The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming

Chapter 513 He Was Clearly Avoiding Something

After Marcus finished speaking, Charles was momentarily stunned. It was a long while before he slowly opened his mouth again.

"Marcus, what did you just say?"

"I said Nat is bringing Charlene to meet you," Marcus said clearly, word by word. "Charlene looks a lot like Yvette in the photos. Grandpa, maybe the one who died in that fire wasn't Yvette."

"Impossible." Charles suddenly lost control. "There were so many people in the Jenkins family. Everyone except Vivian, who wasn't at home, died in that fire. Yvette too—she was found in her bedroom, completely burned."

"Then, Grandpa, did you do a DNA test?" Marcus asked calmly. "If she was burned that badly, how could you be so sure it was Yvette?"

"Of course we did a DNA test," Charles said after taking a deep breath. "Every body recovered from the fire was tested. Their identities were confirmed. That's not something that could be faked.

"Marcus, are you doubting me?"

Marcus shook his head. "No, Grandpa. You're overthinking it. I'm just analyzing the circumstances. Charlene looks far too much like Yvette. It's natural for me to wonder. There's no need to take it personally."

Charles stared hard at Marcus. He had raised Marcus himself, so how could he not know what Marcus was really thinking? He was absolutely doubting him.

But Marcus met his gaze directly, unbothered. He knew Charles just as well. Tonight, Charles' story was full of holes. Some things didn't need to be said out loud-both of them knew.

After a long silence, it was Charles who finally gave in. "Fine, then. When Nat brings the girl, let me see her. Marcus, could you send me a copy of those photos?"

"Of course." Marcus forwarded them immediately.

"Marcus, I'd like to be alone for a bit," Charles said, his eyes red again as he looked down at the images. "Thank you."

"There's no need to be so formal with me, Grandpa." Marcus held his phone. "I'm going to check on Laura. I heard you spoke with her."

I was being selfish," Charles admitted plainly. "People are naturally biased. I'll admit, I didn't handle it well, and I wasn't completely fair.

nodded slightly and replied with equal honesty, "Yes. No one can deal forgiveness on her behalf for what she suffered-not even me. Grandpa, you always taught me to be reasonable. You've said many times that if you haven't suffered what others have, don't advise them to

let out a long sigh."Forget it. Go see your mother. Let

walked a few steps before suddenly stopping and turning back. "Grandpa, can

then

and my father-are they truly siblings

sharp and cold. "Of course! Wesley and Cassie are the biological children of Vivian and me. Marcus,

not implying anything," Marcus replied calmly. "But I do think you're

turned and

He pressed a hand over his

"Sheldon."

"Yes, Mr. Holden Senior."

coat. He had actually returned a while ago and had heard Marcus' entire

than most-but some truths were better left buried. That old saying rang true tonight; the

Holden family, and he was determined to die loyal to it. But right now, he

Marcus and me, didn't you?" Charles asked, his tone calm

Senior-" Sheldon hesitated, unsure

bitter smile. "I know the grandson I raised, and he knows me just as well. This came

prepared. All those contractionel.ne

story-how could Marcus

in

Senior." Sheldon stepped forward and draped the coat over Charles' shoulders. "Do you really believe

still be alive?" Charles said bitterly. "The DNA tests weren't wrong. I refuse to believe someone burned to that extent could

with the test results?" Sheldon asked cautiously. "Maybe Ms. Yvette

the psychiatrist said after