The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus) novel Chapter 138

Victor's words momentarily startled Charlotte and William, but William quickly let out a cold laugh.

"Don't make it sound so righteous. Who knows if the Langley family deliberately swapped our daughter all those years ago? You make it sound like Natalie's stay with you was a great privilege.

"I'll get to the bottom of what happened back then. If I find out the Langley family intentionally took her, you'd better be ready to pay the price!"

He pulled Natalie into his arms, gently patting her back. "Nat, don't let this scum manipulate you. I suspect the Langley family was involved in the swap from the start.

"And let's not forget—if you hadn't been switched, you would've been our cherished little princess, growing up carefree, healthy, and loved. Instead, you were treated as nothing more than a blood bank, with no regard for your feelings."

Natalie had to admit that there was a moment when Victor's words made a twisted sense to her.

But William's firm response quickly brought her back to clarity.

He was right. If she hadn't been switched, she wouldn't have ended up in the Langley family, and she certainly wouldn't have wanted to be Victor and Diana's daughter.

She had her own biological parents—she wasn't an orphan no one wanted.

"Nat, you owe the Langley family nothing. Don't let yourself feel guilty because they raised you. And that includes Mrs. Langley Senior as well." William's steady and robust voice echoed clearly, each word deliberate.

Natalie nodded. "I understand. Thank you, Father."

He gently patted her head. "Don't worry. With us here, we won't let anyone bully you again. As for Mrs. Langley Senior's car accident, it has nothing to do with you. We've already had Sky pull the surveillance footage. Mrs. Langley Senior ran out alone—it wasn't your fault."

"Father—"

"Shh." William raised a finger to her lips, silencing her. "I know you feel guilty, but it's not your burden to carry. Nat, never take responsibility for mistakes that aren't yours. Even if someone tries to manipulate you, you must stand firm and say no."

Natalie's eyes reddened slightly. Growing up in the Langley family, Diana always blamed Natalie when she was upset.

While Victor wasn't as extreme as Diana, he would lash out at her with sarcasm and scolding whenever his work didn't go well.

Sometimes, Grace would step in and scold them for their behavior. But looking back, Natalie realized it was always just scolding—nothing more.

The same cycle would repeat, with no absolute protection. They would still take Natalie to the hospital to draw blood the next time.

No one had ever told her she didn't have to bear the weight of someone else's mistakes. No one said she could refuse, even if they tried to manipulate her.

"I understand now. Thank you, Father," Natalie said sincerely. There were some truths she had known deep down, but her consideration for Grace had held her back.

"Father, Mother, Nat." Hector entered the room carrying a box, followed by Sky and Timothy.

Timothy walked up to Natalie and handed her a roasted sweet potato. "Here, Nat. Eat this while it's hot."

He had made a stop on the way to buy it. After reviewing the surveillance footage, he saw Natalie eating at a barbecue restaurant when Grace suddenly ran out.

Knowing from her profile that she liked roasted sweet potatoes, he bought one for her.

"And here's a cup of coffee," Timothy added, pulling a sealed cup from his pocket. He had kept the sweet potato and the coffee warm, ensuring they would still be hot when he arrived.

"Thank you, Timothy, but I don't have the appetite right now," Natalie replied.

She held the warm roasted sweet potato and coffee in her hands, her eyes slightly misting.

The Walkers' care for her was so straightforward and sincere.