The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming

Chapter 544 Replacing Grief With Ruthless Composure

"Grandpa!"

Marcus' anguished cry ripped through the air, raw and heart-wrenching. A stream of blood trickled from his lips as he clutched Charles and collapsed.

"Mr. Marcus! Mr. Holden Senior!"

Sheldon lunged forward, his cries turning into desperate wails.

"Mr. Holden Senior, wake up! Mr. Marcus, wake up! Please, don't do this to me!"

He threw himself over Marcus and Charles, his body trembling. If Charles was gone, then he had no reason to live either.

"Hector, pull Sheldon away," William ordered.

Hector stepped forward, grabbing Sheldon and holding him in place.

Natalie stood frozen, her mind blank. A dull ringing echoed in her ears as she struggled to process what had just happened. This was the first time she had witnessed the death of someone who had truly cared for her.

William, composed as ever, took control of the situation. Knowing Sheldon was in no state to help, he immediately summoned Charlotte.

When Charlotte entered and saw Natalie kneeling in a daze, she said nothing. Instead, she reached out and gently covered Natalie's eyes with her hands.

"Nat, come with me."

"Charlotte, call Laura. Have her notify Wesley," William instructed calmly.

"Alright, I'll do it now," Charlotte replied.

"Call Lincoln and the others. They need to be here as well. Take Nat outside. Have her stay with Marcus."

"Understood. Nat, let's go."

Natalie remained motionless. Charlotte frowned, worried that Charles' passing would consume her with grief and guilt.

"Nat, listen to me."

Finally, Natalie stirred, gently pushing Charlotte's hands away. "I'm fine. Mom, don't worry about me."

She turned and walked toward Marcus. Even when he was unconscious, he clung tightly to Charles, refusing to let go.

she forced herself to stay composed. She reached out,

strong. No matter how gently she pulled, she couldn't separate them. She didn't call for help. Instead, she pressed down on a pressure point in his

him, but

onto his back

I'll leave everything

will handle everything," Charlotte reassured her, gently

Natalie nodded. "Alright."

the first floor. "Hector, you should help Dad and Mom. I'll stay here with

you need to wake him up. The Holden family needs him to take charge now," Hector

know, Hector. You should

"Alright."

over

it's me. Natalie,"

simply stared, unblinking, as if afraid

to cry. He wanted you to be happy. To be healthy. To live a good life." Natalie's voice was calm and

tear slid silently down Marcus' cheek. Then another. And

together?" Natalie took his hand in hers, then leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to his

mute, unable to speak through his

didn't speak again.

him, softly and patiently, wiping away each tear with her lips. But no

take charge now. You need to arrange Grandpa's funeral." Natalie lifted her gaze slightly, locking eyes with him without

trust anyone else to handle this properly? Think about Cassie. She's probably hiding somewhere, waiting for the perfect moment to stir up

onto Grandpa. She drove him to his death. Are you really willing

Stripped of warmth or emotion. Just an

"Marcus, get up."

met hers. Natalie picked up

you look terrible when you cry. Marcus, stand up.

silent for a long time. When he finally lifted his eyes again, the

them was something else—cold,

was so calm it was almost cruel. He

his gaze without flinching. Unlike him, her eyes were filled with

reached out and pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly

happens, I'll stand by your side.

live. You saved him once, but

choice.