The Scorned Heiress's Hidden Empire (by Jade Quinn) novel Chapter 36

Chapter 36

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Charlotte had already risen and walked quickly to Natalie’s side, slipping an arm around her shoulders and guiding her to the center of the living room to face Jonathan’s family.

We found Natalie a few days ago.” Charlotte’s voice was filled with joy.

Though Jonathan had already braced himself, hearing Charlotte’s confirmation still made his eyes well up. You really found her. That’s wonderful, Charlotte.”

He was genuinely happy for Charlotte. He knew that for all these years, she had carried a weight in her heart, never truly able to put it down. Now that her daughter had come home safe and sound, it was the best news imaginable.

Evelyn and her kids also looked a little surprised. She exclaimed, “Oh my. That’s such great news. Thank God.”

Charlotte introduced Jonathan’s family to Natalie. “This is your uncle Jonathan, your aunt Evelyn, and these are your cousins.”

Natalie nodded. “Nice to meet you, Uncle Jonathan, Aunt Evelyn.”

Jonathan smiled, “We came in a hurry today. We didn’t expect such big news, so we didn’t bring you a welcome gift.”

“That’s all right, Uncle Jonathan,” Natalie said.

Lucas smiled at her as well, “Natalie, honored to meet you. I’m Lucas

Natalie gave a slight nod. “The pleasure is mine. I’m Natalie.”

Then she looked at Nora, who was standing to the side. Nora was expressionless, a bit dazed. She wasn’t saying anything or making any moves.

When their eyes met, Natalie didn’t mind. She spoke first. “Nice to meet you.”

Under Natalie’s gaze, Nora couldn’t help but smile, “Hi. I’m Nora.”

Evelyn laughed, trying to smooth things over, “Don’t mind her, Natalie. Both my kids are quiet, especially Nora. I wish she could be as confident as you.”

At that, Nora lowered her gaze and said nothing more.

“Don’t say that about Nora. All right. Let’s not stand around. Lunch should be about ready,” Charlotte said, licking her lips. “William caught some fish with the kids. We’ll have the kitchen staff prepare them.”

They went to the dining room, and Natalie went upstairs to change her clothes.

Ryan spoke, “Mom, you have no idea how good Natalie is at fishing. Dad and I could barely catch anything. but the fish were practically fighting each other to jump on Natalie’s line.”

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Chapter 36

William chimed in. “That’s right. He’s not exaggerating.”

Charlotte couldn’t hold back her smile. “Of course. Natalie is the best.”

Just then, Andrew and Ethan came home.

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“We get to feast on fish today, all thanks to Natalie. If Dad had been the one fishing all day, we’d be lucky to end up with two or three,” Andrew commented.

Ryan chuckled, “Andrew, you didn’t have to say it out loud like that.”

Everyone laughed and talked over one another. Natalie came downstairs and saw the dining room filled with laughter and chatter, the warmth of a happy family.

Nora sat quietly next to Lucas, watching everyone with a detached look, as if the cheerful mood hadn’t reached her. When she saw Natalie approaching, something unreadable flickered in her eyes.

She said, “Oh, Charlotte, William, don’t coddle her. She’s always been too shy. This is perfect. Natalie’s back now, so let them get to know each other. Let Nora show Natalie what she’s been working on all these years.

“Go on, Nora. Play your best piece for your cousin.”

Nora winced as Evelyn yanked her arm, the pain making her face turn even paler as she stiffened and refused to move, her eyes already welling up with aggrieved tears.

Lucas couldn’t stand it. He spoke quietly, “Mom. Let’s eat.”

Evelyn shot him a glare, then turned back to Charlotte and William with a bright smile. “Nora needs practice. The more she performs, the better she’ll get. Go on.”

She flicked her eyes toward the Steinway piano in the corner of the room and nudged Nora out of her seat. “Play it well. Play that piece you’ve been working on.”

Nora’s gaze dulled. She set down her utensils and rose stiffly, walking toward the grand piano reluctantly.

Charlotte exchanged a glance with the others at the table. They all knew exactly what Evelyn was like and that there was

no stopping her, so they didn’t say anything more.

Ryan swallowed hard. “Oh. That’s nice. I hear Nora’s won a lot of awards.”

Natalie set down her own utensils, her face unreadable as she watched Nora settle onto the piano bench.

Nora sat rigidly, took a few deep breaths, and raised her hands. Her fingers settled on the black and white keys.

The opening notes of Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 rang out. The notes came out technically flawless, with speed, force, and rhythm all perfectly controlled, showing off her solid foundation and years of hard practice.

Everyone in the dining room became quiet, the powerful music echoing through the space.

Evelyn’s face glowed with satisfaction. Her gaze swept across the Mitchell family, as if she were showing off how talented her daughter was.