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, carefully prying Marcus' fingers away

matter how gently she pulled, she couldn't separate them. She didn't call for help. Instead, she pressed down

preparing to lift him, but

onto his back and carried him out of

I'll leave everything here to you,"

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

Natalie nodded. "Alright."

into a guest room on the first floor. "Hector, you should help Dad

him to take charge now," Hector said, frowning. "Mr. Holden Senior's funeral

Hector. You should

"Alright."

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

it's me. Natalie," Natalie said

her face. He didn't look away. He simply stared, unblinking, as if afraid she might disappear if

to be happy. To

single tear slid silently down Marcus' cheek. Then another. And another. With each

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

unable to speak

didn't speak

with her lips. But no matter how many she kissed away, the tears kept coming, endless

arrange Grandpa's funeral." Natalie lifted her gaze slightly, locking eyes with

about Cassie. She's probably hiding somewhere, waiting for the perfect moment to stir up

She drove him to his death. Are

piercing. Stripped of warmth

"Marcus, get up."

upright. His gaze met hers. Natalie picked up a tissue and gently wiped his

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

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

something else—cold, unwavering,

it was almost cruel. He stared

him, her eyes were filled with

his

what happens, I'll stand by your side. I'm sorry about Grandpa,"

your fault, he no longer wanted to live. You saved him once, but you couldn't save him

his choice. I have to