The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus) novel Chapter 329

Exquisite pastries and beautiful drinks always had a way of lifting one's mood, and Natalie was no exception.

She smiled faintly and picked up a piece of pastry with her fork, taking a small bite. A subtle jasmine flower fragrance lingered on her palate. It was clear that jasmine had been incorporated into the dessert.

After finishing the pastry, she took a sip of the orange-flavored sparkling water. As expected, her mood improved even further.

Marcus's way of repaying a favor was certainly thorough. If Sophia had leveraged his influence, she could have easily made herself stronger. Yet, Sophia hadn't.

Then again, Sophia herself had admitted that she had stolen the identity of his savior. All these years, she had lived in constant fear of being exposed.

Otherwise, Shane wouldn't have blackmailed her for so long.

At the thought of Shane, Natalie's expression turned cold.

Shane was Cindy's son, Emma's devoted lapdog, and a despicable human being.

Yet, such a scumbag was still working comfortably in the Walker family, earning a hefty salary. During the welcome party, the person who had secretly taken photos of her was most likely Shane.

Then, there was the listening device Noah found behind the umbrella tree.

All of it pointed to a malignant presence within the Walker family.

Just as Natalie was lost in thought, Marcus returned with the drawing materials. "Nat, here's the paper and pencils."

While Natalie was still lost in thought about the Walker family, Marcus returned with the art supplies.

"Why aren't you eating? Is it not to your liking?" he asked, glancing at the table.

Only a small piece of pastry was missing, and one of the sparkling beverages had been barely touched.

It was far less than he had expected her to consume.

"No, it's not that," Natalie said, taking the supplies from him. "I'll be here for quite a while. Is that okay?"

"Of course. Stay as long as you like."

"Alright."

"Help me clear some space on the table, then."

"Got it."

Marcus didn't call for the helpers. Instead, he personally moved things exactly as Natalie directed. Soon, half the table was cleared, and before she could say anything, he had already arranged the art supplies neatly for her.

"Do you need any help?" he asked.

Natalie raised an eyebrow. "Can you actually help?"

Then, she realized it was a redundant question. These high-society heirs were all trained in music, chess, and painting.

"Here, you can help me with this one," she said, handing him one of the sketchbooks.

"Alright."

Marcus pulled up a chair and sat across from Natalie. The sketchbook she gave him was the last of the set.

Since Natalie already had the first one, she started copying from the second, while Marcus worked on the fifth.

For the next few hours, neither of them spoke.

The window was open, carrying in the faint fragrance of jasmine with the occasional breeze. Sunlight streamed into the room, shifting gradually as time passed. By late afternoon, a golden beam landed right on Natalie's face.

Marcus looked up and found himself staring.

Natalie sat there completely absorbed in her work, bathed in soft, golden light.

She had delicate, well-defined features—a petite face, a straight, dainty nose, and beautifully shaped lips that were slightly pursed in concentration. The sunlight illuminated her refined profile, casting a warm glow on her flawless, porcelain-like skin.