The Scorned Heiress's Hidden Empire (by Jade Quinn) novel Chapter 32

Chapter 32

Sophie Lawrence thought. Who is this chick? How did she come in with Ethan? And he’s actually playing with her? She’s

terrible at this.”

“Sophie, who’s that girl who came in with Mr. Mitchell? Do you know her?” Her friend behind her leaned in cunously “Doesn’t he usually play with you? Is this his new partner? She looks like she can’t really play‘

“Enough. How would I know who she is? I don’t know her,” Sophie cut in irritably.

Her grip tightened around her racket. Ethan didn’t like playing with people who weren’t skilled. In this entire gym, she wa the only one who could actually keep up with him.

Sophie didn’t know when Ethan would show up at the gym, so she came every day, just to spend more time with him

And after waiting all this time, the moment she finally got him here, there was another woman at his side.

The more Sophie thought about it, the angrier she got. She mused, ‘What gives her the right? Ethan’s playing such a slow boring game to cater to her. All she’s got is a pretty face, and she thinks she can take him from me?

Sophie steadied herself, hid the hostility in her eyes, and put on a smile as she walked toward Ethan while he was switching out the shuttlecock. “Ethan, you’re here. I haven’t seen you in a long time.”

Ethan glanced at her and gave a vague response. “Yeah. Been busy. Haven’t had time to come.”

But Sophie heard something else in his words. She thought, ‘Ethan still cares about me. He’s explaining himself to me

She bit her lower lip. “It’s been a while since we played. Do you want to—”

Before she could finish, Ethan cut in, “Maybe some other time. I’m in the middle of a match with someone else

His tone carried a hint of impatience. But when his gaze shifted toward Natalie on the court, his expression sonenesi instantly, “Getting tired? Wanna take a break?”

The stark contrast in Ethan’s attitude snuffed out the little hope Sophie had started to build, leaving her thshest with embarrassment and simmering with anger.

Her smile stiffened. She followed Ethan’s gaze to Natalie, her nails nearly digging into her palms

Natalie was holding her racket, her head slightly tilted as if catching het breath. The lines of het proale were elega expression calm She didn’t seem to notice what was happening

“Ethan, who is she?” Sophie forced a smule, barely holding back her rage, trying to fish for utformati

“My sister” bahan’s answer came quickly and clearly his tone distant Miss Lawtence was there something che going to keep playing

444

Sophie froze for a moment, then let out a huge breath of relief she thought Sister? Si shes than’s sister But I’ve K heard of him having a sister Could she be his cousin in wanting: Father way, if she’s bus sivies, ves mase

A little while later Sophie walked over with two boules of water and hauledone to Natalie Hy I’m Sophie Lawiener A friend of Ethans

Natalie looked at her. She wasn’t keen on taking water frean someone she didn’t know our she had wren Sophie Talking with Ethan earlier Thinking she was a friend of Ethos Navaly polarly accepted it saying Thanks

1/3

8:03 am PPPM

Chapter 32

56 vnuchers

“No problem. What’s your name? You seem to like badminton, too. We should play together sometime.” Sophic smiled.

She stared at Natalie without blinking, thinking, ‘Ethan seems pretty nice to his sister. If I can get on her good side and get closer to her, maybe I can get closer to Ethan.”

Sophie was caught off guard by Natalie’s blunt retort. Her smile nearly faltered. She hadn’t expected Natabe to be serve come back at her like that.

1-4 was being respectful to Ethan.” Sophie said awkwardly, trying to salvage some dignity. Her eyes darted toward chan hoping he would say something, maybe scold his so called sister for being so rude.

Natalie gave Sophie a cold look picked up her racker and spun it casually in her hand. She agreed without hesscation. Fine

Sophie pretended to be overjoyed “Really? Great Don’t worry. Ego cay on you I want to see your level so we can pay together sometime She thought. I’m going to make you look like an olion

Natalie ignored her She walked front side of the court racket in hand and sand itally

Sophie’s irritation flared at being dismissed but stu kept her smu neplace as she walked in the service area

2/3

8:03 am P P PM

Chapter 32

56 vntchers

She had already made up her mind. She thought, Tm going to come at Natalie with everything I’ve got right from the start. Put her in her place. Show her what real skill looks like. Not just anyone gets to play with Ethan

Sophie took a deep breath, set up in a proper serving stance, and fixed her eyes on Natalie with sharp focus. Her serve brushed the net and curved sharply to the side at a tricky angle.

She had started to smirk when Natalie barely moved her feet. A flick of her wrist, and her racket connected with the shuttlecock cleanly on its side, sending it back at a sharp angle that landed right on Sophie’s sideline.

There was a sharp sound. Sophie lunged for the shuttlecock, missed, and stumbled before catching herself.

AD