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.

so she simply finished the

for conversation, and she started socializing again. While chatting, she also had Olivia find good angles

a moment to slip away. She waved over Gorge

me," she

after a moment of thought. "I'll just keep watch from

off. "This is the Walker family's estate-my own

having a proper chance to eat or drink. I noticed quite a few people wanting to

"Alright," Shawn reluctantly agreed.

didn't want to

before gracefully turning and leaving the hall. Shawn stood where he was, watching

partially pinned up, pearl earrings swaying gently as she moved. She wore an elegant white evening gown with an

a painting. A striking mix of

dazzling that Shawn didn't even dare to entertain

in his heart continued to take root and grow-until it became an

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

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

in her high heels, making her way through the vast garden. The Walker family's back garden was expansive,

Emma's bedroom window, one could look straight down

and took a seat on one of the benches. She slipped off her

tall figure appeared in front of

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

these on the areas that got rubbed raw," Marcus said in his deep, magnetic voice. "There's no one else here.

band-aids from him. Her feet aid ache quite 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 this as Marcus repaying a favor.

"Thank you."

peeled open the band-aids and carefully applied them to the

her feet into the

an instant

called for me," Marcus said as he sat down beside