The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus)

Marcus wasted no more words on Wesley. He had no emotional attachment to this so-called father. Watching the man's helpless expression, he felt nothing.

No sympathy. No warmth.

Arriving first at Charles' door, he knocked firmly. "Grandpa, it is me. Marcus."

"Come in." Charles' voice was weary, tinged with an indescribable sorrow.

Marcus pushed the door open and stepped inside. Wesley followed closely behind.

"Grandpa."

"Father."noveldrama

Both greeted him in unison. Charles waved a hand, signaling them to sit.

"Sheldon, make some coffee."

"Yes, Mr. Holden Senior."

Sheldon turned to prepare the coffee. Charles pointed to the seat across from him. "Sit down."

Marcus took his seat, and Wesley hurried to sit beside him.

"Marcus, if you have questions, ask. You have grown into a man I can entrust the family to," Charles said kindly.

"Grandpa, were you the one who poisoned my mom?" Marcus asked bluntly.

Charles shook his head. "No. I am not that kind of man."

"Was it Sheldon?"

Again, Charles shook his head. "No. Marcus, neither I nor Sheldon would do such a thing. You should not doubt us."

"If I shouldn't suspect you or Sheldon, then tell me, Grandpa. Who should I suspect? Should I suspect my father? Or Cassie?" Marcus' voice was sharp.

"It wasn't me! Marcus, how dare you suspect me? What right do you have? What evidence?" Wesley interrupted before Charles could respond. His voice rose in anger.

Marcus ignored him, his unwavering gaze locked on Charles. A brief twitch flickered across Charles' face, but he quickly masked it.

"Marcus, I raised you myself. I'm proud of the man you have become. I truly didn't know about this. If I had, I would never have let your mother suffer for so many years." Charles sighed.

"Grandpa, I understand that you didn't know at the beginning. But what about later? Even after realizing she was seeking treatment, even after witnessing her pain, you never thought to tell me the truth? Instead, you let me misunderstand her for years?" Marcus said, his eyes turning red with restrained anger.

"Grandpa, forgive me, but I fail to understand your actions."

"Back then, you were too young, and I had promised your mother I wouldn't tell you. As time passed, I simply grew accustomed to keeping it from you," Charles explained.

"Your mother said she would rather have you hate her than let you know she had changed. She didn't want you to carry that burden.

"I thought long and hard about it and decided she had suffered enough. I didn't want to add to her pain. So I kept my silence.

"Marcus, if there is blame to be placed, let it be on me."

Marcus tapped his fingers lightly against the table. "Grandpa, all I want to know is who did it. My father claims it wasn't him. You say it wasn't you. So who was it? Was it Cassie?"

He repeated her name, watching his grandfather closely. The first time he mentioned her, Charles' eyelid twitched. This time, he remained expressionless. "Marcus, I don't know."

"Is that the truth, or do you just not

want to say it?" A mocking smile

tugged at Marcus' lips. "Well, I

suppose that makes sense. Cassie

is your biological daughter. My mom was merely a daughter-in-law A daughter-in-law can be replaced. A daughter, once gone, is truly lost forever."

"Marcus, are you saying you have already decided it was Cassie? Marcus, she may not be close to the family, but she isn't that kind of person." Charles' voice was heavy with sorrow. "Cassie and your mother used to be best friends."

"Grandpa, people's hearts are not as simple as they seem, Cassie once helped Jessy impersonate Dr. Elim to have you killed. If you refuse to tell me, I will find out myself."

Marcus stood up. "But Grandpa, I'm deeply disappointed in you. My mom has suffered too much. I won't let it be in vain. If Cassie is truly responsible, then tell me, Grandpa. Who will you choose? Her or me?"

"Are you forcing me to choose? Your grandmother and I shared a lifetime of love. Your father and mother remained devoted despite everything. I had hoped for you and Natalie to be the same." Charles' eyes reddened.

"Grandpa, we are talking about my mom, not Natalie," Marcus said

sharply. "If you refuse to say it, I won't push you. But you must understand, Grandpa. I've grown up. I control Holden Group now. Before, I was unaware of my mom's

suffering. But now that I know, I will uncover the truth.

"Besides, Natalie is my girlfriend. Charlotte and my mom were best friends. Hector has also provided medicine for her. You know as well as I do that I have not only Holden Group but also the Walker family on my side. If you want to protect someone, you better protect them well.

"Because if you don't..."

Marcus left the sentence unfinished. But Charles, who had raised him, understood the warning all too clearly.

"Grandpa, I'm going to rest."

With that, Marcus turned and left the room. At that moment, Sheldon returned with

a tray of coffee.

"You're leaving, Mr. Marcus?"

Sheldon looked troubled. "Mr. Marcus, are you, like Ms. Walker, also misunderstanding Mr. Holden Senior?"

"Sheldon, you're a suspect too. You were the one who arranged the people who cared for my mom. That makes you the most suspicious of all," Marcus said

coldly.

"What?" Sheldon froze. The words Natalie had said before had been harsh enough. But hearing the same accusation from Marcus, his heart felt like it was being torn apart.

"Mr. Marcus, how could you suspect me? I have served the Holden family all my life. I've always been loyal to the Mr. Holden Senior, to you, to everyone." Tears welled in his eyes. "Mr. Marcus, how could you think I would ever harm Mrs. Holden? I have always wished nothing but the best for all of you."

Marcus sneered. His gaze was sharp and laced with mockery. "Is that so?" Sheldon was shaken by his cold stare. He took a moment before mumbling, "Mr. Marcus, do you really not trust us?"

"No." Marcus' answer was immediate and absolute.

"Sheldon, you better hope that when I uncover the truth, you are not involved." His gaze bore into Sheldon, freezing him in place. "Because if you are, no one will be able to protect you. Not even Grandpa."