Marcus' disdain for Natalie had reached its peak. Although they had never formally met, he had already sentenced her to damnation in his mind.
To him, she was a vain, vindictive woman, shamelessly self-serving and willing to do whatever it took to marry into wealth.
"Ethan, confirm if it's her. If it is, bring her to me," Marcus said, his voice cold and commanding. His expression darkened, but he refrained from mentioning Natalie's name in front of Charles.
"Yes, Mr. Holden." Ethan hurried toward the small door. His eyes scanned the surroundings until he spotted Natalie through a window, sitting at a table.
She wasn't alone. Sitting across from her was a strikingly beautiful woman with delicate, exotic features, likely of mixed heritage. The two seemed to be enjoying their meal.
Ethan frowned, his emotions conflicted. Ms. Walker was truly persistent, following Mr. Holden all the way from Amberton to Balford. Her determination was unsettling.
Ethan approached the table and stopped in front of Natalie. "Ms. Walker, we meet again."
Natalie looked up, her expression calm yet slightly surprised. Swallowing her food, she asked, "Mr. Carter, what brings you here?"
Ethan blinked, caught off guard by her question. Was she serious? She had followed them here yet acted as though his presence was the odd coincidence.
He cleared his throat and replied politely, "Ms. Walker, my boss, Mr. Holden, wishes to see you."
Natalie raised an eyebrow. "Let me finish eating first." She gestured toward the table and added, "Would you care to join me, Mr. Carter? My treat."
Ethan shook his head quickly. "No, thank you, Ms. Walker. Please, take your time. I'll wait."
With a nod, Natalie resumed her meal. Dining at Quinton Hospital often came with special care from the director. While she was indifferent to most luxuries, good food was one indulgence she appreciated.
Natalie ate with grace, savoring each bite with haste. Just like that, 20 minutes passed before she rose, her demeanor as composed as ever. Ethan immediately stood.
"Ms. Walker, this way, please," Ethan said.
"Nat." Connie stood as well, her tone hesitant. Natalie had reminded her not to call her "Ms. Walker" so politely in public.
"I'll go with you," Connie offered.
"No need," Natalie replied casually, then turned to Ethan. "Shall we, Mr. Carter?"
Connie stopped in her tracks. Ethan led Natalie along the same path they had taken earlier, guiding her back to their previous spot. Marcus had instructed the bodyguards to take Charles to the room arranged by the director. Meanwhile, he stood nearby, leaning against a wall as he spoke on the phone.
"Mr. Holden is over there," Ethan said, pointing ahead. Natalie looked over and saw a tall man, around six-foot-three, in a perfectly tailored black suit. Even from behind, he radiated elegance and authority.
Natalie glanced at him briefly, recalling Grace's words. It made sense why Grace had suggested him as a potential match. She had always admired those with charm and presence.
But why did Marcus want to meet her?
"Ms. Walker, this way," Ethan said.
"Alright."
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