The Scorned Heiress's Hidden Empire (by Jade Quinn) novel Chapter 67

Chapter 67

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This villa was the place Natalie had always called home in Harbor City. Perched halfway up a hillside in one of the city’s districts, it was a haven of tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle, offering unparalleled privacy.

The car slowly climbed the winding mountain road, the lush greenery on either side growing denser with every turn, completely shutting out the noise of the city.

As they rounded a bend, the modern–style villa in shades of gray and white came into view. With its clean lines and expansive floor–to–ceiling windows, it blended seamlessly with the surrounding natural landscape, yet there was a subtle sense of aloofness about it.

Natalie parked the car in the garage and stepped inside. It was almost lunchtime, so she grabbed something quick from the pantry and heated it up. Soon, the microwave dinged, and she carried it over to the table.

She had just started eating when the doorbell rang. She set her fork down and walked to the door, checking the video intercom.

On the screen was a guy in a white T–shirt, probably around twenty, with clean, handsome features and a sharp crew cut that gave him a bit of a bad boy vibe. He was grinning at the camera.

Natalie pressed the button to unlock the door. “What’s up?”

Evan Hale blinked. “Nah, nothing really. You haven’t been back for half a month, so I thought you might not come back at all. I was out walking Toast and saw you pull in.” He looked genuinely happy, his eyes shining with excitement..

Natalie nodded, barely reacting, and moved aside to let him in. “Where’s Toast?”

Evan nodded knowingly and swapped his shoes for slippers at the entrance. “Toast was rolling around just now, so he went back for a bath.”

Toast was a dog Natalie had rescued from the streets. It was winter, and during one of her night runs, she found the little pup lying on the roadside, barely moving. Its white fur was matted with blood, and it had deep wounds in its belly.

The poor thing looked like it might not make it through the night. It gazed up at her with those big, watery eyes, trying to make a sound, but all it could manage was a faint, broken wheeze.

Natalie crouched down, reaching out to gently feel for any breath coming from its nose. There was still a bit of life left, but. it was barely there.

She had no clue how Toast had ended up in that spot. If she hadn’t found it, the pup would’ve either frozen to death or bled out right there.

She was still some distance from the villa, so she pulled out her phone to order a ride.

Just then, Evan happened to be driving back and saw what was happening. Without a second thought, he took the pup straight to a pet hospital at the foot of the hill.

That was how Natalie and Evan first met. Later, they realized Natalie lived here too, and both were seniors in high school Only she went to school in Seaside City.

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Chapter 67

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Normally, Natalie stayed at school from Monday to Friday and didn’t come home. But on weekends, Evan would often bring Toast over to see her.

That summer after they finished their last year of high school, Evan came by every day, but she was never around. It got him pretty down for a long time.

Toast was just as sad, spending hours every day lying on the balcony, staring in the direction of Natalie’s villa.

Evan even started to think Natalie had moved out or wasn’t coming back. He really wished he had added her on WhatsApp.

“Where have you been for the past half month?” Evan asked, following her inside. As he trailed after her, there was a bit of disappointment in his tone. “I thought you might’ve moved out.”

Natalie glanced at him and, for once, actually explained, “I had something to take care of.”

“What was it? Why so secretive?” Evan grumbled, but didn’t push it any further. He knew the way Natalie was. She hated anyone getting into her business.

“We’ve known each other for so long, and we still aren’t on WhatsApp,” Evan complained. “Give me your number. I’ll add you.”

Natalie gave him her number, and he quickly added her. A moment later, he grinned when he saw her appear in his WhatsApp contacts.

Natale looked down for a second, then picked up her fork, and took a bite. The spaghetti was perfectly al dente, the sauce rich and flavorful, and the meatballs tender and juicy.

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