaction inside.

But then his eyes darted back to Natalie.

“Sorry, Natalie. I know I was out of line earlier, but honestly, you guys snatching my phone wasn’t cool either. That’s why I got worked up.” Howard said, trying to sound sincere.

Natalie kept her hands shoved in her pockets, staring him down with icy eyes.

Blondie gave a derisive snort, not interested in wasting another second on him. He chucked Howard’s phone back at him. “Get out of our sight!”

Howard took the phone, his smile faltering for a split second, but he quickly slipped back into his magnanimous act.

“Alright, alright!”

He turned to the crowd, grinning. “Hey, I’m here to challenge you all today. No live stream, no problem. Let’s keep the show going!

“Who’s got the best skills here? Anyone up for a match? Winner takes home 7 thousand dollars!”

As soon as he said that, the crowd erupted in chatter.

“7 thousand dollars? Is he for real?”

“Damn, this influencer’s really generous!”

“Who’s got the skills? Go for it. What if you actually win?”

Howard’s lips curled into a smirk as he turned back to Natalie. “What do you say, Natalie? Wanna try your luck?”

Blondie shot Howard a look, instantly seeing through his desperate attempt to regain some dignity. “Seven grand? Seriously?”

“That wouldn’t even cover one of Talia’s meals,” Blondie snorted, pure contempt in his voice.

As soon as Blondie dropped that line, the whole place went dead silent for a moment.

‘Seven grand wouldn’t even cover Talia’s meal?‘ someone whispered, stunned.

‘Who the heck is she?‘ another person muttered, curiosity written all over their face.

Howard’s smile froze for a split second, but he quickly put it back on.

“That’s some big talk,” he said, sizing Blondie up with a skeptical look.

11:13 Sun, May 10 D KIKA

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150 grand? I could earn that back in a flash if this goes viral.

“Deal!” Howard said, not missing a beat.

11:13 Sun, May 10

Chapter 100

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Howard clenched his jaw, refusing to back down. “Alright, but what happens if I win?”

Natalie’s lips curled into a slight smile.

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“If you win, you can film me, and I’ll even give you 150 thousand dollars,” she said, her voice calm and steady.

Blondie got anxious, not because he thought Talia might lose. He knew exactly what she was capable of. Eight–time Snooker Masters champ, come on!

“Talia, are you seriously gonna lower yourself to play with this guy?” Blondie blurted out, disbelief all over

his face.

Talia gave him a look, and Blondie instantly shut up.

Howard’s eyes lit up like he’d just struck gold.

150 grand plus a smash–hit video? This is a goldmine!‘ Howard thought, barely able to contain his excitement.

“Done! You got yourself a deal!” Howard said, grinning from ear to ear.

Worried Natalie might change her mind, he quickly stuck out his hand. “Seal the deal with a high five!”

Howard wasn’t worried about losing at all. He had total faith in his game.

After all, he used to be a professional player.

Even though he’d retired to become an influencer, his fundamentals were still sharp, his reflexes were on point, and that muscle memory was second nature.

He’d snagged third place in a provincial tournament. Sure, he never made the national team, but among amateurs, he was pretty much a legend.

These days, he crushed countless so–called “local legends” on his livestreams, pulling in waves of views and fans every time,

Besides, his opponent today was just some young girl in her early twenties. Even if she had a few tricks up her sleeve, there was no way she could beat him. At least, that’s what Howard thought.

Howard sized up the situation, his confidence written all over his face as his grin grew wider and more

self–assured.

Natalie didn’t bother with the high five. “Let’s get started,” she said, her tone cool and indifferent.