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.

simply

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

away. She waved over Gorge and asked him to arrange for Marcus to meet her in the

I need to step out to the garden for something. You don't have to accompany me," she said to Shawn with a soft smile. "If Lincoln asks about

you," Shawn offered after a moment of thought. "I'll just keep

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

been following me around all night without having a proper chance to eat or drink. I noticed quite a few people wanting to talk to you.

"Alright," Shawn reluctantly agreed.

he didn't want to be too pushy-it

turning and leaving the hall. Shawn stood where he

gown

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 untouched by the mundane

so dazzling that Shawn didn't even dare

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

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

through the vast garden. The Walker family's back garden was expansive, filled with a

look straight down at the sea of

rose bushes and took a seat on one of the benches. She slipped off her heels and gently massaged her sore

later, a tall figure appeared in front of her.

front of her. Then, as if performing a magic

on the areas that got rubbed raw," Marcus said in his deep, magnetic voice. "There's no one else here. Change into the slippers and rest for a

aid ache quite a bit, and she had done him plenty of favors, so she didn't see the need

"Thank you."

peeled open the band-aids and carefully applied them

feet into the soft

an instant

as he sat down beside her, keeping a respectful