The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming

Chapter 192 Testing Charles' Stance

Charlotte and William exchanged a glance before Charlotte, smiling warmly, said, "We've set up a room at home for Grace so she can visit and spend time with Nat whenever she wants. But since her health has improved, she's already returned home and won't be staying with us permanently."

Her tone remained pleasant and polite. Since Grace was Charles' god-sister, Charlotte and William refrained from making any negative remarks. If Charles ever learned the truth, the Walker couple wanted to ensure their family had no part in disparaging Grace or stirring up drama.

"Ah, I see," Charles replied with a slight nod, not pressing further.

Though he felt a certain affection for Grace because of the hardships she'd endured, Marcus' request to have her leave the Holden residence had planted seeds of doubt. But without concrete evidence, Charles wasn't about to jump to conclusions or confront her directly.

At his age, he believed in choosing his battles wisely. Poking into matters that didn't concern him could only cause unnecessary tension.

"Natalie's a good girl," Charles sighed, his voice carrying a note of regret. "Her adoptive parents, Victor and Diana, never appreciated her. Finding her real family was the best thing that could've happened to her."

He leaned back, his expression softening as he reminisced. "When I visited the Langleys in Amberton, Grace was barely coherent. She kept telling me to protect Natalie, calling her 'Nattie.'

"She said the Langleys were bad people and begged me, as her godbrother, to treat Natalie like my own granddaughter.

"At the time, it felt like she was giving me her dying wish. The way she spoke, I couldn't help but get choked up."

Charles paused for a moment, then continued, "Now that Natalie has reunited with her parents, I'm sure Grace must be truly happy for her. It's a blessing."

He gave Charlotte and William a small, encouraging smile. "Don't worry—I'll be there for the welcome party." "Aright! Thank you, Mr. Holden Senior," Charlotte said sincerely, her expression polite and composed.

They didn't argue with anything he'd said, nor did they try to correct him. Charlotte remembered how convincingly Grace had played the role of the loving grandmother. No one could have guessed the secrets she hid behind that facade.

"We've finished checking the lists, so we'll head back now," Charlotte said, her tone still warm. "We're very excited to have Natalie home and want to spend more time with her before the party. There's still a lot to prepare, so we'll take our leave."

before speaking as

Walkers are up to? They used to call

dryly. "William and Charlotte are clever. They're gauging my attitude toward the engagement being called off, switching from 'Holden' to 'Mr. Holden Senior' is their way

signals that I have no resentment about the engagement ending. If I object, it

William and Charlotte are smart and protective of their kids. Even in retirement,

tone turned serious. "Sheldon, I want you to quietly look into Grace's behavior since Natalie returned to the Walker family. Be discreet—I don't want

Sheldon replied, bowing

and William left Holden

Charlotte began gently, "we've officially canceled the engagement with the Holdens. Also, we've finalized the time and place for your welcome party. The invitations are ready, and I'll send you

"Got it," Natalie replied.

was standing

floor-to-ceiling window of the

vel.not

her beforehand, and Natalie had agreed. She hadn't

coming home tonight?" Charlotte asked hesitantly. She had been hoping Natalie would stay with them, especially

You can handle all the arrangements for

Bye, Nat," Charlotte said, a hint of disappointment

her desk, where a stack of design drafts awaited her. Across from

something to say?" Natalie asked as

took a deep breath. "Boss, now that you're the Walker family's real daughter, don't you think they should cancel the Flux Couture collection that was

higher price, you never even wear your

didn't mention that the Flux Couture collection was one of Nouvelle Zara's most high-profile projects, and several pieces were showstoppers. Knowing Emma, she'd

down, she couldn't help but feel wronged on behalf of Natalie. What kind of biological parents would make their long-lost daughter design a

A faint smile tugged at her lips. "Do you remember why

money," Ophelia replied