The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus) novel Chapter 544

"Grandpa!"

Marcus' anguished cry ripped through the air, raw and heart-wrenching. A stream of blood trickled from his lips as he clutched Charles and collapsed.

"Mr. Marcus! Mr. Holden Senior!"

Sheldon lunged forward, his cries turning into desperate wails.

"Mr. Holden Senior, wake up! Mr. Marcus, wake up! Please, don't do this to me!"

He threw himself over Marcus and Charles, his body trembling. If Charles was gone, then he had no reason to live either.

"Hector, pull Sheldon away," William ordered.

Hector stepped forward, grabbing Sheldon and holding him in place.

Natalie stood frozen, her mind blank. A dull ringing echoed in her ears as she struggled to process what had just happened. This was the first time she had witnessed the death of someone who had truly cared for her.

William, composed as ever, took control of the situation. Knowing Sheldon was in no state to help, he immediately summoned Charlotte.

When Charlotte entered and saw Natalie kneeling in a daze, she said nothing. Instead, she reached out and gently covered Natalie's eyes with her hands.

"Nat, come with me."

"Charlotte, call Laura. Have her notify Wesley," William instructed calmly.

"Alright, I'll do it now," Charlotte replied.

"Call Lincoln and the others. They need to be here as well. Take Nat outside. Have her stay with Marcus."

"Understood. Nat, let's go."

Natalie remained motionless. Charlotte frowned, worried that Charles' passing would consume her with grief and guilt.

"Nat, listen to me."

Finally, Natalie stirred, gently pushing Charlotte's hands away. "I'm fine. Mom, don't worry about me."

She turned and walked toward Marcus. Even when he was unconscious, he clung tightly to Charles, refusing to let go.

Natalie's throat tightened, but she forced herself to stay composed. She reached out, carefully prying Marcus' fingers away from Charles.

But his grip was too strong. No matter how gently she pulled, she couldn't separate them. She didn't call for help. Instead, she pressed down on a pressure point in his arm, and his grip finally loosened.

Natalie carefully supported him, preparing to lift him, but Hector stepped in. "Nat, let me."

Without hesitation, he hoisted Marcus onto his back and carried him out of the study.

"Dad, Mom, I'll leave everything here to you," Natalie said.

"Don't worry, Nat. Your father and I will handle everything," Charlotte reassured her, gently cupping Natalie's face.

Natalie nodded. "Alright."

She followed Hector, helping settle Marcus into a guest room on the first floor.

"Hector, you should help Dad and Mom. I'll stay here with Marcus."

"Nat, you need to wake him up. The Holden family needs him to take charge now," Hector said, frowning. "Mr. Holden Senior's funeral is a huge event. We're outsiders in this matter."

"I know, Hector. You should go."

"Alright."

After Hector left, Natalie sat beside Marcus. She reached out, gently brushing her fingers over his face before pressing a specific point on his neck. Slowly, his eyelids fluttered open.

"Marcus, it's me. Natalie," Natalie said softly.