The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming

Chapter 285 Does He Know That's Strange?

After socializing for a while, Celeste walked up and gently pulled Natalie away from the group of wealthy socialites.

Charlotte and William were both occupied with their guests, so they entrusted Celeste with taking care of Natalie.

Natalie found this a little amusing. She was an adult, not a child. Although she hadn't been particularly at ease at banquets in the Langley family, her mentor, Federrick, had privately taught her quite a bit. Still, having someone pull her away from the overly chatty socialites wasn't a bad thing.

Celeste led her toward the younger crowd, while Shawn silently followed behind them.

Just as Natalie was about to pick up a glass of champagne, Shawn reached out first and handed her one.

"I already checked-no one tampered with it," he murmured, lowering his voice. "I've been keeping an eye on things."

Natalie arched her eyebrow slightly. She had to admit that Shawn's vigilance was impressive. But since he had mentioned it, she decided not to drink it.

She set the champagne down and walked toward the dessert table. As she carefully browsed through the selection, Shawn placed a plate of chocolate velvet cake in front of her.

"Want to try this?"

Natalie turned her head. "Did you keep an eye on this one too, Mr. Haines?"

Shawn nodded. "Yes. Natalie, trust me. I wouldn't let anyone harm you."

He continued, "Mr. Lincoln assigned me to stay by your side to guard against anyone with bad intentions. The Walker family may be the richest in the country, but that doesn't mean they can let their guard down. At your welcome party, Mr. Lincoln said there might be people watching from the shadows."

Shawn's voice was low, just enough for Natalie to hear. "If you don't trust me, I can take the first bite."

"I trust you," Natalie said with a small smile.

She took the chocolate velvet cake from his hand, cut a bite with her fork, and brought it to her mouth.

The cake was rich and smooth, the chocolate deep and indulgent, but to her, it was a bit too sweet-definitely not as good as the one she had eaten at Marcus' place.

was hungry, so she simply finished

socializing again. While chatting, she also had Olivia find good angles to take photos of her. She had

Gorge and asked him to arrange for Marcus to

need to step out to the garden for something. You don't have to accompany me," she said to

moment of

family's estate-my own home. If something happens, I'll call for security

all night without having a proper chance to eat or drink. I noticed quite a few people wanting to talk

"Alright," Shawn reluctantly agreed.

and he didn't want to be too

gracefully turning and leaving the hall. Shawn stood

an elegant white evening gown with an open-back design, revealing her fair, delicate skin. The fitted mermaid silhouette accentuated her slender

face-so flawlessly beautiful, it looked as if she had stepped out of a painting. A striking mix of exquisite features and an air of cold nobility, her beauty was breathtaking yet

didn't even dare to entertain any improper thoughts about

admiration that had been planted in his heart continued to take root and grow-until it became an unshakable

toward the back garden, she felt a faint, lingering gaze trailing

at her with admiration, so she didn't think much of

way through the vast garden. The Walker family's back garden was expansive, filled with a variety of flowers- mostly

window, one could look straight down at the sea of

one of the benches. She slipped off

a tall figure appeared in front of her. Looking up, she saw

pair of soft, white slippers, which he placed in front of her. Then, as if

raw," Marcus said in his deep, magnetic voice. "There's no one else here.

a bit, and she had done him plenty of favors, so she didn't see the need to be overly polite. She would just consider

"Thank you."

the band-aids and carefully applied them to

slipping her feet into

an

he sat down beside