The Scorned Heiress's Hidden Empire (by Jade Quinn) novel Chapter 96

Chapter 96

Julia followed behind, her face pale and hollow, like a ghost drifting through the room.

When she reached the door, she looked back.

Natalie was still standing there, her face emotionless.

It was like none of what just happened mattered to her at all.

Julia parted her lips, as if to speak, but then shut them without a word.

The door clicked shut.

The banquet hall was plunged into silence.

Andrew shot a look at his assistant, who immediately got the hint and slipped out.

Avery took a deep breath and looked around at everyone.

“Sorry you all had to witness that. Let’s keep going,” she said.

Then Avery turned to Natalie, her face full of regret. “Miss Moore, I’m truly sorry. This was my fault. I shouldn’t have let you be put in such an awkward position at my banquet.”

As she spoke, she gave a slight bow, her sincerity so genuine that everyone around was stunned.

‘Wait, that’s Avery Young, the big shot in the medical world, the person everyone in Harbor City treats with utmost respect. And she’s actually apologizing to a girl barely in her twenties?‘

‘All this… just because of Elaine?‘

Natalie remained composed, giving a small nod.

“Please, you’re being too polite. It really has nothing to do with you,” she said.

Avery let out a sigh of relief, though her apologetic expression lingered.

“Miss Moore, you’re very gracious, but I still feel bad about it. If you ever need anything from me in the future, don’t hesitate to ask,” Avery said.

Natalie nodded again, saying nothing more.

Annabelle lingered on the sidelines, her eyes sharp and full of curiosity as she watched the scene unfold.

Who is Natalie, anyway? What kind of person could make Grandma show her so much respect?‘ Annabelle thought, baffled.

After witnessing Isabelle’s downfall, Annabelle knew better than to mess with Natalie. As long as Natalie stayed out of her way, Annabelle would steer clear too.

Andrew stood next to Natalie, his gaze settling on Avery.

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11:1 Sun, May

Chapter 96

KIKA

95

55 vouchers

“Madam, let’s leave things here for today. We’ll take our leave now. Wishing you a long life, peace, and all the best.” he said.

Avery quickly nodded. “Safe travels, Mr. Mitchell, Miss Moore.”

Andrew nodded, then carefully escorted Natalie out of the room.

Seeing them leave, Sienna quickly said goodbye to Avery and left as well.

At the entrance, it was just past seven, and the sky outside was still bright.

The assistant respectfully opened the car door, and Natalie and Andrew got in.

Just as they settled in, the front passenger door swung open and Sienna hopped in.

She turned to Andrew with a bright grin. “Andrew, none of us have eaten yet. How about we go hunt for some food together?”

Andrew leaned back in his seat, legs crossed. He just glanced at her and gave a casual “Mm.”

Hearing his reply, Sienna’s smile grew even wider. She flashed Natalie a playful grin, then reached over to buckle her seatbelt.

“So, what do you feel like eating?”

Andrew asked.

Before either of them could answer, Natalie’s phone rang.

“Mom, what’s up?” Natalie answered.

“Nothing much, sweetheart. I’m at the beauty salon, almost finished. Want to grab dinner together later?” her mom said.

“Sure, I’m with Andrew right now. We just left Avery’s banquet,” Natalie replied.

“Perfect! I know a really great private kitchen nearby. I’ll send you the location. See you soon!” her mom said.

Natalie said okay and hung up.

Sienna’s eyes lit up. “Was that your mom?”

Natalie nodded.

Sienna’s grin grew even brighter. “Awesome! I’ve been dying to meet her!”

Andrew glanced at her, saying nothing, lost in his own thoughts.

Natalie glanced at the location “Let’s go to Clear Creek Cottage”

Without missing a beat, the driver started the car.

Sienna, sitting in the front passenger seat, turned around to look at Natalie, her eyes full of curiosity.

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Chapter 96

tucked away in the deepest corner of the courtyard.

94

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The room was called “Waterside Pavilion.” Open the window, and you’d see a sparkling pond outside, with the glow of lanterns and the shadows of bamboo reflected on the water, so stunning, it felt like something out of a dream.

Charlotte was already inside, waiting for them.

She wore a cream–colored knit cardigan over a pale apricot silk dress, her whole demeanor gentle and at ease, perfectly matching the fresh, relaxed look of someone just out of a beauty treatment.

Her hair was loosely gathered at the back, a few wisps falling softly by her ears, making her gracefully maintained face appear even softer.

She was looking down at the menu, but when she heard the door open, she looked up.

The moment her eyes landed on Natalie, they instantly brightened.

“Sweetheart!” Charlotte called out, her eyes lighting up.

Natalie smiled warmly and walked over to her. “Mom!”

“Did you have a good time at Avery’s banquet? I just found out that Isabelle from the Grant family is actually Avery’s student. Who knew! Nothing made you unhappy, right?” Charlotte asked.

Natalie shook her head, keeping quiet about what had happened earlier.

“Alright then,” Charlotte said.

Charlotte had only just heard about it from a few of the ladies at the beauty salon, and she was really kicking herself for not going.

‘If I’d been there, I would’ve definitely put the Grant family in their place!‘ she thought.

She couldn’t take her eyes off her precious daughter, admiring her for a few moments before finally noticing Sienna standing next to Andrew.

“Oh? And who’s this?” Charlotte asked.

Hearing her name, Sienna stepped forward with a big smile. “Hello, Charlotte! I’m Sienna Calloway, but you can just call me Sienna.”

“Andrew often comes to my family’s stables to relax, so we got to know each other that way. Last time, I went horseback riding with Natalie. She’s amazing on horseback! We hit it off right away!” Sienna added, her voice full of enthusiasm.

Charlotte’s eyes sparkled as she glanced between Sienna and Andrew, her smile deepening.

“Oh, so that’s how it is,” she said, her smile widening.

She warmly invited Sienna, “Come on, have a seat Andrew’s always busy with work. He hardly ever gets a chance to relax. Thank you for looking after him.”

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KEKA