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.

tightened, but she forced herself to stay composed. She reached out, carefully prying Marcus' fingers away

pulled, she couldn't separate them. She didn't call for help. Instead, she pressed down on a pressure point in his arm,

carefully supported him, preparing to lift him, but

Marcus onto his back

leave everything

Nat. Your father and I will handle everything," Charlotte reassured her,

Natalie nodded. "Alright."

guest room on the first floor. "Hector,

now," Hector said, frowning. "Mr. Holden

Hector.

"Alright."

Hector left, Natalie sat beside Marcus. She reached out, gently brushing her fingers over his face before pressing a specific

me. Natalie,"

look away. He simply stared, unblinking, as

you not to cry. He wanted you to be happy. To be healthy. To live a good life." Natalie's voice was

Marcus' cheek. Then another. And another. With each blink,

together?" Natalie took his hand in hers, then leaned in, pressing

mute, unable to

didn't speak

wiping away each tear with her lips. But no matter how many she kissed

to take charge now. You need to arrange Grandpa's funeral." Natalie lifted her gaze slightly,

to handle this properly? Think about Cassie. She's probably hiding somewhere, waiting for the

the Holden family, onto Grandpa. She drove

quiet but piercing. Stripped of warmth or emotion.

"Marcus, get up."

gaze met hers. Natalie picked up a tissue

not to cry. He said you look terrible when you cry. Marcus, stand up. Don't let Grandpa leave without peace

long time. When he finally lifted his eyes again, the sorrow and despair were

replaced them was something else—cold, unwavering, and

it was almost cruel. He

his gaze without flinching. Unlike him, her

his

I'll stand by your side. I'm sorry about

him once,

his choice. I