The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus)

Marcus' voice was deep and magnetic, carrying an unmistakable weight of sorrow and suppressed anger.

Natalie knew how much he was struggling. If Charles had known the truth all along, then his actions were no different from Grace's.

What Marcus feared most was that his grandfather had known. Worse, he might have played a role in it.

She understood how that felt. She had trusted Grace, only to discover the ones who betrayed her the most were the very people she had relied on.

Wrapping her arms around his waist, she whispered, "Don't worry. I tested Grandpa Charles before. He isn't like Grace. Marcus, you won't become a second version of me."

Marcus gave a bitter smile. "You're trying to comfort me. Even if my grandpa wasn't directly involved, he must have known something. His silence is proof of

his guilt.

"He raised me himself. He understands me, but I understand him just as well. I believe he wasn't directly responsible, but the moment he found out my mom had been poisoned, he must have had his suspicions. Yet he never said a word. That's what pains me the most, Nat."

"Marcus, if he had told me from the start, our investigation would have been much clearer. But he kept silent. He was protecting someone," Natalie said.

She continued, "Cassie is his daughter. Grandpa Charles gave me a very expensive gift, and when I brought it home, my mother told me it had belonged to Mrs. Holden Senior."

Natalie analyzed calmly, "If Cassie really is the culprit, then it makes perfect sense that Grandpa Charles is covering for her.

"She is his and your grandmother's daughter. He may not love her as much, but he loved your grandmother. That love extends to Cassie. And your father loves your mother.noveldrama

"Your grandfather loved your grandmother. Your father loves your mother. But what about Cassie? Did she ever have someo who truly loved her?"

Listening to Natalie's cool and steady voice, connecting it to everything he had uncovered so far, a clear theory began to form in Marcus' mind.

"We don't have enough evidence to accuse Cassie or force Grandpa Charles to admit anything yet. We have to keep digging. Marcus, don't be afraid. No matter how bad things get, could they be worse than what I went through?"

She reached up and pinched his earlobe. "I was lied to by Grace for years. And then they even drained my blood."

"Did it hurt?" Marcus suddenly caught her wrist. Her hands were delicate and slender.

The first time he saw her, she had been dressed in heavy layers, covering herself completely. The dark colors had made her seem older than she was, out of place for someone her age.

Back then, after overhearing her conversation with Grace, he had completely misunderstood her.

Thinking back on it, Marcus wanted nothing more than to slap himself awake. What an idiot he had been.

Seeing the regret and heartache in his eyes, Natalie couldn't help but chuckle. "It was bearable, and it's all in the past. Marcus, do you sit around feeling guilty all the time now?"

Marcus pressed his lips together, silent. Instead, he lowered his head and kissed the back of her hand as if handling the most precious thing in the world.

"I'm sorry. I was wrong."

"It doesn't matter. It's over now. Let's focus on what is ahead." Natalie didn't dwell on it.

"Alright."

"I need to assist Mr. Langton. You should keep investigating the truth." "Understood." He squeezed her fingers. "Nat, thank you. You saved my grandpa. Now you're saving my mom. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't know what to do."

"Are you being ridiculous?" Natalie raised her hand to ruffle his hair. Seeing this, Marcus immediately bent down, lowering his head to her.

"It's Mr. Langton who's treating your mom. I'm not skilled at dealing with Umbrahex. From the beginning, I followed his instructions step by step. If you want to be grateful, thank him instead."

"Even so, without you, Mr. Langton wouldn't be treating her. Nat, thank you."

She withdrew her hand. "Alright, alright, you're getting too sentimental. Get back to work."

"Alright."

Reluctantly, Marcus left.

out a

Natalie let out a slow breath. For some reason, she couldn't shake the feeling that he looked

heartbreakingly lonely when she net

watched his departing figure. Being betrayed by someone close was a pain unlike any other.

She still remembered the day she learned the truth about her years with the Langley family. Grace had orchestrated everything, playing the role of the loving guardian while manipulating her for her family's own gain.

At that moment, she had been completely shattered. She couldn't understand how someone could fake such deep affection, maintaining the act for so many years.

If Charles turned out to be the same as Grace, if he had always known, then Marcus' pain would be unimaginable.

"Get in here, brat."

Natalie was still staring at Marcus' retreating figure when Federrick's displeased voice rang out from inside.

"He's already gone. What are you staring at? Are you planning to turn into a statue waiting for him?"

She turned, her expression brightening. "Mr. Langton, you say that, but you like Marcus, don't you?"

"Hmph, why would I like him? What, just because he has a good face, a tall build, a decent figure, and a little money? Other than that, how could he possibly compare to me?" Federrick huffed.

"Of course, of course. Mr. Langton is the most handsome man in the world, Marcus is nowhere near your level. He's not even worthy of carrying your shoes."

"Now, that's a bit much. After all, we're talking about the world's richest man. If I can get him to carry my shoes, I'll have bragging rights for life," Federrick said with a sly grin.

Natalie was speechless.

Laura had been quietly listening to their exchange. Even though they were talking about her son, she didn't mind in the slightest. In fact, she found herself smiling.

"Alright then, next time, I'll make sure Marcus serves you properly so you can boast all you want," Natalie joked, throwing a playful wink at Laura.

Laura returned the gesture with a gentle smile.

Seeing her smile lifted a weight off Natalie's heart. Since they had met, Laura had been in despair, constantly in tears.

Finally, she was smiling. And her smile was breathtaking. No wonder Marcus had such striking features. He had inherited them from a truly beautiful mother.

Natalie set aside her thoughts and turned serious. "Laura, Mr. Langton and I will begin your treatment soon. You no longer need to soak in the medicinal bath, but you will need to drink the medicine and undergo acupuncture. Before we start, do you want to inform Mr. Holden Senior and Wesley?"

The warmth in Laura's expression faded. After a long silence, she slowly shook

her head.

"There's no need. Nat, I don't want to give anyone another chance to hurt me. It's terrifying how fragile a human heart could be."