The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus)

Wesley didn't want to leave, but Charles tapped his fingers on the table. "Sheldon, escort Wesley out."

"Yes, Mr. Holden Senior." Sheldon stepped forward and firmly pulled Wesley to his feet. "Mr. Holden, you should get some rest first.

"I was already troubled, but after seeing that Mr. Marcus even suspects you and Mr. Holden Senior, it is only natural that I, as a butler, would be doubted as well. There is nothing for me to feel wronged about.

"Mr. Holden Senior is right. If we are innocent, then there is nothing to fear from Mr. Marcus' investigation. The real concern is what happens if he fails to uncover the truth."

Sheldon had already thought it through. "I will go find Mr. Marcus now and tell him everything I can remember. Mr. Wesley, will you come with me?"

Wesley stared blankly at Sheldon. His ability to adapt so quickly was surprising. He looked him in the eye, calm and unshaken, with no trace of guilt.

"Mr. Wesley, what we must do now is help Mr. Marcus. The sooner he finds out the truth, the better."

Wesley nodded and stood up. "Alright. Let's go."

The two left the room and immediately set out to find Marcus. After searching the guesthouse where he was resting, they found no sign of him.

Wesley frowned. "Where could he have gone in such a short time?"

"Call him."

Sheldon quickly took out his phone and dialed Marcus' number. The call went through, but the voice on the other end was Noah's.

"Hello, Sheldon. What's the matter?"

"Noah, where is Mr. Marcus?"

"He left with Ms. Walker. Her mentor has returned and took him to speak with Mrs. Holden."

Noah's tone was polite but carried no hint of deference.

Noah and Elijah were Marcus' men. They didn't answer to Sheldon or Charles. Their loyalty lay solely with Marcus. Whoever he trusted, they trusted. Whoever he rejected, they disregarded.

Since Marcus had made his stance clear on Sheldon, Charles, and even his own father, they naturally followed suit.

"Alright. We will come find him after he is finished," Sheldon said.

"Understood."

With that, Noah ended the call.

As the beeping sound rang from the phone, Sheldon felt an overwhelming sense

of powerlessness wash over him. Once trust was broken, it was nearly impossible to rebuild.

Outside the medical room, Noah slipped Marcus' phone back into his pocket after ending the call.

Inside the medical room, Natalie had just finished cleaning Laura. She dressed her in the robes Federrick had brought back, carefully dried and pinned up her hair, then placed a matching cap on her head.

Only then did she lead her into a room filled with the fragrant scent of medicinal herbs, prepared by Federrick.

Marcus was already seated at the table. Before entering, Federrick had given him medicinal tea to drink. The poison in Laura's body wasn't contagious to him, but for her peace of mind, all necessary precautions had been taken.

Soon, Natalie led Laura into the room. At the sight of Marcus sitting across from her, Laura's eyes instantly reddened.

"Marcus..." Natalie helped her into the chair opposite him. The moment she spoke, her voice choked with emotion.

"You have grown up. Your grandfather raised you well. You just look like me and your father."

Tears rolled down Laura's face. "I failed you. I gave birth to you, but I was never there to care for you. Marcus, do you resent me? Do you blame me?"

Natalie remained in the room and took a seat beside Marcus. Under the table, he reached for her hand and held it firmly.

"I don't blame you, nor do I resent you. Mom, you have suffered all these years," Marcus said softly.

"I'm sorry." Laura covered her face with both hands, struggling to control her emotions, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't stop the tears.

"Laura, please don't be upset. Mr. Langton is preparing the medicine. Once it is ready, he will begin your treatment," Natalie said.

"When the poison is expelled and your body recovers, you and Marcus will no longer have to be separated.noveldrama

"You were poisoned and fell ill. That isn't your fault. Marcus will never blame you for that. The person he blames is the one who did this to you.

"Laura, you have endured for so many years. You must not waver now."

"She's right. Mom, don't be afraid. I am investigating what happened. I will find out who did this to you and make them pay." Marcus' deep, stead voice filled the room. "You will recover soon. And when you do, if you don't want to return to Holden Résidence, we can live efsewhere."

Laura stared at Marcus, her tears falling silently, one after another. "Marcus, I'm worried about your safety."

She wiped at her tears. "If investigating this will put you in danger, then I would rather you stop. I've already seen you again. That is more than enough for me.

"I never thought that in this lifetime, I would be able to sit face to face with you like this and speak to you. My only wish is for you to be safe, healthy, and happy. That is enough for me."

"I also want you to be safe, healthy, and happy, Mom. But more than anything, I want you by my side so that we can live as a mother and son should," Marcus replied.

"In the future, when Nat and I have children, want their grandmother to be the one to help raise them. After everything you have been through, I cannot bring myself to trust anyone in the Holden family."

Laura continued crying silently. Trembling, she reached out, wanting to hold Marcus' hand, but midway, she hesitated, unable to bring herself to do it.

"Mom, don't worry. Mr. Langton is highly skilled. He will cure you," Marcus said as

he reached out first, taking her hesitant hand into his. "I will be waiting for you to embrace me."

Laura finally broke down, sobbing uncontrollably.

Marcus held one of her hands, while under the table, his other hand remained tightly wrapped around Natalie's.

"Mom, don't cry. Tell me, do you have any suspicions? Who do you think was behind this?" His voice was slow and deliberate.

Laura sobbed before Natalie gently handed her a tissue.

"Laura, aside from me, Marcus, and Mr. Langton, you must trust no one,

especially not anyone from the Holden family," she said.

Laura silently took the tissue and wiped her tears. After a long pause, she finally

spoke. "I do have someone in mind."

Both Natalie and Marcus asked in unison. "Who?"

Laura steadied her emotions before saying the name.

"Cassie."