The Scorned Heiress's Hidden Empire (by Jade Quinn) novel Chapter 46

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Landon fought through the pain in his stomach and scoffed, “Who the hell do you think you are? You really think one phone call is enough to bring down Fairmont Systems? You’ve watched too many soap operas. Bitch, just wait until I’m back on my feet, and I’ll…”

Before he could finish his threats, his phone started buzzing like crazy in his pocket. The ringtone blared, piercing through the sudden silence.

Landon frowned, yanked out his phone impatiently, and saw “Dad” flashing on the screen. His heart suddenly dropped. ‘Dad’s supposed to be out of town, negotiating a big deal. Why is he calling now?”

He hit answer, and before he could even say hello, his father’s voice exploded through the phone, loud enough for the two girls nearby and even the guys sprawled on the ground to hear every word. “Landon Fairfax, what the fuck did you do?”

Landon was completely thrown off by the shouting. “Dad? What’s going on?”

“What’s going on?” his father demanded, his voice shaking with panic. “The bank just froze all our credit lines and is demanding immediate repayment on every short–term loan.”

He sounded as if he could barely breathe. “Our three biggest suppliers, the ones we’ve worked with for more than ten years, just called to say they’re cutting us off and want every outstanding payment settled immediately. And the two biggest clients we just signed have already pulled out.”

He broke off for a second, then forced himself to continue. “The tax authorities and market regulators are already downstairs at the office. Someone filed a complaint, and now they’re opening a full investigation.”

His breathing turned ragged. “And the stock… it tanked the moment the market opened.” His last words came out almost like a cry. “Landon, what the hell did you do? We’re done. The Fairfax family is done for.”

Each word landed like a blow to the gut. The color drained from Landon’s face, leaving him even paler than before. His hand shook so violently that the phone slipped from his grip and hit the grass with a dull thud.

“No… no way… this can’t be happening…” Landon muttered, terror flooding his whole body until he could barely breathe.

Fairmont Systems wasn’t some top–tier powerhouse, but it’d been in business in Harbor City for twenty years, and its roots were solid. Now, everything just fell apart in minutes, all from a single phone call.

“It was you… It really was you?” The arrogance and bravado in his eyes vanished, leaving only fear and disbelief. “How is this even possible? Who are you, really?”

Natalie didn’t say a word. She just stood there, calmly watching him.

Landon broke completely. He dropped to his knees in front of Natalie, panic written all over his face. “I’m sorry. I was wrong. I didn’t know who I was messing with.” His voice shook harder with every word. “Please… spare my family. I’m begging you.”

Natalie stood there, utterly unmoved, watching Landon’s humiliation with cold, detached indifference.

All traces of tandon’s former arrogance had vanished, replaced by sheer terror. If the Fairfax family lost everything, his

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Chapter 46

Thu, 30 Apr

whole world would collapse.

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# 65 vouchers

The two girls were already ghostly pale with fright, huddled off to the side, trembling so much that they barely dared to make a sound.

Natalie looked down at the panicked man, her face unreadable. Only moments earlier, he had been drunk on his own arrogance, threatening to kill her. Now he was reduced to begging.

She shook her head slightly, delivering the verdict in a calm, matter–of–fact tone. “It’s too late.”

“No, it’s not too late. Miss Moore, please. Please spare the Fairfax family. I’ll do anything you want,” Landon begged.

Like a drowning man clinging to his last hope, he lurched forward on his knees and reached for her, only for Natalie to step back and avoid his hand without the slightest change in expression.

A horse stood alone inside. It was strikingly tall, with a dark chestnut coat so deep it looked almost black. Under the light, however, a muted red sheen rippled across its body.

19:38 Thu, 30 Apr G

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