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 to

saw the spread on the table nearby-several

up a buffet in the Book Sanctum?" she asked, putting

it," he replied with a slight smile. "If

then filled Natalie's glass. He

they clinked their

"Cheers."

swirled it gently before bringing it to his lips for a

time." Marcus' deep, magnetic voice broke the silence, his words slow and measured.

me that my parents had gone on a trip and that he would take care of me and teach me. The Holden family isn't big. My father only had one sibling, and she

silent, her focus entirely on

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

but her thoughts shifted at

but secretly, she's always tried to pull me down from my position as heir. She can't control me, nor

more compelling

a small sip from her glass now and

I've never seen a

lived at my house for

in one go and

downed the glass

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

me," Marcus said with a bitter smile, his voice heavy with emotion. "Grandpa raised

death are part of the cycle of life. I can't control it. What I can do is spend as much time with him as I can while he's still here,

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

again, emptying the

watched him, recalling when she had still seen Grace as her closest family. Back then, she

a deeper connection to Marcus. She placed her glass down

live a long life. I'll

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

words of apology came naturally, and he couldn't stop them. If time could be rewound, he would never treat her

I'm really sorry. Can