The Scorned Heiress's Hidden Empire (by Jade Quinn) novel Chapter 12

Chapter 12

Chapter 12

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The five Mitchell brothers sat in the car. It was their first time doing something so sneaky, but seeing the sister they had lost for nineteen years brought a surge of excitement, followed quickly by deep heartache.

“It’s her! It’s our sister! She’s coming out!”

Ryan Mitchell nearly leaped out of the driver’s seat in excitement.

The other four brothers all sat up straight, their eyes locked onto the figure emerging from the hotel.

“It really is her!”

Jason Mitchell’s lips trembled with nerves. Only now, seeing that face so strikingly similar to their mother’s, did he finally believe it wasn’t a dream. They had truly found her!

Even the usually stoic Andrew Mitchell had misty eyes. His voice was low and raspy. “Keep your distance and follow her.”

“Why does she look even thinner than in the photos? Is that all she’s eating for breakfast?”

Ethan Mitchell’s brow furrowed deeply. His fingers shook as he watched her slender silhouette with an aching

heart.

“The Grant family… how dare they. I’m calling my people to deal with them right now!”

Blake Mitchell reached for his phone, but Andrew stopped him.

“Blake, don’t be reckless. This is between her and the Grants. We can’t just interfere; at the very least, we need

to know what she wants.”

After all, their sister had lived in the countryside with the elderly Mrs. Grant until she passed away two years ago, which was when the Grants finally brought her back.

From their investigation, they knew the late Mrs. Grant had treated Natalie as her own.

Their fury at the Grants stemmed from the obvious mistreatment she’d faced recently, but they couldn’t deny the kindness shown by the old woman who raised her.

Without Mrs. Grant, their sister might not have survived that first harsh winter.

Blake calmed down and realized Andrew was right. This was her life, the one she chose or was forced into during the nineteen years they were absent.

They couldn’t just barge in using blood and power. It would be an insult to her past and might even trigger a backlash, making her push them away even further.

He gripped his phone until his knuckles turned white before finally putting it away.

They followed Natalie in silence from a distance until she reached the security perimeter of the exam center.

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14:35 Thu, May 14

Chapter 12

Suddenly, Natalie turned around and stared coldly at the black Audi.

The air inside the car instantly froze.

The five Mitchell brothers held their breath, their hearts gripped by an invisible hand.

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That gaze was too cold, too sharp. It felt as though it pierced through the tinted windows and struck them directly.

Ryan swallowed hard. What a… what a terrifyingly cold stare.

He sat frozen. “Did… did she spot us?”

The others weren’t sure either. Fortunately, Natalie looked away a second later, tossed her trash into a nearby bin, and vanished into the crowd.

The tension eased slightly. “Man… scared the life out of me. She was just throwing away trash!”

Blake licked his lips. That look just now… it felt like a clear warning.

But she’s only nineteen. How could she have such a terrifying gaze and sharp intuition?

It must have been their guilty consciences playing tricks on them.

Natalie had known she was being followed since she left the hotel. Their stares were so intense it was impossible to miss.

It was annoying, but they weren’t causing any real harm.

This year’s SATs were particularly brutal. As students walked out after the final exam, many looked like they had seen a ghost.

Some even joked, “Time to repeat the year. See you next year!”

“Seriously, why was it that hard?”

“Straight to the University of Nowhere for me!”

The entrance was swamped with people holding bouquets. Isabelle Grant immediately spotted Michael and Julia Wilson at the front and jogged over. “Mom, Michael!” she chirped sweetly.

Julia’s face lit up the moment she saw her daughter. “Oh, Isabelle, you’ve worked so hard.”

Isabelle giggled. “It was nothing, Mom. You’re the one who worked hard waiting out here for me!”

“Oh, sweetheart, I don’t mind at all!”

14:35 Thu, May 14

Chapter 12

Julia beamed, clearly loving the attention.

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Michael handed her a bouquet, his face full of brotherly affection. “Great job, Isabelle. Come on, I’m taking you out for a massive feast to celebrate!”

“Thanks, Michael!”

Isabelle took the beautifully wrapped, massive bouquet under the envious eyes of the crowd, her smile growing even sweeter as she leaned into Julia, soaking in the moment.

Right then, a reporter from Seaside City TV recognized Michael Grant.

The young heir of the Grant Group, a rising Vice President, plus the juicy gossip about the family finding their “real” daughter, it was perfect news material.

The reporter and cameraman immediately pushed through the crowd toward them.

“Mr. Grant, Mrs. Grant, congratulations! Is this the famous Miss Grant? She’s absolutely stunning!”

The reporter flattered them warmly, thrusting a mic toward Isabelle. “Miss Grant, how does it feel to be done with the SATs? Can you share your thoughts with us?”

Isabelle glanced at the encouraging looks from her mother and brother. She cleared her throat, ready to give a speech about being “thankful for everything despite a rough past” and “wanting to give back to society.”

Julia and Michael stood by, wearing smiles of pride and satisfaction.

At that moment, there was a minor commotion at the edge of the crowd.

“Natalie Moore?”

Michael frowned and looked over.

Natalie sauntered out of the exam hall, her long brown hair draped loosely over her shoulders, her face completely expressionless.

She didn’t even glance toward Michael’s direction, walking right past them.

The camera that was supposed to be on Isabelle suddenly swiveled toward Natalie. Isabelle clenched her fists in fury.

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