The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus) novel Chapter 320

Julia coughed violently, frustration burning in her chest as she tried to explain herself.

For the past two years, she had barely dared to step outside because of this illness, let alone attend social events or high-profile gatherings.

If it weren't for the medication from Goodwill Pharmacy, she probably wouldn't have been able to keep up her act in front of Ivan and maintain his favor.

The one thing Julia hated most was people suggesting her illness was contagious. So the moment she heard Charlotte's comment, her temper flared.

"If anyone dares spread nonsense, I'll tear their damn mouth apart!" she spat between ragged breaths.

After finally catching her breath, she wiped away the tears that had welled up from her relentless coughing and stepped forward to help Wendy.

"Wendy, did someone from Goodwill Pharmacy hit you?"

"It was me."

A voice filled with suppressed fury cut through the air.

Ivan's expression was dark as he stormed forward, grabbing Julia by the arm and yanking her aside. "If you're not feeling well, then stay in the car. What the hell are you doing down here?"

"Honey, why would you hit Wendy? She's my aunt!"

Julia struggled to hold back another coughing fit, her voice hoarse. "What did she do to make you so angry?"

"Madam…"

Wendy, who had been lying on the floor, finally gathered herself.

Leaning against the wall, she slowly got to her feet, her eyes welling up with tears as she prepared to complain.

But before she could even open her mouth, Ivan said icily, "Julia, if you dare plead for that bitch, then you can get the hell out of the Sinclair family along with her."

Julia froze. She turned to Wendy, who looked pitiful and ready to speak, but the words died in her throat.

Ivan had never spoken to her with such indifference, let alone such harsh words.

Julia steadied herself, pressing a tissue to her mouth as she fought the urge to cough. Stepping closer to Ivan, she gently patted his chest.

"Honey, don't be angry. Wendy made a mistake. I'll make sure to discipline her."

Before she could even finish her sentence, another violent coughing fit overtook her.

In the past, whenever Julia coughed, Ivan would immediately step in, gently patting her back with concern. But this time…

He inexplicably took half a step back.

"Ugh!"

Charlotte suddenly made a gagging sound, her face twisted in undisguised disgust.

"Ivan, you and Samantha aren't divorced yet, are you? So is this woman calling you 'honey' the owner of the dog-like housekeeper who bullied my daughter?"

She made no effort to spare Ivan any dignity.

Charlotte had always known about Julia.

Over the years, Julia had repeatedly tried to cozy up to her, hoping to establish a connection. She had even hinted at the idea of setting Ruby up with one of Charlotte's four sons.

But Charlotte despised mistresses who schemed their way into power. She had never once given Julia the time of day, let alone entertained any of her requests.

When Julia realized she couldn't win Charlotte over, she switched targets, turning her attention to Luna, Zane's mother.

Unlike Charlotte, Luna had fallen for Julia's sweet-talking, eventually agreeing to let Zane and Ruby date.

Zane, ever the filial son, had accepted the arrangement, solely to keep his mother from being upset.

But just as he had told Natalie before, his so-called relationship with Ruby was nothing more than a task from his mother.

He felt nothing for Ruby and had never once gotten involved in any of her schemes.

Charlotte knew a little about the Holt family's affairs. She also knew that Zane had been working at Goodwill Pharmacy for years.

Since Charlotte was now aware that Goodwill Pharmacy belonged to Natalie and that Zane was one of her people, she made a decision.