The Scorned Heiress's Hidden Empire (by Jade Quinn) novel Chapter 92

Chapter 92

Avery took a deep breath, trying to steady her voice.

“You two, shut up!” she snapped.

Isabelle froze.

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Julia was just as lost as Isabelle. ‘What is Avery trying to do? Wasn’t she supposed to tell Natalie to leave?‘ Both of them couldn’t make sense of Avery’s reaction.

Not just the two of them, even the other guests were caught off guard by Avery’s sudden outburst.

Avery stood up and walked briskly toward Natalie.

Her steps were much faster than before, carrying a sense of urgency.

Everyone in the room watched her intently, and the air seemed to freeze.

Annabelle stood there, stunned for a couple of seconds, then quickly followed after Avery.

Avery stopped right in front of Natalie.

She opened her mouth, about to speak.

“Avery.”

Natalie spoke first, her voice soft but clear enough for everyone to hear.

She stood up, her expression still calm as ever, and gave Avery a slight/nod.

“I’m here today on behalf of an elder to offer my birthday wishes,” Natalie said.

She took out the long black velvet gift box from her purse and presented it with both hands.

“This is a birthday gift Elaine asked me to deliver. Wishing you boundless happiness and a long, healthy life.”

Avery froze for a moment.

‘Elaine?‘ Avery wondered, feeling confused.

Andrew, sitting nearby, looked at his sister. ‘Elaine?‘ he thought, puzzled.

‘Was Natalie supposed to be here all along?‘ Andrew wondered.

Natalie then pulled out the invitation card that Elaine had sent, with the name “Elaine Lilian” clearly written as the guest.

Avery took the invitation, her eyes landing on the name “Elaine Lilian,” and a flicker of surprise crossed

her face.

‘Elaine Lilian?‘ Avery echoed in her mind, momentarily thrown off.

08:00 Sat, May 9

Chapter 92

KIRA

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She had sent the invitation back then, but honestly, she never thought Elaine would actually show up.

After all, Elaine was a famous collector and jewelry appraiser in the country, a true heavyweight in the field, practically a legend, rarely seen in public, and even the biggest auction houses struggled to get her to

attend.

Avery had only treated Elaine’s late husband, managing to give him a little more time, but in the end, he still passed away.

She’d invited Elaine purely out of courtesy, never expecting her to actually show up, and she even brought a gift!

And the person who actually came was the owner of Evergarden?!

Avery also understood that what Natalie meant was that she was here on behalf of an elder, not as Ms.

Gardener.

So of course, she wouldn’t be so tactless as to expose her real identity.

Avery took the gift box, a bit flustered and grateful. “So Elaine sent you here? That’s really considerate of her. Is she doing alright lately?”

Her words were polite, but the guests glanced at each other in confusion, none of them had any clue who Elaine was.

Isabelle and Julia exchanged a look. ‘Elaine? Who is she?‘ they both wondered.

‘Why is Avery being so respectful about that name?‘ Isabelle thought, baffled.

‘How does that bitch Natalie even know someone like that?‘ Julia couldn’t help but curse inwardly.

Isabelle’s grip on the gift box was so tight her knuckles turned white. Who cares if she knows some Elaine? Like that matters,‘ she scoffed inwardly.

‘I’m the one who brought Aileen’s “Legacy” collection. Everyone in the jewelry world knows how much it’s

worth.

‘And Natalie? She’s nothing but a thief. No matter what she does, that fact will never change, Isabelle

sneered to herself.

She took a deep breath, forcing herself to stay calm.

Natalie gave a slight nod. “Everything’s fine.”

Avery, almost without thinking, turned to hand the gift box to Annabelle.

“Wait…” Natalie called out suddenly.

Avery paused, turning back to look at her, a hint of confusion in her eyes.

Natalie gave a subtle smile.

“Avery, aren’t you going to open it and take a look?” Natalie said.

Chapter 92

Avery paused for a moment, then realized and looked a bit apologetic.

“Sorry, I almost forgot,” she said.

Inside was a necklace.

atch. There’s only supposed to be one of these necklaces in the world! One

“ouldn’t spot any difference between the two necklaces. And

raiser in the room.

pers, but then a smug smile crept onto her

definite hint of superiority.

in such an embarrassing spot,” Isabelle

Chapter 92

said.

She sighed, acting like she was genuinely concerned for everyone.

“I know things have been tough for you since the Grant family kicked you out, but that doesn’t me p to this. It’s Avery’s birthday, and you show up with a fake? Are you just here to stir up

ed in right on cue, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

old you she was a piece of work. If you can’t afford it, just don’t bother. Who brings a fake gi

Seriously, now it makes sense why she tried to steal the necklace Isabelle gave Avery back then. She just waiting for a chance to pull something like this!”

Almost before Julia’s words had even finished, Andrew shot to his feet.

His glare was so venomous it

“If you’ve got the guts,

He spoke through

Julia instin

Nat

h Julia and Isabelle shudder.

Irew said, his voice low and dangerous.

y word icy and cutting, sending chills through the room.

her lips trembling, while Isabelle visibly flinched.

ew’s arm. “You say yours is real. Can you actually prove it?”

at Andrew, feeling a bit bolder. “Proof? I’ve got the certificate to back it up!”

unable to hold back a derisive snort at Isabelle’s confidence.

nug expression froze. “Why are you laughing?” she demanded.

g, just laughing at how dumb you are. I’m pretty sure Aileen’s pieces never come with certificates, ie said, her voice full of sarcasm.

Natalie raised an eyebrow, ignoring Isabelle completely. “Certificate or not, it doesn’t matter. This necklace has never been released for sale, ever!”

As soon as Na