The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus)

Marcus left the room without hesitation after making his final statement. His cold and ruthless demeanor left Sheldon standing motionless with a tray of untouched coffee in his hands.

It took a long moment before Charles finally spoke. "Bring the coffee here, Sheldon."

"Oh, yes, Mr. Holden Senior."

Snapping out of his daze, Sheldon quickly placed the coffee on the table, but he could no longer hold back his emotions.

"Mr. Holden Senior, how could Mr. Marcus suspect me? For all these years, I have been nothing but loyal to you, to Mr. Holden, and to Mr. Marcus." His voice trembled with frustration.

"When Mrs. Holden gave birth to Mr. Marcus, I did everything I could to make sure she was well taken care of. I ran back and forth, ensuring every detail was perfect. When she fell ill, I was devastated. I never wanted this to happen. So why does he suspect me?"

His voice cracked as he spoke. "Mr. Holden Senior, I swear on everything. I have always been devoted to this family."

Charles pressed his fingers against his temple, feeling a headache coming on. He slammed the table and cut him off.

"Enough. Marcus suspects me and his father. Do you really think you, a mere butler, would be an exception? And besides, you are paid to serve this family. Is that not what you are supposed to do?"

"Mr. Holden Senior..." Sheldon froze. In all the years he had worked for Charles, he had never heard him speak in such a dismissive tone.

"Don't waste your energy feeling wronged. You're paid to do a job. If you have taken my money while betraying this family, then you should be thinking about what consequences will come from that." Charles' face darkened, his patience wearing thin.

Sheldon suddenly felt a sharp sting in his chest. A deep sadness welled up inside him, but he knew this wasn't the time to defend himself.

Marcus had been clear. He should pray that he had no involvement in Laura's poisoning. If he was guilty in any way, it would not just be Marcus who would deal with him. Charles and Wesley wouldn't let him walk away unscathed either.

"I understand, Mr. Holden Senior," Sheldon muttered as he swallowed his grievances. He quietly poured coffee for Charles and Wesley before stepping aside, resuming his place in silent attendance.

Just then, Wesley's phone chimed with a message. It was from Marcus.

Quickly unlocking his phone, he saw an image. A diagram mapping out connections between different individuals.

The names of Lucy, her assistant, the entire medical team, and every staff member involved in the recovery process were meticulously laid out. Each person's role and relationships were clearly marked.

At the center of the chart, Lucy's name was circled in bold red ink. An arrow extended outward from her name, pointing to another, much larger red circle. The name inside it made Wesley's breath catch in his throat.

Cassie Holden.

Wesley's eyes locked onto the diagram. His stare burned into the names on the screen as if the truth was unraveling before him in real-time. Slowly, he raised his head, fixing Charles with an unflinching gaze.

"Father, Laura fell mysteriously ill after giving birth to Marcus. Before that, Cassie often visited your study. Did you know something about this?"

Charles' expression changed

instantly. "Are you saying you suspect me too? Wesley, I'm your father. Laura may be my daughter-in-law, but I have treated her as my own from the day she married into this family. Do you

really believe I would do something so monstrous?"

"Then why does Marcus suspect you? And what does this chart mean?" Wesley demanded. His composure was unraveling.

Cassie's name was highlighted in a way that was impossible to ignore.

Back when Laura had given birth, every person involved had been carefully chosen by Wesley and Sheldon. No outsiders could have gained access to her, nor could they have outbid the Holden family in hiring the best medical team.

The people who had attended to Laura had no reason to betray them. Unless they had received an even greater sum of money or had been threatened by someone with enough power to override their loyalty.noveldrama

Sheldon swore it was not him. Charles insisted he wasn't involved. Wesley knew he had not done it. That left only one possibility-Cassie.

And that explained why Laura's mysterious illness had never spread to anyone in the Holden family.

As her husband, he had been physically closer to Laura than anyone else. If her illness had been contagious, he would have been the first to suffer. Yet for years, he remained completely unaffected.

If Cassie wasn't involved, then why had the poison targeted only Laura? Wesley's hands trembled as he stared at the screen. His own sister, Cassie had always seemed close to Laura. Why would she do this?

"You knew it was Cassie all along, didn't you?" Wesley's voice was raw with pain. "If you knew, why did you not say anything when Dr. Elim asked us to recall the details at Scarlet Hill Residence? Why did you cover for Cassie?

"You said you treated Laura like a daughter. Then why did you watch her suffer all these years? Marcus was separated from us for so long. Is this what you wanted?"

"Enough. Is that really what you think of me?" Charles' face was equally grim. "Then tell me why Marcus and Dr. Elim suspect you."

Wesley's eyes welled with tears. He suddenly dropped to his knees and bowed deeply before Charles.

"Father, I beg you. Tell me the truth. Was it Cassie? Marcus said that even if you refuse to tell us, he will find out. Are you really going to wait until he uncovers everything before admitting it?"

"You are accusing me based on a single diagram Marcus sent you? Wesley, I have dedicated my life to this family. What have I done to deserve this?" Charles' eyes darkened, his voice laced with grief.

Tears streamed down his face. "I've already been accused by Marcus and Elim Do you think it doesn't hurt me? But until the truth is uncovered, I know that nothing I say will change your mind. That's why I refuse to explain myself.

"Marcus has grown up. He is strong. He is capable and determined. If he wants to investigate, he will find the truth on his own. I will wait. Once he has proof, I will finally be free of suspicion.

"Wesley, I'm an old man. I don't have many years left. Elim told us to recall the past, but how much do you really remember? Have you told Marcus and her everything? Until Marcus uncovers the truth, we are alb

suspects. Do not assume your own innocence.

With that, he waved his hand. "You may leave. I am tired."

Charles closed his eyes, making it clear that he did not want to say anything

more.