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,

didn't call for help. Instead, she pressed down on a

carefully supported him, preparing to lift him, but Hector

he hoisted Marcus onto his back and

Mom, I'll leave everything here to

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

Natalie nodded. "Alright."

room on the first floor. "Hector,

The Holden family needs him to take charge now," Hector said,

Hector.

"Alright."

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

it's me. Natalie," Natalie

onto her face. He didn't look away. He simply stared, unblinking,

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

single tear slid silently down Marcus' cheek. Then

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

remained mute, unable to

speak

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

you to take charge now. You need to arrange Grandpa's funeral." Natalie lifted her gaze slightly, locking eyes with him

this properly? Think about Cassie. She's

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

quiet but piercing. Stripped of warmth or emotion. Just an icy

"Marcus, get up."

upright. His gaze met hers. Natalie picked up a tissue

He said you look terrible when you cry. Marcus,

finally lifted his eyes again, the sorrow and despair

was something else—cold, unwavering,

cruel. He stared at Natalie

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

out and pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly

what happens, I'll stand by your

to live. You saved him

was his choice. I have