The Scorned Heiress's Hidden Empire (by Jade Quinn) novel Chapter 98

Chapter 98

KIKA

When Natalie came downstairs, the living room was empty.

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Ryan was nowhere to be found. Natalie figured he must’ve been too rattled and went off to vent to a friend.

The other guys were all busy with their own things.

Natalie glanced at her phone. Blondie had dropped her a pin, an upscale pool club downtown called “Cloudtop Pool Club.”

She hopped in her car and made her way over. Twenty minutes later, she rolled up to the spot.

Cloudtop Pool Club took up the entire 18th floor of a downtown office tower.

The vibe was modern industrial, exposed concrete walls, black metal framing, and warm yellow lights casting a cozy glow over the green felt tables.

As soon as Natalie stepped out of the elevator, she spotted Blondie hanging around the entrance, scanning the area for her.

He still had that nonchalant, slacker vibe. Today, he was rocking a neon green hoodie, ripped jeans, and some limited–edition sneakers. He stood out like a neon sign.

When he saw Natalie, his eyes lit up and he rushed over.

“Talia, you made it!” Blondie called out, a big grin on his face.

Natalie shot him a look.

“That outfit…” she said.

Blondie glanced down at himself and snickered.

“Cool, huh? Just bought it!” he grinned.

Natalie just nodded. “Whatever makes you happy.”

“Haha, Talia, you head inside first. Looks like the little accessory’s almost here. I’ll go pick her up downstairs!” Blondie said.

Natalie frowned. “Little accessory?”

Blondie put his hands on his hips, a mischievous smirk on his face. “Rosie Rowan.”

Natalie raised an eyebrow, waved him off, and headed for the bar.

“Orange juice, extra ice,” Natalie said, sounding casual.

She leaned against the bar, her tone relaxed.

The bartender paused for a second, then smiled and nodded. “Got it, just a sec.”

11:12 Sun, May

Chapter 98

He whipped up a glass of orange juice, packed it with ice, and slid it over to Natalie.

Natalie took the glass, took a sip, and turned her gaze toward the pool area.

“The table your friend is playing at is over there,” the bartender said.

He pointed to the table in the middle of the second row.

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Natalie nodded, picked up her orange juice, and headed over to the lounge area next to that table, taking a

seat.

She took a sip of her orange juice and set her gaze on the pool table in front of her.

The green felt was perfectly smooth, fifteen red balls racked up in a tight triangle, with the colored balls all in place.

On the rack nearby, there was a whole lineup of pool cues, from heavy to light, thick to thin, every type you could want.

Natalie set down her orange juice, got to her feet, and walked over to the table.

She grabbed a cue, weighed it in her hand, then put it back and picked up another.

The third one felt just right.

She placed the cue ball on the break line, leaned over, and took aim.

Her movements were laid–back, with a hint of carelessness.

Crack!

The cue ball slammed into the rack of reds, exploding the triangle and sending balls flying. One red rolled straight into the corner pocket.

Natalie straightened up, took a sip of her orange juice, and then went right back to it.

She walked around to the other side, leaned over, and lined up her next shot.

Another red ball sank into the pocket.

And then, she started sinking the colored balls.

The black ball dropped into the pocket.

Another red ball sank into the pocket.

The pink ball dropped into the pocket.

Another red ball sank into the pocket.

The blue ball slipped into the pocket.

Her movements flowed like water. Every time she leaned in, aimed, and took a shot, there was a natural poise and unspoken calm that made it impossible to look away.

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11:12 Sun, May 10

Chapter 98

KEKA

The other players paused mid–game, their attention drawn to her without even realizing it.

People started whispering among themselves.

“Whoa, who is that girl? She’s killing it!”

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“Did she just clear the whole table in one go? That’s some pro–level stuff!”

Natalie put her phone away and gave a small smile.

Rosie was dressed in a pink–and–white dress with a soft, plushy texture. The hem fell just below her knees and swayed lightly with every step.

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