The Scorned Heiress's Hidden Empire (by Jade Quinn) novel Chapter 69

69

64 YOURSE

and the fit are perfect. You’ll look amazing. Tomorrow, at your get–together with your classmates, wear this, and everyone

will notice.”

Charlotte spoke with a touch of caution, fully aware of the tough times Natalie had after Matilda passed and she was sent to live with her adoptive family.

Charlotte wasn’t about to let anyone at that get–together look down on Natalie. She wanted to make sure Natalie had the best of everything, right in front of her.

Natalie felt the soft fabric in her hands, and her heart softened. She knew exactly what Charlotte meant.

“I like it,” Natalie said, her voice softer than usual. “Thank you, Mom.”

“Good,” Charlotte said, grinning. “That’s what matters.”

Andrew came back from the kitchen with a plate of warm chocolate chip cookies. “Mom picked a good gift. You’re gonna look great.”

Charlotte pursed her lips, her voice bursting with pride. “Of course, she’ll look great. She’s my daughter, after all.”

“Natalie, come have some cookies,” Andrew said.

Natalie put the dress back in the box and took a cookie. The chocolate was melty, and the dough soft and sweet. She took

a bite, and the warmth spread from her tongue to her whole body.

“This is really good,” she said.

Andrew’s grin widened. “I baked them fresh. Take as many as you want.”

“What smells so good?”

Everyone turned to the doorway. Blake had returned at some point, leaning casually against the entryway, a faint, teasing

smile on his lips as he looked at the three of them in the living room.

He wore a black stand–up collar shirt with the cuffs rolled up to his forearms, showing lean, muscular wrists. Slim black pants tucked neatly into ankle boots completed the look. The top two buttons of his shirt were undone, revealing a faint

scar on his collarbone.

“Blake, you’re back,” Charlotte said, giving him a quick smile before immediately turning her attention back to Natalie.

‘It could have been better if she had just ignored me,‘ Blake thought.

“Blake,” Natalie said, greeting him warmly.

“Natalie,” Blake replied. His usual icy demeanor melted the moment he saw Natalie, and a real smile spread across his face. He hadn’t seen her since he left last time, so he finished his business quickly and came straight home.

Andrew headed back to the kitchen and returned with another plate of warm chocolate chip cookies, handing one cookie.

to Charlotte and one to Blake,

“Want me to take you to Seaside City tomorrow?” Andrew asked Natalie, looking at her for a reply.

Blake looked at Andrew. “Come on, Andrew, you’re always busy. Let me take Natalie tomorrow,” he said.

78%

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify