The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming

Chapter 249 Embarrase a Hypocritical Father

"That's right. You need to get down on your knees and apologize to me right now, and maybe I'll forgive you," Ruby sneered, stepping forward with her hands on her hips. Her glare was filled with malice. "Dad, this little slut is the reason Zane broke up with me!"

Ivan patted Ruby's hand reassuringly, giving her a look of fatherly indulgence. "Don't worry. As long as I'm here, no one can walk all over you."

Then, his eyes landed on Natalie. "Listen, girl, I don't care what your relationship with Zane is or what family you come from. But you better know your place when you're standing before me, a Sinclair. Otherwise, I can't guarantee you'll walk away from this unscathed."

Before Natalie could respond, a deep, authoritative voice cut through the air. "What exactly are you planning to do to my people, Mr. Sinclair?"

Marcus stepped out of Goodwill Pharmacy, his tall frame moving with effortless dominance. In just a few strides, he closed the distance and stood at Natalie's side.

The moment Ivan saw him, his expression shifted.

"Mr. Holden! So this young lady is with you?" Ivan immediately forced a smile. "Ah, what a misunderstanding! A case of friendly fire—our own people failing to recognize each other."

Marcus' cold gaze swept over the Sinclair bodyguards standing near the car. At just that look, they instinctively backed away several steps.

He reached for the car door and held it open. "Get in."

"No need."

Natalie pressed the door shut with one hand. Her expression remained impassive as she looked at Ivan and Ruby. "Even if you hadn't come looking for me, I would've come to find you."

She turned to Marcus and said, "This is between me and the Sinclairs. There's no need for you to step in."

Marcus saw the clear rejection in her eyes. He didn't push further but didn't leave either.

"Mr. Holden," Elijah approached, his voice eager, "if Ms. Walker needs someone to throw a few punches, I'm happy to do the honors."

Marcus shot him a cold look. "Go inside."

"But, Mr. Holden-"

"She made it clear this is her issue. You still don't get it?"

Elijah blinked, clearly confused as to why Marcus was suddenly annoyed. He hesitated, trying to figure out what he'd done wrong.

"Now." Marcus' tone turned even icier.

"Yes, sir!" Elijah didn't dare argue further. He turned and darted back into Goodwill Pharmacy.

Natalie with interest. His smile was calculating. "So, Mr. Holden, what exactly is your relationship with this

could. "Now, has your daughter paid for the

an eyebrow.

If she hasn't paid, you, her father,

was calm but firm. "Everything in Goodwill Pharmacy has value, and your daughter came in here like she owned the place,

one of them stepped forward with a long

list, Natalie," the staff member said

"Call Zane out here."

"Yes, Natalie."

stepped out, took one look at Ruby and Ivan, and blurted, "What the hell? Ruby, are you

snapped. "Zane, are you doing this on

against Ruby's face. "Pay up. And while we're at it, let's

Natalie turned to

"Natalie, I swear on my life, I have never looked at you that way! You know exactly what kind of guy I am.

you wanna insult me, fine. But don't act like I ever had a shot

Natalie fell silent.

fury. "Zane, what

My mom must've been blind,

like you. That's the worst mistake

enough," Natalie cut in. "Ms. Ruby,

you to

to weasel your way

His eyes flicked to

darkened. "Are you kidding me? Why don't you just rob a bank instead? I'd like to see what

to inspect what your daughter destroyed," Natalie said coolly. "Step inside and take a

walked

Zane followed.

a pause, so did

The staff had cleaned up some of

had been

had broken

there, neatly collected.

Natalie called. "Walk Mr. Sinclair

thinking we're scamming

"Yes, Ms. Walker."

was a 221 BC artifact. Ms.

is made of camphorwood—not that expensive, just about