The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming

Chapter 296 Putting Sky on Leave

When Natalie heard Charlotte say the recording was Marcus' doing, she froze. Marcus hadn't mentioned any of this to her. In her original plan, she'd given the recording to Olivia, expecting her to handle it.

Now, Natalie couldn't shake the feeling that tonight's events had slipped slightly out of her control. Yet, the overall outcome still aligned with her intentions.

"Sweetie, let's go," Charlotte said, gently pulling Natalie along.

"Mrs. Holden Senior isn't exactly an outsider. Back when our family was in trouble, he stepped in and helped us. Without him, we wouldn't be where we are today," she explained with a sigh.

She added, "When your dad and I returned the engagement gifts to the Holdens, we tested the waters. We had you younger ones call him Mr. Holden Senior out of respect, and he didn't seem to mind. That shows he's not hung up on formalities. "He's older, and his generation deserves our respect. If the two families become even closer in the future, we'll naturally adjust how we address him."

Natalie nodded, letting Charlotte's words sink in. As they talked, they headed upstairs but were stopped halfway by Mason, who had come looking for them.

"Father, Mother, Nat, Marcus asked me to check if you're done seeing the guests out."

"All done," William said. "Let's go."

The group returned to the balcony where the earlier discussion had taken place. Marcus sat calmly, sipping coffee, while Mason was slumped in a chair across from him.

A steaming cup of coffee sat in front of Sky, untouched. His swollen, bruised face was proof of the earlier fight.

"Marcus," William greeted Marcus and then glanced at Sky. "What happened to him?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Marcus said casually, setting his cup down. "He got beaten up."

Marcus' tone was calm, but his words carried weight. "Mr. Walker, I apologize. Sky insulted me and even challenged me to a fight, so I simply obliged him. Noah may have gone a little overboard, but I'll deal with him later."

Mason, feeling a little guilty but also full of admiration for Marcus, stayed quiet. The truth was, he had done most of the damage, but Marcus had pinned it on Noah.

When Mason glanced around to thank Noah, the bodyguard was already gone. He lost his chance to express his gratitude.

a faint smile. "Nat's welcome party went smoothly. Now, it's time to settle

he instructed. "Also, don't worry about Ms. Thatcher. I

Natalie said. Then, she grabbed Mason's arm. "Come with me, Mason. I need someone to stand guard

isn't that a little much?" Mason

just waiting outside

"Fine," he relented.

elevator, they ran into Lincoln, Timothy,

I'm taking Mason with me to get changed. Mom and Dad are waiting for you

hair and pulled a chocolate bar from his pocket. "Marcus mentioned you like this brand, so I had a little chat

her the chocolate with a warm smile. "From now on, all the chocolate they make belongs to you. Welcome home, Nat. Consider this my gift to

up. "What?" This gift was completely beyond

was already home, yet Lincoln had still prepared such a

the very day of the welcome

truly

already! You've been in heels all day-you must

for you, too, but compared to what Lincoln got you, ours kind of

something good, we'll

you, Hector and Timothy," Natalie steadied her emotions, holding back

"Go ahead!"

he just went ahead and bought

belongs to

Mason," Natalie said sincerely. "For everything. I love the

fists, his expression determined. "One day, I'll win a

waiting," Natalie said, her smile soft but

Walker brothers were slowly healing the wounds left by Natalie's time with the Langleys. Yet, a

the second floor, back at the balcony, the space had become