The Scorned Heiress's Hidden Empire (by Jade Quinn) novel Chapter 21

The other brothers felt a twinge of “jealousy” that Andrew and Ethan were singled out, but they were mostly just happy.

Their sister was taking the initiative to get closer and get to know them, which meant more than anything else.

Ryan Mitchell curled his lip, but immediately broke into a wide grin when he looked at Natalie. “Sis, let’s head out! Harbor City has so many cool spots. I’ll show you around!”

“Okay.”

Natalie stood up.

“Be safe out there, and keep an eye on your sister, Ryan!”

“Don’t worry, Mom!”

Ryan answered loudly, leading Natalie out with a beaming face.

He didn’t take his usual flashy sports car. Instead, he drove out a sleek, low–profile silver–grey supercar from the garage.

This was his gift to Natalie, the “Phantom King,” one of only ten in the world.

The body was made of a special composite material that shimmered like pearls in the sun, shifting colors subtly with the light like flowing mercury.

Its design was seamless, every curve precision–engineered for ultimate aerodynamics.

Ryan felt that the car’s vibe somehow perfectly matched his sister.

“Sis, this car is yours,” Ryan said, proudly holding the door open. “From now on, drive this whenever you want. For today, I’ll be your chauffeur while you get used to the city!”

“Sure.”

Natalie didn’t say much, she opened the passenger door and hopped in.

That afternoon, Ryan took Natalie to the hottest tourist spots in Harbor City and tried all the famous local eateries.

By the time they finished, it was nearly seven, and the sky was growing dark.

As Ryan prepared to take Natalie home, his phone rang.

“Hello? What’s up?” Ryan answered.

“Racing? Right now?”

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Chapter 21

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Ryan’s eyebrows twitched. He covered the receiver and turned to Natalie. “Want to go to the racetrack with me? I’m a really good driver!”

Natalie rested her arm on the window frame. The evening breeze had lost the day’s heat, tossing her dark hair as her long, thick lashes fluttered.

She seemed intrigued by the word “racing” and gave a nod.

Ryan caught her expression. So, she liked racing!

It looked like he had picked the perfect gift after all!

He told the person on the line, “Be there soon,” and swung the car around.

“By the way, Natalie, do you have a driver’s license?” Ryan asked.

“Yeah,” Natalie replied.

“Cool. You just stay in the passenger seat and I’ll show you what real speed feels like!” Ryan said, flashing a confident grin.

The Blackridge Mountain Pass was legendary in Harbor City’s underground racing scene, known for its sharp turns and steep drops. Night racing there was as dangerous as it was thrilling.

When they arrived at the gathering point at the foot of the mountain, it was pitch black, saved only by the blinding headlights of modified cars and neon signs that lit the area like day.

Deafening music, roaring engines, and the shouting of the crowd mixed together. The air was thick with the smell of gasoline, tobacco, and adrenaline.

The moment Ryan’s “Phantom King” appeared, it instantly became the center of attention, even among the flashiest modified cars.

Its understated yet luxurious silhouette gleamed coldly under the lights, standing in sharp contrast to the aggressive, garish cars surrounding it.

“Yo! Ryan’s here!” someone shouted.

“The Phantom King? Holy crap, Ryan is the man!” another guy yelled.

“That car looks insane.” someone else muttered.

The crowd parted automatically, filled with whispers and whistles.

Ryan rolled down the window, gave a casual nod to a few familiar faces, and parked the car in the center of the lot.

He stepped out first, walked around to the passenger side, and eagerly opened the door for Natalie.

19:52 Tue, Apr 28

When the slender, aloof girl stepped out, a momentary hush fell over the crowd, followed by even more heated gossip.

A young man with dyed red hair and a studded leather jacket whistled and jogged over. It was Samuel Taylor, the rich kid who had called Ryan.

He leaned in closer and whispered eggingly, “So, Ryan? Max got his hands on a heavily modded GTR and he’s acting like he owns the place. He’s been dying to challenge you. We’re all waiting for you to put him in his place!”

Guys like Samuel were “brothers” when things were fun, but they were unreliable in a pinch, they just lived for the drama.

“Oh? Ryan? And who is this?”

Samuel looked away from the car and noticed Natalie standing behind Ryan. He was struck by her beauty, his gaze lingering far too long.

Ryan snapped, “Back off. Stay away from her and keep your thoughts to yourself.”

Samuel didn’t seem to mind, giving Ryan a look that said I get it.

19:52 Tue, Apr 28 J

Chapter 21

“Who is she?”

:

A girl in a tight black leather skirt and heavy makeup stood next to Samuel.

She had her arms crossed, glaring at Natalie with hostile eyes.

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She was Olivia Shaw, the heiress of the Shaw family. ‘Who the hell is this woman? Why is Ryan protecting her like this?‘

“This is the first time Ryan had ever brought a girl out!‘

‘I’ve never seen her in Harbor City before. She’s probably just some gold–digging vixen trying to latch onto the Mitchell Family, thinking her looks are enough to get her in,‘ Olivia thought.

“Ryan.” Olivia’s voice was sweet, but her eyes flicked over Natalie with the judgmental gaze typical of their circle sizing up a “newcomer.”

“You brought a new friend? Care to introduce us?”

“Who are you exactly? Why would I introduce her to you? And watch how you look at her if you know what’s good for you!”

Ryan looked at Olivia with disgust. Why was she acting like they were close?

Normally, his upbringing wouldn’t let him embarrass a girl in public, but he wasn’t blind. He saw the way she was looking at his sister.

How could he stand that? Acting all catty right in front of him?

Olivia froze, her face flushing bright red from being called out in public.

19:52 Tue, Apr 28