The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming

Chapter 274 Her Sense of Injustice on Marcus' Behalf

Charles gazed at the photograph Natalie held, his face marked by a hint of sadness. "Marcus' parents are deeply upset and heartbroken over his choice to end the engagement.

"They've now tasked him with earning your parents' forgiveness, insisting that the bond between the Holden family and the Walker family shouldn't be damaged or become distant because of their ungrateful son.

"After considering it carefully, I decided to ask you for a favor. During your welcome party, have Marcus partner with you for the opening dance, and ensure someone captures pictures to send to his parents. This way, they won't hold Marcus accountable anymore."

Upon hearing this, Natalie glanced at Marcus. His lips were tightly pressed together, and his strikingly handsome face showed no hint of emotion, as if Charles' words were irrelevant to him.

Yet, in Marcus' deep, dark eyes, which appeared cold and unfeeling, Natalie detected a sorrow emanating from within. Despite his aloof and proud exterior, Natalie perceived Marcus as pitiable and lonely in that moment.

She put down her teacup. "Grandpa Charles, may I ask a question?"

"Go ahead."

"Why did Marcus' parents leave him with you and disappear right after he was born?" she asked calmly. "Marcus isn't like me. His parents are with him, unlike me, a child who was wrongly taken to another family. Why didn't they remain with him and care for him?

"I understand that Marcus was raised solely by Grandpa Charles, just as I was by Mrs. Langley Senior. But you two are entirely different.

"You genuinely love and care for Marcus, whereas the way Mrs. Langley Senior treated me is something you're likely aware of too."

Charles' face went through a series of expressions. He hadn't just heard the rumors, he had discreetly asked Sheldon to look into it.

Upon discovering some of Grace's actions, Charles found it difficult to believe that he had considered such a ruthless and cunning woman as his godsister for so long. Additionally, he had always believed that she had endured a tough life.

a twinge of embarrassment. "Nattie, this is a personal family issue. I don't owe

he misses his parents? When I was

by other kids. They called me a bastard with

fixing her gaze on Charles. "Sure, my situation made sense. But what about Marcus? His parents haven't been there for him even a single day,

"Um..." Charles was speechless.

Marcus, who sat silently. Marcus had his gaze lowered, hands on his knees, and his back perfectly straight. Sunlight streamed through the window, bathing him in a

effortlessly messy hair, and impeccable posture, Marcus seemed like a character from a comic book. Yet, beneath this beautiful picture, a

not my place to say this or get involved in your family matters," Natalie said, taking a deep breath before continuing, "But, in your opinion, which is more significant? The kindness

him to be

he prioritize,

flustered by

comparison be made?" He cleared his throat softly

parents weren't

the reasons

those reasons might be, he deserves to know. He's a human being who longs for his parents' love. The love of a father

silent, be absent, and yet still expect things from him. It's like

to

get hurt by the thorns, you blame the flower

make any

all these questions because you don't want

feeling a bit uneasy. "Never mind. You have five brothers, and Marcus ended your engagement. It's understandable if

Marcus, he said, "I'm exhausted. Marcus, please take