The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus)

Laura spoke with difficulty, carefully trying to recall every detail and sharing everything she could think of. "Nat, I don't know who poisoned me or when it happened."

"After you gave birth, do you remember who handled your meals?" Natalie asked.

Laura shook her head. "I don't. I was exhausted after the delivery. About half an hour later, someone brought me a specially prepared chicken broth.

"After drinking the broth, some time passed, and then I was served a meal specifically meant to help with recovery and milk production.

"It was delivered by a designated person. I remember she was a round-faced girl. But before she brought it, I have no idea who else handled my food."

Natalie asked, "Did Mr. Holden know about this?"

Laura furrowed her brow, trying to recall carefully. "He was with me the whole time, so I don't think he knew either."

"Laura," Natalie began. "I spoke with Mr. Holden Senior earlier. Sheldon had a strong reaction."

She didn't want to assume the worst about Charles or Sheldon, but at this point, she couldn't convince herself they were innocent either.

Laura was a smart woman. With just a little thought, she understood what Natalie was implying.

"Laura, let me be honest with you. I don't trust Mr. Holden Senior or Sheldon. I have already asked Marcus to investigate Lucy," Natalie said again. "I am Marcus' girlfriend. If all goes well, I will be your daughter-in-law in the future."

Laura's eyes widened slightly. She had never met such a straightforward woman before, but she liked her.

Her eyes turned red, on the verge of tears. "Nat, thank you. I haven't been a good mother. I don't know what I did to deserve such kindness from you and Marcus.

"Until the truth is uncovered, I won't make any assumptions or accusations. I don't want my own bias to affect your investigation. I will do my best to remember everything and tell you whatever comes to mind."

"Laura, thank you for cooperating with me and Marcus. I am going to change my clothes, then I will come back to apply your medicine."

With that, Natalie turned and left, giving Laura time to think.

Connie wasn't an outsider, so Natalie didn't need to hide anything from her. In fact, after listening to their conversation, Connie was furious.

She had been meticulous in taking care of Charles back at Holden Residence, even getting along well with Sheldon. And yet, these two might actually be involved.

Connie paused, realizing she might be jumping to conclusions. The investigation wasn't complete yet. If the incident had nothing to do with Charles or Sheldon, then she would be wrongly accusing them.

"Mrs. Holden, don't worry. Ms. Walker is very skilled. She will definitely cure you. Look at yourself now. You are already much better than before," Connie reassured Laura.

She added, "Your complexion is improving again. Once Mr. Holden gathers all the necessary medicine, even if we never find out who did this, Ms. Walker will still be able to cure you."

"Thank you, Ms. Sterling." Laura forced a weak smile. Some things were better left unthought. The more she dwelled on it, the harder it was to accept the truth.

"Mrs. Holden, don't be afraid. Ms. Walker is incredibly skilled," Connie said. She poured some hot water into the basin. "How are you feeling? Any better?" "Mm, it's alright."

"Ms. Walker says that the most important thing right now is to keep you from experiencing any more pain. As long as you are not in pain, Mr. Marcus will have more time to find the herbs. Also, during this time, you should avoid seeing the Holden family, including your husband."

"I can't even see Wesley? He had been by my side all these years. He worries about me constantly. If he can't see me, I am afraid he won't be able to hold on." Laura's voice was tinged with sadness.

Connie wanted to say more, but before she could, Natalie entered, already dressed and gloved.

"Laura, I have something to say that you might not like," Natalie said as she approached them. Then she turned to Connie, "Connie, go wash up and get some rest."

"Yes, Ms. Walker."

After Connie left the medical room, Natalie took a fresh batch of medicinal powder and gently applied it to Laura's wounds.

"Laura, until Marcus and I uncover the truth behind your poisoning, you must not see Mr. Holden. You also cannot trust him."

"Nat, are you saying you suspect Wesley?"

Natalie's voice was calm. "I don't just suspect Mr. Holden. I suspect every single person in the Holden family.

"Laura, sometimes, the ones who harm you the most are the very people you least suspect and trust the most. Think carefully. Who arranged your medical team back then?"

Natalie's words hung in the air, and Laura fell silent.

Her expression gradually darkened, sorrow weighing heavily on her features. After

a long pause, she finally forced a bitter smile.

"Nat, the person who arranged my medical team was my husband, Wesley. Alright, I understand."

Natalie said no more, focusing entirely on applying the medicine.

Laura also remained silent. Her sorrow deepened, and at times, silent tears fell from her eyes.

Natalie didn't try to comfort her. She had already identified several key individuals. All that was left was for Marcus to conduct the investigation.

Her main priority was ensuring Laura's condition didn't worsen before all the necessary medicine was gathered.

...

Upon arrival at Everwood Estate in Amberton, Marcus was led into a private room by a maid.

Inside sat an elderly man with graying hair and deep wrinkles, dressed in an elegant three-piece suit.

The old man's face lit up when he saw Marcus enter. He immediately stood and greeted him warmly. "Mr. Holden, come have a seat. I have been waiting for you for quite some time."

Marcus gave a slight nod and sat down. "Is what you said over the phone true?"

"Mr. Holden, allow me to introduce myself. I am Jonathon Remington. The Poisonous Snowdrop is indeed in my possession, but I am not giving it away for free. I need you to find someone for me."

Marcus sat up straight. "Mr. Remington, please speak."

Jonathan pulled out a photograph. In it was a delicate, cherubic little girl.

"This is my daughter. I had her quite

late in life. When she was three, took her out to play, but I lost her. I

have searched everywhere over the

years and met countless people, but none of them were her."

Tears welled in Jonathan's eyes as he spoke. "Mr. Holden, I am old. My wife's health has never been the same since our daughter went missing. I sold all my businesses, leaving only this Everwood Estate, hoping that when I found her, I could leave it all to her. noveldrama

"But I also worry that when she returns, she won't be able to protect what I leave behind. So I ask you, Mr. Holden, not only to help me find her but also to watch over her."