Natalie stepped forward and stood by the table, speaking to the others. "The people here aren't as simple or pure as they seem.
"You've seen it for yourselves. Getting here isn't easy. If we can't hold them down, we won't just fail to save the girls—we won't be able to leave in one piece either.
"So, things may get physical later. You've seen these weapons. They're for suppressing violent protests. We may get injured, but no one will die.
"If anyone is scared, you can hide upstairs on the second floor now."
"I'm not scared, Ms. Natalie," Connie said first. "We've been here before. I know how it goes. I'm not afraid."
"Me neither," Zane quickly chimed in. "Ms. Natalie, I'm a grown man. I can't be less brave than Connie."
Natalie looked at Sophia, who nodded firmly. "Nat, I'm not afraid either. I want to do something meaningful, and I now know that this is it."
If Sophia wasn't afraid, Zachary wouldn't be either. He smiled and held Sophia's hand. "I'll protect her, Mrs. Holden. You don't have to worry."
Marcus stood up and moved behind Natalie. "Nat, you know what I'm capable of. I won't hold you back."
Natalie smiled. "Good. I'm not worried about Elijah either."
"This place is called Ashford Vale, located deep in Coalmarsh. Almost everyone here was born, raised, and will die here. They're ignorant but united. They'll sacrifice their wives, daughters, and sisters, but when it comes to their own interests as men, they won't concede an inch.
"When we first came here, we tried to talk it out, but it didn't work. We had to fight and use force to subdue them. Only then did we slowly manage to make progress.
"You've seen the children here. They're kind and innocent, but the same can't be said for the adults.
"We can't back down now. If we yield even once, we give them leverage. We have to maintain the upper hand here and make them submit. This is not for their sake, and not to help them escape poverty. This is to save the innocent girls.
"So if it comes to a fight, remember—protect yourselves. Don't get hurt."
"We understand." Connie raised her hand. "Ms. Walker, we've got this."
Zane raised his hand too. "Ms. Walker, don't worry. I've never lost a fight."
Zachary nodded. "Mrs. Holden, rest assured. I'll protect Sophia and do my part."
As for Marcus and Elijah, Natalie didn't need to say a word. The two of them were more than capable—not only in defending themselves but likely also in taking down half the village if needed.
"These villagers don't care about their lives. That's why we use weapons—to suppress them swiftly and cleanly. If we can avoid hurting them, we will."
Natalie smiled slightly, holding her weapon before her. "Really, there's no need to be too tense. This kind of thing happens a few times every year."
"We're not tense," Marcus said, reaching for her hand. "Nat, is this how it's always been when you came here?"
Natalie nodded. "Yes. Feeling sorry for me now?"
"I am," Marcus replied softly.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus)
This one gets us readers asking for more! Excellent story, great twists......
Hope Grandpa Charles lives long enough to see Marcus and Nat's children, please. It will make him happy to see life is still worth living and that he didn't fail raising Marcus at least. Let him be happy at least in this aspect. Thanks...
Finished till 538....Waiting for more...
This really hurts. I am confused if Yvette sent a msg saying old love to Charles through Charlene. Why isnt it in her confession. Or did she actually set vivian up into sleeping with that man? And later blackmailed vivian with it till vivian commited suicide? Did Yvetty yhinks Charles would marry her after vivians death but he remained loyal. Hence her anger?...
Hope Nat can cure Marcus' mom. Looking forward to new updates. Thank you...
When will other chapters be updated...
Every chapter gets sweeter..and oh! I'm sure Nat's new patient is Marcus' mom - though the illness is quite intriguing....anyway, looking forward for the next updates! Thank you...
What an ending to the chapter...nice one..hoping for more updates...thank you...
OMG, OMG, OMG, this is getting better and better. Nat and Marcus are getting married!!!!! Yehey! Please update more..after a big drama ot is really nice to have love and a little happy events in between. Pretty please, update more. Can't wait!! Thank you so much!...
Recent updates are so good. Natalie's and Marcus' love story is also progressing...so, so good and exciting. Please update more. Thank you...