The Scorned Heiress's Hidden Empire (by Jade Quinn) novel Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

“She’s my deskmate, Natalie Moore.”

Natalie and Henry Pierce locked eyes. She gave him a polite nod.

“Miss Moore, what a coincidence. I had no idea you and Miss Rowan were such good friends.”

Lewis stepped forward, a professional smile plastered on his face.

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“Talk about a small world! We didn’t realize we were on the same side. Miss Moore, please accept my apologies again for earlier.”

Natalie wasn’t bothered anymore. “It’s fine. It’s settled.”

Rosie watched the exchange, sensing that something had happened between them, but she didn’t pry.

“Hello. Henry Pierce.”

Henry extended a hand-broad, with well-defined knuckles.

Natalie’s eyes lingered on his hand for a second before she reached out. Her fingertips met his in a brief, fleeting handshake.

“Natalie Moore.”

Henry withdrew his hand, his tone casual. “Do you live here in Seaside City, Miss Moore?”

“Yeah.”

“I didn’t realize your exams were tomorrow. I’ll have Lewis drive you home so your parents don’t worry.”

He kept his eyes on her face, watching for even the slightest flicker of emotion.

Natalie crossed her arms and leaned against the doorframe. “No need. They won’t be worrying.”

“Why’s that?”

Lewis was the one who asked. He couldn’t stop watching her; there was something unexplainable about the way she carried herself.

Few people remained this calm when his boss addressed them. After all, everyone in Summerset knew the Pierces and the ruthless reputation of their current head.

Making a deal with the Pierces, even just catching their table scraps, was enough to change a family’s social standing forever.

The moment the words left his mouth, Lewis regretted it. He wanted to slap himself for prying into her personal business.

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Chapter 4

He was about to apologize when Natalie spoke up.

“Because I don’t have parents.”

Her voice was lazy, followed by a casual yawn.

The hallway went silent for a beat. Lewis really wanted to kick himself now.

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He looked at Natalie with pure guilt. No wonder she’s so thin and detached, he thought. She’s just putting on a

brave face.

Stupid mouth. Stupid, stupid mouth.

Henry’s gaze grew even more intense. ‘An orphan, huh?

Interesting… he mused.

Natalie looked down and scuffed her toe against the hallway carpet. Even without looking up, she could feel them both analyzing her.

Her brow twitched slightly. “I’m going to bed.”

It was a statement, not a request.

She looked up with an expression that clearly said: Are we done here? Because you’re in my way.

Lewis was stunned again. He’d never seen anyone take that tone with his boss. She was definitely a first.

Henry raised an eyebrow. “Alright. We’ll leave you to it.”

Natalie nodded, then looked at Rosie before closing the door. “Stop crying. Good luck on the exam

tomorrow.”

“Mhm, will do!”

Rosie nodded eagerly, her little top-knot bobbing up and down. It was actually quite cute.

Once the door clicked shut, she looked at her uncle, feeling a bit less intimidated than before. “Then… Uncle Henry… I’m going to sleep too…”

She shuffled quickly back into Room 1809.

“Yeah. Get some rest.”

Only after hearing that did she finally close her door.

As Henry walked away, he glanced back at Room 1808. “Run a check on her.”

“Yes, sir.”

**

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Chapter 4

Inside 1808, Natalie had just lied down when her phone rang. The caller ID read: “Blondie.”

“Yo, Boss!”

A male voice boomed through the receiver.

“What’s up?”

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The guy chuckled. “Boss! SAT exam tomorrow! The boys got you a massive ‘Top Scorer’ flower display. We’re dropping it right at the exam hall entrance-dead center! We even hired two lion dance troupes to cheer you on. We’re gonna intimidate every other kid there!”

Natalie: “…”

She was silent for three seconds. Her voice was flat. “Cancel it.”

“Huh? Why, Boss? Every other kid has parents there. The head of the Phoenix Syndicate needs to show up in style!”

Blondie wasn’t giving up.

“Style?”

Natalie’s tone turned chilly. “Great idea. Why don’t you just send our enemies a GPS pin and tell them to come start a shootout?”

“Uh… cough…”

Blondie cleared his throat. “Boss, I was just kidding. I’m not that stupid. I’m the second-in-command of the Phoenix Syndicate, one of the biggest powers in Summerset. People’s opinion of me…”

“Anything else? Or can I hang up?”

Natalie didn’t have the patience for his nonsense and cut him off.

“Wait, wait! There’s actually something!”

He quickly pivoted before she could end the call.

“Speak.”

Blondie: “The feds seem to be looking for you. Well… technically, they’re looking for ‘Hacker 73. Want to respond?”

Natalie’s long, pale fingers tapped rhythmically against her phone. She had a good idea why.

A few days ago, Yamato had made some vague, disrespectful comments about Summerset, sparking outrage both at home and abroad.

The official government response had been dignified as usual-measured, logical, and firm.

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Chapter 4

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Natalie happened to be in a bad mood at the time. So, she casually breached the core database of Yamato’s National Security Defense Network.

Blondie knew exactly what she was talking about. He was in awe of her. “Seriously, Boss, that move was legendary. Everyone’s cheering!”

That day, every public screen in Yamato had been hacked to scroll apologies in their own language. The messages ranged from “We’re sorry” to “Sincere apologies,” looping for twenty-four hours straight.

Their entire national network went down. Dozens of high-level projects-weather forecasting, materials simulation, nuclear physics-ground to a halt for forty-eight hours.

Even now, Yamato’s firewall wasn’t fully repaired. Hackers were wandering in and out as they pleased, and the authorities were powerless to stop them.

Citizens of Summerset didn’t know who was behind it, but seeing the chaos in Yamato and the cryptic news reports, they all shared a knowing smile. Whoever did this is a legend, they thought.

Blondie chuckled. “Boss, Yamato’s Cyber Security Bureau is losing their minds. The bounty on your head just went up again. Our own government probably wants to see who you are and recruit you.”

Natalie gave a faint hum. “Ignore them.”

****

The next day, Natalie changed into a simple cream-colored t-shirt and matching track pants that Lewis had

sent over.

There was a knock at the door. Lewis and Rosie were standing outside.

“Morning, Natalie!” Rosie chirped, waving a chubby little hand.

“Good morning, Miss Moore.” Lewis greeted her as well.

Natalie gave a slight nod. “Morning.”

Lewis handed her the white backpack, now perfectly clean. “Your bag, Miss.”

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