The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming

Chapter 419 So Close

"Madam, Mark, we've arrived."

Benson killed the car engine, stepped out, and respectfully opened the door to escort them inside. "Those two over there are the owners of Scarlet Hill Residence my employer and his wife."

Leading Natalie and Marcus forward, Benson bowed deeply and introduced them. "This is the miracle doctor and her assistant, Mark."

"Madam, Mark, welcome."

From behind their mask, a hoarse male voice emerged. The taller of the two figures extended a gloved hand.

"My apologies. We're sensitive to the cold."

"And how should I address the two of you?" Natalie's voice carried the raspiness

of an elderly woman. She, too, wore gloves as she lightly shook the man's hand in greeting.

She blocked Marcus from shaking hands with them.

"You may call me West, and this is my wife, Rory." The man's voice was rough as

he gestured toward the entrance. "Please, come inside."

Natalie glanced at Marcus, signaling him to follow.

Marcus, however, had remained silent since stepping out of the car. He hadn't even bothered to survey the surroundings.

His expression was dark.

"Mark, carry my bag." Natalie had brought her usual canvas bag and handed it to him while taking pictures. He had been carrying it ever since.

"Understood, madam."

He changed the way he addressed her on his own. Calling her "Grandma" was something he simply couldn't bring himself to do.

Natalie paid no mind to the change in address and followed them into Scarlet Hill Residence.

The residence was enclosed by towering walls, though its grounds were not particularly expansive. A three-story building built in traditional style stood at the center, with a garden in the front, a vegetable patch in the back, and a small artificial pond with a rockery.

Surprisingly, there were no maple trees planted within the residence. Instead, various species of succulents and cacti filled the courtyard.

In one corner along the wall, a cluster of vibrant red spider lilies bloomed.

On the right side of the yard, two tall magnolia trees stood with a wooden swing set strung between them. The swing swayed gently in the breeze, occasionally creaking as it moved.

"This way, please."

the way, while

decorated in a classical style, from the carved wooden furniture to the intricate latticework on the windows. It was evident that the owners had

have a seat. I'll prepare

them, the two masked figures settled into their seats. They remained completely covered, even wearing dark sunglasses that concealed

entrance, the man hadn't

returned with tea. "Madam, Mark,

"Thank you."

Natalie accepted it politely.

Marcus, however, remained silent.

look at him, only to realize that he had been staring intently at something on the

his gaze, she saw it—a small

speak privately with the patients." Her voice was calm yet

rose without protest. He gave the masked figures a slight nod

man tapped lightly on the table. At the

wasted no time once the room was empty save for the three of them. "The lady over here

down. "I need to see her true condition

head to toe. I can't examine you like

He stood and pressed a switch on the wall. Instantly, all the windows

"Let's go upstairs."

masked woman spoke for the first time. Unlike the man,

followed her

the man nor the woman had questioned Natalie's identity ever since she arrived. They hadn't doubted her, tested her, or even

Something felt amiss.

nothing, merely following the woman

no windows. It was

on.

and turned

center of the room and slowly began

disguise, she wore a long white dress

ankles. The

difficult to see any

carefully removed the artificial layers on her head

her true appearance

Natalie froze.

you..." Her lips parted as if to ask, "Are you

But she hesitated.

Laura's eyes. She covered her mouth, stifling a sob, unwilling to