The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming

Chapter 278 If There Were No Broken Engagement

Natalie gave Marcus a gentle smile and a small wave as a greeting. After finishing her speech, it was time for the opening dance.

William took the microphone, intending to say a few more words, but his emotions got the better of him. Overwhelmed, he waved his hand and handed the microphone to Lincoln instead.

Lincoln took the microphone and smiled. "This young lady standing beside me is my younger sister, Natalie Walker. Everyone, do you think she looks like me?"

His deep, magnetic voice resonated through the hall. "Everyone used to know the daughter of the Walker family as Emma. But from this moment forward, there is only one true daughter of the Walker family. That is my parents' biological daughter, my sister, Natalie.

"I hope everyone will look after my sister and take care of her, just as you have done for me and my parents.

"If my sister ever makes a mistake or unintentionally offends someone, please do not hold it against her. Let me know, and as her older brother, I will take

responsibility. Whether it requires an apology or compensation, I will handle it. But do not lay a hand on her."

Someone in the crowd laughed and called out, "Mr. Lincoln, you must be joking. Ms. Walker is like a goddess. We wouldn't even have time to adore her, let alone reprimand her."

"Not to mention, Ms. Walker is gracious, gentle, and polite. Even if she did bully us, we would consider it an honor."

"Getting bullied by a goddess? That would be a privilege."

Hearing this, Lincoln couldn't help but chuckle. "Thank you, everyone. If I misspoke, I ask for your understanding. Today is simply a day of joy for us."

Even if Natalie were to offend someone, no one would dare to reprimand her. However, Lincoln's statement made it clear to everyone that while they could disregard Emma, Natalie was someone they absolutely couldn't afford to offend. The guests were astute enough to grasp the deeper meaning behind his words. Lincoln continued, "Thank you, everyone. Let us invite Mr. Holden and Natalie to perform the opening dance."

His gaze turned toward Marcus. The crowd instinctively made way as Marcus stepped forward, his movements composed and steady.

When he reached Natalie, he gave a gentleman's bow. She placed her hand in his palm, and he held it lightly as they descended the staircase and stepped onto the dance floor.

As the music began to play, the two of them started to dance. Despite never rehearsing together, their movements were unexpectedly harmonious and flawless.

Under the spotlight, Marcus' tall frame stood at an imposing height of 6 feet and 3 inches. Dressed in a well-tailored black suit, his broad shoulders and long legs accentuated his elegant posture.

Natalie, with her slender figure and swan-like neck, wore a diamond-encrusted gown that shimmered under the light. The contrast between his dark attire and her light gown created an unspoken entanglement, a tension that lingered in the air. His long, clean fingers rested lightly on her waist, while her hand gently lay on his arm. With their other hands interlocked, they gracefully swayed to the rhythm of the music.

moved in perfect harmony. The flowing gown sparkled like a constellation of stars, their well-matched figures

room.

Given the documented mistreatment she suffered at the hands of Victor and Diana, it was unlikely she had ever

knew how to dance but did so with effortless precision. Every step fell

Natalie matched

room erupted

lifted her gown slightly and gave the audience

taking her hand and leading her out of the dance floor. Although this was called a welcome party, it was, in reality, an occasion for William and Charlotte to formally introduce Natalie to everyone in Dithoria State. As soon as they left the dance floor, Charlotte approached, taking Natalie's hand with a warm smile. "Nat, let's

Natalie complied, giving Marcus a

him a glass of champagne. "My

the glass. "She

dancing with her, he had caught the faint fragrance of jasmine from her. The gentle swirl of her gown, the elegance in her every movement, and her

let out a soft chuckle.

to

raised his glass in a toast. "There are a lot of guests, and we may not be able to attend to everyone

adding, "I am feeling a little

"Of course."

Marcus to a lounge on the third floor. "I will have the maid bring some refreshments. You can rest

"Thank you."

lingering inchis palm. During the dance, he had been so focused on every step, afraid of making a mistake and tarnishing Natalie's

he realized how uncharacteristically tense he

Charles was standing there, supported by

"Grandpa."

a slight nod to Sheldon, who immediately stepped outside and

few pictures of you and

sat across from

excited. If only you had never broken off the engagement, how wonderful that would

couldn't help

as

chosen Natalie's dance partner at

his parents, seeing