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.

other flavors

spread on the table nearby-several rows of drinks and food, including fruits,

Book Sanctum?" she asked, putting the book down and

no harm in it," he replied with a slight smile. "If it makes you happy, then

poured himself some red wine and then filled Natalie's glass. He handed it to her with a steady

clinked their glasses softly, the sound

"Cheers."

raised his glass and swirled it gently before bringing it to his lips for a sip.

voice broke the silence, his words slow and measured. "I

me and teach me. The Holden family isn't big. My father only had one sibling, and she was

stayed silent, her focus

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

her thoughts shifted at the mention of that

pull me down

lower and more

just listened carefully, taking a

not believe it, but I've

tightened, and his voice had a hint of bitterness as he continued, "You lived at my house for a while, you

one go and poured himself another. "Nat, I really envy

downed the

his somber expression, Natalie gently placed her hand over his, stopping him from

on, have a few more with me," Marcus said with a bitter smile, his voice heavy with emotion. "Grandpa raised me. The thing I fear most is losing

do is spend as much time with him as I can while he's still here, make him happy, and make sure he has no

honor him, but he won't be there anymore. If Grandpa really leaves one day, I'll be all

again, emptying the third

had still seen Grace as

connection to Marcus. She placed her glass down and walked over to

long life.

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

stop them. If time could be rewound, he

sorry. Can you