The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus)

William's words made Laura stop in her tracks. "Someone from inside the Holden family... Who could it be?"

"Don't bother guessing." With the phone in hand, William continued, "Honey, some things get scarier the more you think about them.

"We'll do whatever we can to help. However, if we can't, let's just leave it. Let's focus on finding the herbs."

Upon hearing this, Charlotte's face grew grim.

She and Laura were best friends, but Laura got married much later than her. Laura only married Wesley after Charlotte had given birth to Mason.

Then, after Laura was pregnant with Marcus, Charlotte was also pregnant with Natalie.

They even agreed that if they both had boys, they would be treated as brothers. If both were girls, they'd stay best friends.

If they were of the opposite gender, they'd be engaged.

However, when Charlotte and William were on a trip, she went into labor when they were in Amberton. That was where Natalie was born.

Unfortunately, Natalie was swapped at birth.

As for Laura, she gave birth to Marcus at Holden Residence, surrounded by a professional medical team, postpartum care, nutritionists, and masseuses.

Marcus didn't get swapped at birth, but Laura was poisoned with something uncommon.

Regarding Umbrahex, they thought it was mere fiction. Unexpectedly, someone close to them was actually poisoned by it.

The Holden family's circle wasn't that complicated, but during Laura's delivery, too many people were involved, making things messy.

William said that the fact that they could do it without anyone noticing while keeping suspicion off for so many years meant that it was likely an inside job.

That narrowed things down significantly. However, the thought of it was terrifying.

Charlotte and William would never meddle in the Holdens' internal matters.

They only provided the herbs because the one saving Laura was their biological daughter, Natalie. They'd do anything to help her. Also, Laura and Charlotte were best friends, to begin with.

If not for these reasons, the Walkers would've never gotten involved.

Without needing further explanation from William, Charlotte understood the situation. That was why her expression darkened, yet she didn't press on further.

The couple focused on searching for the herb in the herb storage facility, no longer bringing up what happened to the Holdens 20 years ago.

All they hoped for was to find the two herbs their daughter needed.

...noveldrama

Back at The Herbalist's Sanctuary in Amberton, Marcus answered several calls. One was from an elderly man, claiming that he had the Poisonous Snowdrop that was needed, but he insisted on a face-to-face meeting.

After arranging a time and place, Marcus hurriedly left The Herbalist's Sanctuary.

After Marcus left, Natalie emerged from the medical room. Hector, who had been waiting outside, quickly approached her.

"Nat, how are you holding up? Are you tired? Why don't you take a shower, change, and get some rest? I'll grab some food and drinks for you."

Hector's gaze was filled with concern. As a doctor himself, he knew how exhausting this path was. Let alone for Natalie, who was actually the renowned Elim.

Reaching heights that no one else could, she must've endured unimaginable hardships.

"I'm fine." Natalie was indeed exhausted, but Laura's condition wouldn't allow her room to rest.

She continued, "Mrs. Holden is still soaking in the herb bath. She's doing better than before, but still far from recovery. The most important thing is to find the needed herbs as soon as possible. I'll get a shower and change first before meeting the Holdens. Are you coming with me?"

"Sure, I'll go with you," Hector answered.

Natalie nodded and went back inside. She had to use the specialized bathroom inside the medical room to clean herself up.

After taking a shower, she also needed to soak in a herbal bath.

Once she was done, she changed into another set of clothes and restored her usual look. Only then did she call for Hector to head to the guesthouse where the Holdens were staying.

"Nat, you've been hiding your identity pretty well." Hector gave her a piece of chocolate. "You've been home for so long, and all we knew was that you were busy. No one ever thought

that you were Elim."

"I didn't mean to hide it," Natalie explained. "I just didn't know how to tell you.

Then, I didn't find the chance to do so, so I just kept quiet."

She unwrapped the chocolate and popped two pieces in her mouth. Then, she let out a long sigh.

"Hector, where's Marcus?"

"Someone called him, saying they could provide the Poisonous Snowdrop, but would only hand it over if they met face-to-face. So, he went out."

Natalie nodded. "I've given the Holdens enough time. I wonder how much they've managed to remember."

She smirked and continued, "It's not that hard to investigate Mrs. Holden's condition. It all depends on how the Holdens handle it."

"Nat, are you really going to get involved? Hector's expression turned grim. "Mom called me ten minutes ago. She told us to only save her life and not meddlean their family's business."

"Hm?" Natalie tilted her head.

Hector nodded and replied, "That's what she said. Nat, let's listen to her, alright?"

He didn't want Natalie to be upset, but he also didn't want to make Charlotte uncomfortable.

"I'm sure Mom has her reasons."

"I got it." Natalie nodded. "I won't meddle. I'm just worried that if we fail to find the herbs, it could give Mrs. Holden a better chance at survival if we knew who poisoned her.

"I understand Mom's concern. This is the Holden family's internal matter. We will focus on saving her without meddling. Don't worry!"

"Thank you, Nat." Hector breathed a sigh of relief. He was genuinely worried, especially since Natalie and Marcus were dating.

Since they were a couple, it was normal for her to show concern for her boyfriend's mother.

"Let's go!"

The siblings chatted as they made their way to the guesthouse where the Holdens

were staying.

Charles and Sheldon were both sitting near the window inside the dining area. When they looked out, they saw Natalie and Hector approaching.

"How is Wesley doing?" Charles asked while sipping his tea.

"Mr. Wesley isn't doing great. He developed a high fever. A doctor from The Herbalist's Sanctuary had examined him.

"The doctor prescribed him medicine and advised him to stay wrapped up in bed, stating that sweating it out should help."

"Useless," Charles grumbled as he put the teacup on the table. "Falling ill at such

a critical moment. Wasn't he worried of holding up Laura's treatment?"

"Thankfully, we still have Marcus," Sheldon whispered. "Ms. Natalie and Mr. Hector are here."

"Hm."

As they spoke, Natalie and Hector reached them.

"Hello, Mr. Holden Senior, Sheldon."

"Have a seat," Charles sighed. "Sheldon, get some food for Nattie. She must be

exhausted."

"Yes, Mr. Holden Senior."

After Sheldon left, Natalie poured a cup of tea for herself and Hector.

After taking a sip, she asked, "Mr. Holden Senior, I wanted to ask... who do you

think could have poisoned Mrs. Holden 20 years ago?"