The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus) novel Chapter 390

Marcus stared at the photo for quite some time. When he looked up, Natalie was still holding her book, completely absorbed in reading.

After a moment of contemplation, he sent a message to Sheldon. Not long after, Sheldon entered with a line of helpers, bringing a variety of food and drinks into the Book Sanctum.

"Mr. Holden."

"Leave it here."

"Yes."

Sheldon directed the helpers to set everything down and, glancing over at Natalie sitting on the nearby couch, returned to his duties with great respect, quietly exiting.

Marcus, now with his phone, muted it and snapped a few pictures of Natalie while she was engrossed in her book. Holding a cocktail in hand, he walked over and placed it in front of her.

"Nat, do you want a drink?"

Natalie looked up, her eyes wide for a brief moment. She had been so focused on her book that she was momentarily disoriented.

Marcus held up the drink, his dark eyes calm and steady, his voice low but soothing, "You've been reading for a while. Drink something, eat a little. Relax, let your eyes rest. If you like it, feel free to come by anytime."

Natalie took the glass from him. "Can I take this with me later?"

"Of course."

She gently sniffed the drink. "Is this a cocktail?"

"Yeah, do you want to try it?"

"Sure."

Natalie took a small sip. The cocktail was sweet and tangy, without any bite. She couldn't quite tell what ingredients the bartender used, but it was refreshing.

"Are there any other flavors to try?"

Natalie followed Marcus' gaze, and her eyes widened as she saw the spread on the table nearby—several rows of drinks and food, including fruits, snacks, and even full meals.

"You're setting up a buffet in the Book Sanctum?" she asked, putting the book down and stretching. "Marcus, isn't this a bit much?"

"There's no harm in it," he replied with a slight smile. "If it makes you happy, then it's worth it."

With that, Marcus poured himself some red wine and then filled Natalie's glass. He handed it to her with a steady hand. "Have a drink with me?"

She took the glass, and they clinked their glasses softly, the sound clear and crisp.

"Cheers."

Marcus raised his glass and swirled it gently before bringing it to his lips for a sip. Natalie followed suit, sipping gracefully.

"When I was little, I asked Grandpa about my parents for the first time." Marcus' deep, magnetic voice broke the silence, his words slow and measured. "I asked him why all the other kids had both parents, but I didn't.

"Grandpa told me that my parents had gone on a trip and that he would take care of me and teach me. The Holden family isn't big. My father only had one sibling, and she was my Aunt Cassie. But she doesn't care about me."

Natalie stayed silent, her focus entirely on him.

"You've met Aunt Cassie at Quinton Hospital, right?" he asked. "She was there with Jessy."

Natalie's expression didn't change, but her thoughts shifted at the mention of that memory.

"My aunt is two-faced. On the surface, she's dutiful to Grandpa, but secretly, she's always tried to pull me down from my position as heir. She can't control me, nor Grandpa, so she tries to use women to manipulate me."