The Scorned Heiress's Hidden Empire (by Jade Quinn) novel Chapter 33

Chapter 33

The court went quiet for a moment, then a few muffled gasps broke out.

128

E55 vouchers

Sophie stood frozen, staring at the shuttlecock on the floor in disbelief. She thought, ‘How is that possible? Natalie brushed off my best serve like it was nothing and won?’

“It was dumb luck.” Sophie tried to calm herself, forcing down the shock.

The people around started whispering.

“Sophie’s pretty good for an amateur.”

“Yeah. But that pretty girl Mr. Mitchell brought beat her. She must be pretty good, too, right?”

“So what was that before?”

“They were probably warming up.”

Sophie let out a breath, psyching herself up. “It’s fine. You got this, Sophie. You’re the best.”

This time, her shots weren’t as aggressive and were rather tentative. She lobbed the shuttlecock high and slow, clearly trying to test Natalie’s abilities, to see what kind of level she was really at.

Natalie’s eyebrows twitched slightly. She thought, ‘She’s still not giving up. Her eyes narrowed, and she slowed down her own pace, playing Sophie’s slow game.

They went back and forth, the shuttlecock floating lazily in the air like they were two beginners in a friendly practice session

Sophie breathed a sigh of relief. ‘See? That first shot was only dumb luck. Now it’s a normal, steady game.

She started showing off how effortlessly she could play, occasionally offering helpful tips. “Watch your footwork. Natale You could take this one a little earlier.”

Natalie didn’t respond. She kept hitting the shots Sophie sent her way, her expression calm.

The crowd started whispering among themselves again.

“This is kind of boring”

“What’s Sophie doing? Running a coaching session?”

“Maybe Sophie’s taking it easy on that girl since her opponents not that good?”

Makes sense That girl came with Mr. Mitchell

Sophie felt a flicker of vanity and superiority creep back in as she heard the comments she thought Yes This is goest for everyone see how gracious Jam, and how mediocre Natalie is Ethan will nonce my kindness and sportsmanship won the

After a few more exchanges, Sophis felt like she had the game under control and she had igured Natalie out

Sophie thought. ‘She’s just a beginner and an amateu

She decided to end this friendly practice session with a clear impressive finish She sent another shot to Natalie’s forehand, leaving it a hole short on purpose so shed have plenty of me to set up her next alt kok

1/3

8:03 am PPPM

Chapter 33

That was when Natalie, who had been playing along without any sign of aggression, finally made a move.

55 vouchers

She leaped into the air with perfect form, pulled her racket back, and drove the shuttlecock toward the back corner of Sophie’s side with everything she had. This shot carried power and an undeniable presence.

Sophie didn’t even have time to react. She felt a gust of air brush past her cheek and stood frozen, her eyes wide.

The shuttlecock had already hit the floor. The court fell dead silent. The chatter that had been going on stopped instantly.

Everyone stood there stunned, their eyes moving between the shuttlecock still trembling against the net and Natalie, who was casually flexing her wrist at center court.

She gritted her teeth, desperate to defend herself. She couldn’t let all her effort go to waste “Ethan, I had no idea Nacalle wax this good. I really should learn from her from now on.”

8:03 am PPPM

Chapter 33

55 vouchers

Now that Ethan knew Natalie’s skill level, he stopped holding back. It wasn’t until he played against her for real that he realized how good she was.

Natalie adjusted her intensity to match his, keeping the game competitive.

After about an hour, Ethan was drenched in sweat. He thought. I’ve never had this much fun playing. Natalie is incredible

He could tell Natalie was going easy on him. She even pointed out a few things he could improve on, helping him play more smoothly.

Natalie dabbed the light sweat off her forehead and went to the restroom. When she came out of the stall to wash her hands, Sophie was waiting by the door. Natalie ignored her.

Sophie was dismissed again, but this time she wasn’t as angry. “Hey. Can’t you see me standing here?”

The only response was the sound of the faucet running. Natalie acted as if she hadn’t heard a word.

Sophie rolled her eyes and said bluntly, “Let me be honest with you. I’m actually Ethan’s fiancée. If you know what’s good for you, stay away from him.”

This time, the only response Sophie got was silence again.

Natalie pulled out a paper towel to dry her hands and walked straight toward the door.

Sophie was funing. “Hey. Are you deaf? I said I’m Ethan’s fiancée. Did you hear me?” She reached out to block Natalie’s path

Natalie looked down at her, her gaze cold and indifferent. Finally, she responded, “Okay. And? What does that have to do with me?”

To Sophie, it felt like pure provocation.