"Madam, Mark, we've arrived."
Benson killed the car engine, stepped out, and respectfully opened the door to escort them inside. "Those two over there are the owners of Scarlet Hill Residence—my employer and his wife."
Leading Natalie and Marcus forward, Benson bowed deeply and introduced them. "This is the miracle doctor and her assistant, Mark."
"Madam, Mark, welcome."
From behind their mask, a hoarse male voice emerged. The taller of the two figures extended a gloved hand.
"My apologies. We're sensitive to the cold."
"And how should I address the two of you?" Natalie's voice carried the raspiness of an elderly woman. She, too, wore gloves as she lightly shook the man's hand in greeting.
She blocked Marcus from shaking hands with them.
"You may call me West, and this is my wife, Rory." The man's voice was rough as he gestured toward the entrance. "Please, come inside."
Natalie glanced at Marcus, signaling him to follow.
Marcus, however, had remained silent since stepping out of the car. He hadn't even bothered to survey the surroundings.
His expression was dark.
"Mark, carry my bag." Natalie had brought her usual canvas bag and handed it to him while taking pictures. He had been carrying it ever since.
"Understood, madam."
He changed the way he addressed her on his own. Calling her "Grandma" was something he simply couldn't bring himself to do.
Natalie paid no mind to the change in address and followed them into Scarlet Hill Residence.
The residence was enclosed by towering walls, though its grounds were not particularly expansive. A three-story building built in traditional style stood at the center, with a garden in the front, a vegetable patch in the back, and a small artificial pond with a rockery.
Surprisingly, there were no maple trees planted within the residence. Instead, various species of succulents and cacti filled the courtyard.
In one corner along the wall, a cluster of vibrant red spider lilies bloomed.
On the right side of the yard, two tall magnolia trees stood with a wooden swing set strung between them. The swing swayed gently in the breeze, occasionally creaking as it moved.
"This way, please."
The masked figures led the way, while Benson respectfully ushered Natalie and Marcus inside.
The interior was decorated in a classical style, from the carved wooden furniture to the intricate latticework on the windows. It was evident that the owners had a fondness for traditional aesthetics.
"Madam, Mark, please have a seat. I'll prepare some tea for you."
Benson motioned for them to sit. Across from them, the two masked figures settled into their seats. They remained completely covered, even wearing dark sunglasses that concealed their eyes entirely.
After the initial greeting at the entrance, the man hadn't spoken another word.
Natalie waited in silence. Soon, Benson returned with tea. "Madam, Mark, please enjoy."
"Thank you."
Natalie accepted it politely.
Marcus, however, remained silent.
Finding this odd, Natalie turned to look at him, only to realize that he had been staring intently at something on the wall.
Following his gaze, she saw it—a small golden locket.
"Mark, wait outside with Mr. Jones. I need to speak privately with the patients." Her voice was calm yet firm.
Marcus rose without protest. He gave the masked figures a slight nod before striding out.
The masked man tapped lightly on the table. At the signal, Benson followed Marcus outside.
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...