The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus) novel Chapter 516

Hector said, "Does Marcus think he can treat you however he pleases? Taking you when he wants and discarding you just as easily. Are you that worthless to him?"

Natalie felt a bit guilty and coughed lightly. "Well... Hector, actually, I... never mind."

"I know, but I still stand by you," Hector replied. He was somewhat aware of the circumstances between Natalie and Marcus but had never spoken about it to preserve her dignity.

However, as a man, Marcus deserved some reprimanding—especially before he married Natalie. After marriage, they'd be a family, and scolding him would not be very possible.

"Alright. Nat, get some rest. Don't overthink it."

Hector reached out and ruffled her hair gently. "I talk too much at times. Don't take it to heart!"

She nodded obediently. She understood that Hector's words were out of concern for her. He stood up for her because of the misunderstandings Marcus had about her in the past.

However, after the misunderstandings were cleared, Marcus felt deeply remorseful and wanted nothing more than to make it up to her.

She wasn't one to cling to past grievances. To begin with, she had thought it was inappropriate when Grace asked her to seduce Marcus.

If she were in Marcus' shoes, faced with a man she had never met before—whose grandfather had sent him to seduce her—she would probably have the same reaction. After all, how decent could someone raised with such values be?

Therefore, she didn't harbor deep resentment toward Marcus over this matter.

Because of Grace's words, she had consciously kept her distance from Marcus, not wanting to get entangled with him.

Marcus' aloofness back then was actually beneficial for both of them.

"Hector, I understand. It's all in the past. I just want to look forward and be happy in the future." She smiled gently. "Do you have a girlfriend yourself?"

Hector immediately took a step back. "Nat, it's late. You should rest."

She couldn't help but chuckle at his reaction. Since returning to the Walker residence, she only noticed Sky having special feelings for Emma. She hadn't seen or heard about her other brothers having girlfriends.

Perhaps after matters in Amberton were settled, she could indulge in some gossip when she returned.

"Then, I'll get some rest. Goodnight, Hector." Her smile was warm and sweet, which was a stark contrast to the cold and distant demeanor she had when she first returned to the Walker residence.

Hector observed this change with a tiny sense of unease, thinking that her behavior seemed a bit unusual.

Natalie didn't say more than that. She just waved to Hector and cheerfully returned to her room that was adjacent to Marcus', with Hector's room on the other side. The three of them stayed close to each other.

Upon entering, she found Charlene already washed up and asleep on the bed. She had brought Charlene back, while Walter stayed behind to continue following up on Grace's case.

Not comfortable leaving Charlene alone, Natalie had her stay in her own room.

She watched Charlene for a while and thought that Walter wasn't wrong about Charlene bearing a striking resemblance to the woman in the photo. She was clearly a close relative.

Whether she was a daughter or granddaughter was uncertain, as they didn't know the age of the woman in the photo.

But based on Marcus' words, she was sure Charlene was a descendant of the Jenkins family, most likely Yvette's granddaughter.

Genetic traits could indeed skip generations.

She withdrew her gaze, went to wash up, changed into her pajamas, and lay down on the couch with a blanket.

She wasn't accustomed to sharing a bed with unfamiliar people. Growing up, she had only ever shared a bed with her good friend, Olivia.

On the bed, Charlene slept soundly, with the stuffed toy Walter had won for her placed beside her pillow, looking every bit like a carefree young lady.

Natalie picked up her phone and saw a message from Marcus.

"Goodnight, my dear girlfriend," he'd written.

Natalie's lips curved upward as she replied, "Goodnight, my dear boyfriend."

The next moment, Marcus' message came through. "Why aren't you asleep yet?"