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 from

She didn't call for help.

lift him, but Hector stepped

his back and carried him out

Mom, I'll leave everything here to you," Natalie

and I will handle everything," Charlotte reassured

Natalie nodded. "Alright."

Hector, helping settle Marcus into a guest room on the first floor. "Hector, you should

The Holden family needs him to take charge now," Hector said, frowning. "Mr. Holden Senior's funeral is a

know, Hector. You

"Alright."

reached out, gently brushing her fingers over his face before pressing a specific

it's me. Natalie," Natalie said

away. He simply stared, unblinking,

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

down Marcus' cheek. Then another. And

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

to

speak again.

kissed him, softly and patiently, wiping away each tear with her lips. But no matter how many she kissed away, the

family needs you to take charge now. You need to arrange Grandpa's funeral."

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

family, onto Grandpa. She drove him to his death. Are

was quiet but piercing. Stripped of warmth or emotion. Just

"Marcus, get up."

Natalie picked up a

remember what Grandpa said? He told you not to cry. He said you look terrible

When he finally lifted his eyes again, the sorrow and despair were gone,

replaced them was something

almost cruel. He stared at Natalie for a

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

pulled her into his arms, holding

I'll stand by your

live. You saved him once, but you couldn't

choice.