The Scorned Heiress's Hidden Empire (by Jade Quinn) novel Chapter 207

Chapter 207 Vying For Favor

That year, Jacob Miller was visiting a friend overseas when he was suddenly struck by acute pancreatitis and h rushed to a local hospital

The hospital’s facilities and medical skills just weren’t up to handling such a crisis, and things got dangerously doctors said if he’d arrived just a few hours later, it would’ve been too late.

At that time, Dylan’s father happened to be at the same hospital for a check–up. He heard about a Summerset fri serious trouble, couldn’t speak the language, no family around.

Without a second thought, he reached out to the best private hospital, arranged the transfer, and even paid all th bills up front. The whole ordeal kept everyone busy for days.

After that, the two ended up getting acquainted. Before Jacob left, he gave Dylan’s father his address, feeling he a debt of gratitude.

Natalie took the envelope without opening it and said, “My grandpa hasn’t been feeling well lately, so he can’t real He won’t be able to help you guys ‘anymore.”

Dylan was taken aback. He glanced at his wife, realizing that Jacob’s absence might be because of his health. The way Natalie said it was pretty indirect, but Dylan couldn’t help thinking Jacob’s health must be in pretty bad si

Worry flashed across Joanna’s face. “Is Mr. Miller alright?”

Natalie didn’t answer. Her silence said it all.

Joanna and Dylan exchanged a worried glance but didn’t press further.

“We know a lot of specialists. If you ever need anything, just let us know,” Joanna said.

Natalie gave a small smile. “Thanks.”

She set down her coffee cup. “This is a debt my grandpa owes you. He’s always taken his promises seriously.

‘Now that he can’t make it up to you himself, if you don’t mind, I’d like to do it for him. I’ve been learning chess from since I was a kid.”

She spoke with genuine sincerity.

Dylan blinked, feeling a bit uncertain. He didn’t know Natalie at all, and had no clue about her skill level.

This match was a make–or–break moment for their team in Summerset. Sponsors, the media, and all the veterans in th world were watching. There was zero room for error.

But she’d always been right by Jacob’s side, and he’d taught her Go himself, step by step.

From what Dylan knew, Jacob never took on any other apprentices So Natalie was probably his one and only student

Joanna and Dylan were both hesitant. Natalie looked so young, and they just couldn’t risk putting something this cruci the hands of someone her age.

Natalie noticed their hesitation and didn’t say much more. “Take your time. If you decide, just reach out to me anytime.” She glanced at Larkin, who understood right away. He pulled out his phone, brought up his WhatsAẬP QR code, and hel out to Dylan.

Dylan nodded, took out his phone, and scanned the code

He thought about trying to connect with other Go veterans in Summerset, having more options was always a good thing After adding Larkin as a contact, Dylan stood up “We’ll be in touch. We won’t keep you any longer today if Mr Miller neex anything, just let me know”

Natalie nodded, stood up and walked them to the door She watched theu car drive away before heading back inside

On Sunday afternoon, Natalie headed back to Harbor City

That evening, Henry showed up with dinner as usual But just as he walked in and was about to set the food down, the doorbell rang again

Natalie got up to answer the door, and the moment she opened it, she saw Blake standing there, holding a big, three–tiered insulated bag

dressed in a dark blue trench coat, his hair slicked back and perfectly styled

fantalin, a smile spread across his handsome face, his eyes warm and gentle, like a spring breeze.

Chapter 207 Vying For Favor

“Natalie, 1 came to see you,” Blake said, his voice full of warmth

He looked over Natalie’s shoulder into the room and saw Henry setting out food containers on the dining table.

The whole table was covered with barbecue pork ribs, stir–fried veggies, and melon soup.

Blake’s smile froze for a spin second, his lips twitching just a bit, but he quickly recovered.

Natalie stepped aside to let me in. “Blake, what brings you here?”

“I brought you dinner. I just learned how to make this and made it especially for you to try, Blake said, his tone ge expectant.

Blake walked in, his eyes fixed on Henry, a clear hint of hostility in his gaze.

Henry finished setting out the food, acting like he didn’t notice Blake’s glare, and flashed him a smile. “Blake.”

Blake’s back went rigid for a second at the way Henry called him,

What?

‘Shameless. We’re the same age, and he’s acting all cute? Who’s he trying to fool? Blake thought.

‘And he’s calling me “Blake“? He’s dropped the act. He’s not even trying to hide his feelings for Natalie anymore, Bl. thought.

Blake raised an eyebrow, ran his tongue along his cheek, ignored Henry completely, and walked in like nothing hap

Natalie arched an eyebrow at the vibe between them and walked inside.

She’d barely taken a couple of steps when the doorbell rang again.

She turned back to open the door, and there was Ethan, dressed in a lightweight black coat, holding an insulated ba hand.

When he saw Natalie, his eyes sparkled with warmth behind his glasses.

His lips curved into a gentle smile, and his voice was as tender as could be.

“Natalie, have you eaten yet? I brought you…”

But before he could finish, his eyes suddenly caught sight of Blake and Henry in the living room.

Blake saw him too. “Ethan? What brings you here?”

Blake glanced down at the food container Ethan was holding

Blake’s brow twitched, and he forced a smile that didn’t reach his eyes.

‘So Andrew tipped Ethan off too, huh?‘ Blake thought.

‘So Ethan knew all along and kept it from me, just so he could get ahead and be the one cooking for Natalie! Blake tho

Ethan blinked, thinking, ‘Huh? What’s going on?‘

‘Wait, did Andrew tip Blake off too?‘ Ethan wondered.

‘He knew about it, didn’t even give me a heads–up, just quietly showed up to deliver dinner to Natalie hamses: Ethan thought.

They both realized they were thinking the same thing, shared a sly smile, and didn’t need to say a word.

Ethan walked in, gave Henry a nod, and began arranging his own dishes

By now, the dining table was completely loaded with food

Natalie watched the three guys, her lips twitching helplessly She sighed, about to shut the door, when someone else showed up

“Natalie”

Natalie turned around and saw Andrew, who had somehow appeared out of nowhere

Andrew was dressed in a dark blue suit, amuling at her

Natalie glanced down, and yep, he was holding two food containers too

She paused for a moment ‘Andrew, you brought food too?

Andrew

his face calm as ever “Yeah”

at the three guys already in the living room and stopped for a second when he saw the dining

here, and a hint of surprise flashed across his face