The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus) novel Chapter 328

Natalie sat on the couch, flipping through the first sketchbook page by page. By the time she reached the last page, she was almost certain that Marcus hadn't lied—this sketchbook was indeed a replica of the one Federrick had given her.

She wasn't sure if her mentor had the others. If he did, he would have surely given them to her already.

Natalie glanced up at Marcus. He was leaning lazily against the bookshelf, looking intently at her.

When their gazes met, Marcus's lips curved into a smile. "See? I didn't lie to you."

Natalie nodded. "I already have this one. Can I see the other four?"

"Of course," Marcus said, hooking his finger at her. "Come here. I'll carry you up to get them."

"No," Natalie refused without hesitation. "I'll get the ladder myself."

"Alright," Marcus didn't push further. The ladders here were lightweight yet sturdy, so he wasn't worried about Natalie struggling to move one or falling from it.

However, the moment Natalie reached for the ladder, a long, well-defined hand appeared and effortlessly took it from her.

"I got it," Marcus said.

"Thanks."

With a casual smile, he carried the ladder into the small room and positioned it in front of another bookshelf. "They're on the top shelf," he added.

"Thank you, Marcus," she replied.

Natalie climbed up while Marcus stood below, holding the ladder steady. When she glanced down, she saw him looking up at her.

"Don't look at me like that," she muttered, pressing her lips together. "Is it four books up here or just one?"

"All four are there," Marcus replied. "But I don't know if they're what you need. I've never seen the plants drawn inside, so I can't be sure if their described uses are accurate."

"Alright."

Natalie hopped down from the ladder, and Marcus instinctively reached out to catch her. Before she could react, she was already in his arms.

"Marcus—"

Before Natalie could finish her protest, Marcus gently set her down on the ground. "Sorry, I was just worried you might fall."

Natalie glared at him fiercely.

Marcus merely chuckled. When she was angry, her cheeks flushed red, her big, bright eyes burned with intensity, and even her hair seemed to bristle.

She also had a habit of hitting him. If he wasn't careful, her slap would land on his face before he knew it.

But then again, this wasn't the first time she had hit him.

Natalie took a deep breath to steady herself. She felt like Marcus was making her overly sensitive.

Perhaps he really just wanted to repay a debt of gratitude and help her.

"The key?" she asked.

"Here," Marcus said, handing her another golden key. "Go sit outside and take a look. I'll have some snacks and tea brought in."

"Alright. Thanks."

Marcus turned and walked out. When he reached the entrance, he took out his phone and glanced at a message from Charles with some book recommendations.

"The Art of Winning Her Heart. The Ultimate Dating Handbook. 100 Ways to Show You Care."

Marcus was speechless.

Now that Charles had recovered, his meddling had only gotten worse.

However, this time, Marcus didn't feel annoyed.

…

Natalie sat behind the desk, unlocked the small golden lock, and carefully took out the four sketchbooks. She glanced toward the door, but Marcus was no longer in sight.