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.

composed. She reached out, carefully prying Marcus' fingers away

She didn't call for help. Instead,

to lift him, but Hector stepped in. "Nat, let

Marcus onto his back and carried him

leave everything here to you,"

and I will handle everything," Charlotte reassured

Natalie nodded. "Alright."

guest room on the first floor.

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

Hector.

"Alright."

Marcus. She reached out, gently brushing her fingers over his face before pressing a specific point on his neck. Slowly, his eyelids fluttered

Natalie,"

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

Before he left, he told you not to cry. He wanted you to be happy. To be healthy. To live a good life." Natalie's voice was calm and

Marcus' cheek. Then

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

remained mute, unable to

speak again.

softly and patiently, wiping away each tear with her lips. But no matter how many she kissed away, the tears kept coming, endless as a

You need to arrange Grandpa's funeral." Natalie

really trust anyone else to handle this properly? Think about Cassie.

family, onto Grandpa. She drove him to his death. Are you really willing to do nothing? Just

but piercing. Stripped of warmth

"Marcus, get up."

hers. Natalie picked up

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, buried

was something

was so calm it was almost cruel. He stared

Unlike him, her eyes were filled with love

and pulled her into his arms, holding her

stand by your

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

his choice. I have to