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

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

him, preparing to lift him, but Hector

hesitation, he hoisted Marcus onto his back and carried him out of the

leave everything here to

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

Natalie nodded. "Alright."

Marcus into a guest room on the first

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

Hector.

"Alright."

gently brushing her fingers over his face before pressing a

Natalie,"

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

Before he left, he told you not to cry. He wanted you to be happy. To be healthy. To

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

Natalie took his hand in hers, then leaned in, pressing a

unable to

speak again.

But no

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

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

She drove him to

quiet but piercing. Stripped of warmth or emotion.

"Marcus, get up."

he sat upright. His gaze met hers. Natalie

not to cry. He said you look

time. When he finally lifted

was something else—cold,

it was 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,

No matter what happens, I'll stand by your side.

longer wanted to live. You saved him once, but you couldn't save him from

was his choice. I have to