The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming

Chapter 400 Playing the Sympathy Card Works

Natalie tugged at Marcus with a mischievous gleam in her eye. "Didn't you say

you wanted my mom to hug you so you could feel the motherly love you've never had? Well, now she's right here. Don't be shy!"

Marcus immediately played along, his eyes filled with mock sorrow and vulnerability as he glanced toward Charlotte. "Mrs. Walker, is it alright?"

Charlotte was momentarily speechless.

William, observing the situation, let out a deep sigh. After a moment, he decided to speak up in support of Marcus. "Since Marcus has never experienced that kind of motherly love, Charlotte, just give him a hug. Think of it as doing a good deed."

Charlotte could only sigh again.

Taking the opportunity, Marcus meekly spoke up once more, "Mrs. Walker, may 1?"

"Fine! Just come here and give me a hug."

Charlotte opened her arms, giving Marcus a gentle hug. As she did so, she patted his back.

"Are your parents still not back?" she asked softly.

Marcus' voice was muffled as he replied, "Yes, I've stopped hoping after all these years."

"It's alright. You've grown up healthy and strong." Charlotte gave Marcus' shoulder

a light pat before he slowly stepped back from her embrace.

"Mr. Walker, can I have a hug too?" Marcus asked, his eyes showing a mix of longing and admiration. "When I was a child, I envied Mason and Lincoln because they had parents who cared for them."

"I remember when I came to the Walker family, I would watch you pick up Mason and spin him around, even let him ride on your shoulders. I was always so envious of that."

At his words, William was taken back to the days when his children were young, especially Mason, his youngest son, whom he had always spoiled a little more than the others.

hand, had always been a serious, stoic child, walking around

Marcus, even as a child, had

pulled Marcus into a tight embrace, patting his back a couple of times. "You're all grown up now.

his throat. "Thank you, Mr.

voice, William couldn't help but feel a little sad. "Sweetie, take

Dad." Natalie stepped forward and took Marcus' hand. "Let's go to the back

"Go ahead."

Mr. Walker, Mrs. Walker.

and Charlotte exchanged a glance, their

Marcus' mother, Laura, had been close friends. It was only natural that they had arranged for

even finished her postpartum recovery before going away with Wesley on a trip. They had left their newborn child to be raised by Charles. Over

Marcus out for

how her old friend had treated Marcus, Charlotte was about to say a few choice words, but she couldn't bring

"Let's go, Marcus.

took Marcus' hand and led him toward the back garden of the

and Charlotte watched the two leave, both of them letting out a deep sigh

Wesley are doing now. After all these years, how could they

can't imagine leaving my own child

in agreement. "I

is a poor child. Let's be extra kind to him when he comes over to

"Anything you say, honey."

Marcus, and in their concern for him, they completely forgot to settle any scores

...

lounging lazily on a chair. His phone and headphones were on the nearby seat, clearly having just finished playing

thirsty. Can you go inside and grab me a bottle of water?" Timothy flashed

I'll go get it

to leave, and Timothy's smile immediately faded. He waved Marcus over. "Marcus, come sit with

from Timothy, who called him

down, and Timothy didn't waste time. "I

admitted