The Scorned Heiress's Hidden Empire (by Jade Quinn) novel Chapter 129

Chapter 129

Chapter 129

William said, “Changing your last name is easy, but the kindness you received can never be forgotten.”

When Natalie heard her father say this, her eyes grew gentle, and a deep smile spread across her lips.

Some people in the audience were amazed, some were touched, while others remained indifferent.

In the corner, a middle–aged man in a silver–gray suit held his wine glass, a barely–there sneer tugging at his lips

He muttered, “The Mitchell family is really going overboard, huh? Giving shares to some country girl is one thing, but making such a big deal out of it?

“Sure, she’s good–looking and carries herself okay, but does she really have what it takes to fit in with the Mitchells just because of her face?

“Education, experience, vision, how could any of that come from a backwater place?”

The guy next to him whispered, “Yeah, today’s a big show. If anything goes sideways later, it’ll be the Mitchell family’s reputation taking the hit.”

The man shrugged, “Losing face isn’t the real problem. I’m more worried if this kid can actually handle all this.

“The higher the Mitchell family puts her on a pedestal, the harder she’ll fall if she can’t hold her own.

“At that point, forget about making the Mitchells look good, just hope she doesn’t end up dragging their name through the mud.”

The man shook his head, his tone laced with amusement, as if he was just here for the entertainment.

He spoke quietly, but everyone around him caught his words./Some nodded along, while others simply frowned and kept their thoughts to themselves.

Blondie was standing nearby and overheard every word loud and clear. His face fell instantly

Just as he was about to step forward, someone else beat him to it.

“Oh? You must have seen a lot, huh?” A deep, magnetic male voice came from behind.

His voice betrayed no emotion, and everyone around fell silent without even realizing it.

The man turned around, curious, and found Henry Pieres standing right behind him. His slender fingers held a wine glass, not drinking, just gently swirling the liquid inside.

The amber wine shimmered under the lights, casting a glow on his chiseled jawline.

“Mr. Pierce?” The man was caught off guard, his vou e trembling with surprise.

He hadn’t expected Henry to be right behind hun, and quickly forced an awkward smule. Henry just shottam a cold, sideways glance and said nothing

The mau was over the noun convinced that Mr. Pierce had spoken to him because his ow) Az resouded with hire

If he could use this opportunity to cozy up to Mo. Price, he angle just her sui tos 114

With that unglit.

carly autocla

8:32 am P p pp.

Chapter 129

few more flattering remarks.

He said, “Mr. Pierce, you know how it is. Kids from rural areas just don’t have much foundation or exposure.

“The Mitchell family is really putting her on a pedestal. Sure, it looks impressive to outsiders, but if she can be the Mitchells who end up losing face.

“I’m just looking out for the Mitchell family…”

As he spoke, he couldn’t help but glance at the stage, his eyes full of condescending pity.

Henry didn’t interrupt or respond. He just glanced down at his wine, then looked up, his gaze landing on the man’s face.

“So, what do you do?” Henry asked.

The man immediately sat up straighter, his whole demeanor becoming more confident.

“I’m in building materials, been working in Harbor City for twenty years now. If you ever need anything, Mr. Pierce, just say the word…”

As he spoke, he eagerly handed his business card to Henry, almost wishing he could slip his phone number in as well.

Henry’s long fingers picked up the business card, didn’t even bother to look at it, and casually tossed it to Lewis, who was standing nearby.

Henry smirked, “Too bad the Mitchell family head never

took you

seriously…”

The man didn’t catch the sarcasm at all. He just thought Henry was praising him and grinned from ear to ear.

“Oh, it’s nothing, really, just trying to get by.

“Trust me, in Harbor City, I know who’s putting up buildings, who’s remodeling, and what materials they’re using “The Mitchell family’s big family event is impressive, but for this kid, all that fanfare won’t take her very far.”

He was getting more and more carried away, completely oblivious to the fact that the look in Henry’s eves had grown icy. Henry scoffed, “Twenty years, huh? Guess you’ve seen it all.”

With that, he walked off. The man tried to say something else, but Henry shut him up with a single cold look

The man forced a smile. “Lewis, hope you’ll look after me real well!”

Lewis pushed up his glasses, his smile half genuine half mocking. “Don’t worry, I’ll paake sure to take extra good care of you, real good care.”

He thought. He really dared to gossip about Miss Moore. Mr. Pierce will dehnitely give him some spectal njention. Ther he’ll end up on his knees thanking him for all that big talk today

As Lewis walked away, the man was still lost in his daydream of striking it rich.

“Did you hear that Mr. Pierce just said I’ve got what it takes to be the Muchell famdy head he boasted

The osiers just stared at hun in silence.

Seriously he cantemfell if someone’s praising him or roasting hou

How did he exchat this bar diy thought.

8:32 am pppp

Chapter 129

On stage, Natalie gently held back William and Charlotte, who were about to step down.

“Mom, Dad, wait a moment…” she said.

The group looked confused, and then a few waiters walked over in perfect formation, each carrying a tray

Natalie spoke up at just the right moment. “I’ve prepared gifts for you too!”

The Mitchell family looked flattered and surprised by the gesture.

“We… we get gifts too?” Ryan’s eyes went wide, his voice cracking with disbelief.

His face was full of disbelief.

The other four were all filled with nervous anticipation.

Natalie gave a soft smile and nodded.

Charlotte’s tears hadn’t even dried before she broke into a smile, her hands flailing a bit, not knowing what to do with them

“Wow, you even thought of us…” Charlotte said, her voice full of surprise and warmth.

William tried to act calm, but he was clearly eager, leaning forward without even realizing it.

The guests eyed the long line of waiters with growing curiosity. A country kid like her, what kind of gifts could she possibly come up with? Probably something modest, nothing fancy, they couldn’t help but think.

Natalie took the first tray, which held a dark brown leather gift box.

She turned to William and said, “Dad, this is for you.”

William blinked, sneaking a peek at the other gifts. The biggest one is for me!‘ he thought, feeling a surge of pride.

William couldn’t help but grin to himself, barely holding back a chuckle. ‘Heh, the biggest gift is mine! he thought, feeling secretly delighted.

He tried to keep a straight face, but no matter how hard he tried, the smile kept creeping up. Pretending to be calm, he couldn’t help but reach for the gift, his hand moving before he even realized it.

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