The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming

Chapter 311 He Had Already Fallen for Her Long Ago

Marcus sat on the chair, his expression calm despite the wound. Though the injury was not too serious, the sharp blade had cut deep enough to leave an open gash.

Natalie disinfected the area and sprinkled a white medicinal powder over the wound. Within moments, the bleeding stopped. Then, she carefully peeled open a band-aid and gently pressed it onto his skin.

She reminded him, "Keep it dry. I'll leave you the powder. Don't keep the band-aid on for too long. If it starts itching, take it off, disinfect with alcohol, and apply the powder again."

"Do I need to use another band-aid after that?" Marcus asked.

"No, it's not necessary." Natalie waved her hand softly, sending a brief, cooling breeze across his skin.

A faint jasmine fragrance lingered in the air, creating an inexplicable warmth that stirred his heart. His deep, husky voice broke the silence as he asked, "Natalie, can I call you Nat? Setting aside other matters, we still need to keep up with the act in front of Emma."

Natalie replied indifferently, "Emma's no longer part of the Walker family, and Sky's on a long break and staying home. She's no threat to me anymore. We don't need to keep pretending."

Marcus argued, "But you still have to go to Amberton to investigate that baby swap incident. You'll be searching for Emma's biological parents. I owe it to you to help out, so I've decided to join you in Amberton."

"Are you serious, Marcus? You're the CEO of Holden Group. Don't you have actual work to do, or are you just neglecting your responsibilities entirely?" Natalie questioned him as she packed up the first-aid kit.

She continued, "And what about Grandpa Charles? What happens to him if you're gone?"

Marcus' face turned solemn. "To be honest, Grandpa is the reason I'm going. He told me my parents might be in Amberton. Someone's been looking into their whereabouts, and Grandpa's worried about their safety.

"So, he sent me to handle it. Apparently, whoever's searching for them is highly skilled. Grandpa thinks it might be a longtime enemy of the Holden family."

Natalie frowned, her mind racing. She was surprised that someone else was investigating Marcus' parents. After all, it did not seem likely that the Holdens would have other enemies.

"Natalie," Marcus continued, exhaling a weary sigh. "Years ago, Grandpa forced me into this position of power. I had to be ruthless to gain control. Some people may appear to respect me, but I'm sure they curse me behind my back."

There was a flicker of vulnerability in his eyes as he spoke. "I'm the kind of person who grew up without my parents' love. Grandpa was the only one who truly cared, and he has always been in poor health. I had no choice but to toughen up.

because I saw myself in her. She

at the edges. A shadow of sadness draped over him, and

lowering his head. After a pause, he

took in his weary expression and the

not have loved her, but at least William and Charlotte, her biological parents, loved her deeply. Meanwhile, Marcus' parents abandoned him after he was

parents so cruel that they had never visited their child all these

comforted him, saying, "Marcus, don't be upset. Amberton doesn't belong to me, and you can go

she reached out and ruffled his hair the way she often

grabbed her wrist and asked,

you. Why would I pity you?" Natalie replied, struggling to free

tightened his hold, pulling her into his arms in

Pretend you're pitying me. I've never known what a

thought, "Oh boy, this kid's motherless trauma is

give Marcus plenty of motherly hugs whenever they met. It

The largest one. belonged to

wide-eyed at the

inside.

a flash. He smirked. It was a good thing they ducked before

mouth while Zane helped steady her. The trio crept back to Sophia's room, moving as quietly

not let go of Natalie after several moments. She gave him a little shove, breaking the silence. "Marcus,

loosened his arms and stepped back. "Thanks, Natalie." "No problem," she replied casually. Then, she turned toward the

Grandpa Charles find out someone was investigating your parents? I've got some connections. Maybe they can

about the details. Grandpa got a message from someone, but that's all I

the intricate design of tiny jasmine flowers printed on the glass. As the water flowed over them, the petals and leaves seemed to bloom, creating a strangely

which now tasted oddly

Natalie offered. She planned to wait until Marcus left to ask around

Marcus nodded. "Sure, thanks."