The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming

Chapter 390 Drunk (Part 1)

Marcus stared at the photo for quite some time. When he looked up, Natalie was still holding her book, completely absorbed in reading.

After a moment of contemplation, he sent a message to Sheldon. Not long after, Sheldon entered with a line of helpers, bringing a variety of food and drinks into the Book Sanctum.

"Mr. Holden."

"Leave it here."

"Yes."

Sheldon directed the helpers to set everything down and, glancing over at Natalie sitting on the nearby couch, returned to his duties with great respect, quietly exiting.

Marcus, now with his phone, muted it and snapped a few pictures of Natalie while she was engrossed in her book. Holding a cocktail in hand, he walked over and placed it in front of her.

"Nat, do you want a drink?"

Natalie looked up, her eyes wide for a brief moment. She had been so focused on her book that she was momentarily disoriented.

Marcus held up the drink, his dark eyes calm and steady, his voice low but

soothing, "You've been reading for a while. Drink something, eat a little. Relax, let your eyes rest. If you like it, feel free to come by anytime."

Natalie took the glass from him. "Can I take this with me later?"

"Of course."

She gently sniffed the drink. "Is this a cocktail?"

"Yeah, do you want to try it?"

"Sure."

Natalie took a small sip. The cocktail was sweet and tangy, without any bite. She couldn't quite tell what ingredients the bartender used, but it was refreshing.

any other flavors

eyes widened as she saw the spread on the table nearby-several rows of drinks and

in the Book Sanctum?" she asked, putting

in it," he replied with a slight smile. "If it makes you

himself some red wine and then filled Natalie's glass. He

their glasses

"Cheers."

it to his

I was little, I asked Grandpa about my parents for the first time." Marcus' deep, magnetic voice broke the silence,

The Holden family isn't big. My father only had

her

met Aunt Cassie at Quinton Hospital, right?" he asked. "She was there

expression didn't change, but her thoughts

down from my position as heir. She can't control me, nor Grandpa, so she tries to use women to manipulate

lower and more

taking a small sip

believe it, but I've never seen a picture

voice had a hint of bitterness as he continued, "You lived at my house for

glass of wine in one go and poured himself another.

the

hand over his, stopping him from pouring more. "Stop

on, have a few more with me," Marcus said with a bitter smile, his voice heavy with emotion. "Grandpa raised me. The

do is spend as much time with him as I can while he's still here, make him happy, and

afraid that one day, I'll want to honor him, but he won't be there anymore. If

again, emptying

she had still seen Grace as her closest family. Back

a deeper connection to Marcus. She placed her glass down and walked over to him, wrapping her

long life. I'll make sure he's

Natalie," Marcus said, setting his glass down and holding her tightly. "I regret everything. I misunderstood

naturally, and he couldn't stop them. If

I'm really sorry. Can