The Scorned Heiress's Hidden Empire (by Jade Quinn) novel Chapter 20

Chapter 20

Chapter 20

She spoke softly, her voice calm and steady, yet it made her five brothers’ hearts ache before a wave of immense joy washed over them.

“Right! It never has to be empty again!”

Ryan Mitchell nodded vigorously, his eyes reddening again.

“Natalie, we’ll take lots and lots of photos every year from now on!” Jason said gently.

Natalie closed the last photo album and looked up at her brothers surrounding her.

Sunlight streamed in from the terrace, casting a warm halo around them.

“Mm,” she hummed in response.

There weren’t many sentimental words, but her quiet listening and acceptance were the best response possible.

“Dinner’s ready!” Charlotte’s cheerful, slightly proud shout drifted up from downstairs.

🙂

“Let’s go! Time to eat! Mom is an amazing cook, and she doesn’t get into the kitchen often!” Ryan jumped up instantly. He reached out to pull Natalie along but, remembering she might not be used to such intimacy, he shifted mid-motion into a “lead the way” gesture.

Natalie stood up and followed her brothers downstairs.

A table full of dishes awaited them, looking and smelling absolutely delicious.

Natalie sat next to Charlotte, and Andrew Mitchell quickly and quietly claimed the seat on his sister’s other side.

The other four exchanged glances. Dammit!

“Quick, Natalie, try some. Let’s see if Mom’s cooking suits your taste.”

Charlotte looked at her expectantly.

Natalie picked up her fork, took a piece of sweet and sour pork rib, the closest dish to her, and savored it slowly.

She nodded in satisfaction. “It’s delicious, Mom. You all should eat too.”

Hearing her daughter’s praise, Charlotte beamed instantly, her eyes sparkling brighter than if she’d received any other compliment.

“I’m so glad you like it! Eat more!”

She hurriedly piled several more dishes into Natalie’s plate, creating a small mountain.

52

14:38 Thu, May 14

Chapter 20

“You’re too thin. Eat up!”

(6

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However, that was the last time they would call her thin, as they soon discovered that Natalie was a massive eater who somehow never gained a pound.

“Mom’s cooking is top-tier. We’re only getting this treat today because of Natalie!”

Ethan Mitchell adjusted his glasses with a smile.

Throughout the meal, Natalie ate with great gusto, putting away even more food than Ryan.

“Sis… Natalie?”

Ryan looked at the half-empty platters and swallowed.

“Are… are you really hungry?”

‘Didn’t she have breakfast this morning?’ Ryan wondered to himself.

Natalie looked up at everyone’s shocked faces and said calmly, “Not really. This is my normal appetite.”

‘Normal appetite?’ Ryan thought, completely floored.

Ryan stared at the mostly empty plates, then at his sister’s slender frame that looked like it might blow away in the wind. He looked dazed.

He considered himself the biggest eater and most active in the family, but his sister seemed even more intense than him.

Charlotte was the first to recover, overcome with joy. “A good appetite is a blessing! Natalie, I’m so happy you enjoy the food! I will cook for you every day!”

“Your Mom and I will take turns cooking for you!”

William Mitchell looked at her with a grin. He had to make sure his daughter tasted his cooking too!

Ethan remained stoic. “Mom, Dad, you two rest. I’ll cook for Natalie tomorrow.”

“I’ll do it, Ethan. You should rest…”

Jason didn’t even get to finish his sentence before he was cut off.

“You finally have two days off before heading back to the set. I’ll do it,” Andrew interrupted.

“Andrew, the company is busy. You should rest. I’ll cook for her tomorrow!”

“Me! You’re all busy, and I’m the one with the most free time. Let me do it!!!”

**

The brothers bickered for a long time over who would cook for their sister the next day.

14:38 Thu, May 14

Chapter 20

Charlotte took a sip of water. “Stop! Quiet down!”

She realized she shouldn’t be so greedy. “Everyone will get a turn. We’ll rotate!”

“Fine, fine!” William agreed, beaming at Natalie. “It’s settled. Natalie, you’ll get to try different flavors every day. We’ll see who among your father and brothers is the best chef!”

Natalie nodded. “Okay.”

“Natalie, your father and I want to throw a banquet to officially welcome you home. What do you think?”

Charlotte asked, worried she might dislike such events.

“I’m fine with it. You decide.”

Natalie didn’t mind.

Charlotte looked delighted. “Good. I’ll pick an auspicious day to officially introduce you to everyone!”

“Sis, do you have plans for the afternoon? If not, I can show you around Harbor City! How about it?”

Ryan grabbed the first opening to talk to Natalie, making his four brothers fume.

‘Damn, he got in first again!’ they all thought, annoyed.

“Sure.”

Natalie agreed.

Seeing her agreement, the others chimed in. “Natalie, I’ll be filming here in Harbor City in a few days. If you’re interested, I can take you to the set to check things out?”

Jason looked at her with a grin, awaiting her answer.

Natalie nodded. “Okay.”

Blake cleared his throat. “Their ideas are boring. Want to try shooting or target practice? I can take you to do the real thing! What do you say?”

Natalie nodded again. She knew they were trying to make up for lost time and that they genuinely loved her.

And she really liked her brothers, too.

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