The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus) novel Chapter 645

Wesley walked through the basement several more times to be absolutely sure there was nothing left inside.

The space had been completely cleared out. Sheldon must have acted quickly after Noah discovered his secret, moving Cassie elsewhere and scrubbing the place clean.

Wesley let out a deep breath. The walls were bare on all four sides. There were no boxes, no clutter, and nothing that could offer a clue. Everything could be seen at a glance.

Since Sheldon had moved her, there was no reason for him to stay here. He turned to leave, but just as he reached the exit, he saw Sheldon standing at the door.

"Mr. Wesley, what are you looking for down here?" Sheldon said with a faint smile.

"Is Cassie in your hands? There's no point denying it. Noah told me everything," Wesley asked directly.

"Yes," Sheldon admitted without hesitation. "I figured Noah wouldn't be able to hold out. He's still young. Not yet steady enough to carry such a burden. Come. Let's sit down and talk."

He turned and walked over to the desk, settling into a chair. Wesley followed, and behind them, the hidden door shut with a soft click.

The desk was already set with food and wine. Sheldon poured two glasses, placing one in front of Wesley.

"You've been separated from Mr. Marcus for years. Do you feel guilty about that?"

Sheldon didn't bring up Cassie. Instead, he turned the conversation to Marcus.

"I know Marcus is about to marry Natalie." Wesley raised his glass and drank it all in one go. "I'm not going to stir up trouble at a time like this."

He continued, "I haven't been a good father. I haven't been a good husband, either. My wife suffered, and I lost my son. That's all because of me.

"I understand what you're trying to say. But I don't want you to sacrifice yourself. There are other ways to make Cassie pay. You don't need to take it this far."

"Mr. Wesley, I've watched you grow up. I'm something of an elder to you, am I not?" Sheldon said before sipping the wine. "So I'll ask you this, and I want an honest answer.

"Cassie is your half-sister. Now that you know I've taken her captive, will you stand with me or with her? Will you sympathize with her and ask me to spare her?"

"No." Wesley didn't hesitate."Cassie is disgusting. I don't consider her family. She hurt my wife. She loved her own brother. People like her disgust me. I can't even stand to look at her.

"I don't care how you deal with her. All I care about is you. You've served my father longer than anyone. You've been the most loyal person in this entire household.

"I don't want you—at the age where you should be enjoying peace—to throw away everything you've built just because of something like her."

His voice was steady, filled with sincerity.

"You said it yourself. You watched me grow up. You're like a father to me. My own father is gone. Sheldon, I want you to live a good life. I want you to enjoy your remaining years in peace."

Sheldon's lips curved slightly. "Mr. Wesley, ever since Mr. Holden Senior passed, I haven't had a peaceful day."

"Forgive me for asking, but… you never married, never had children. Is it because you were in love with my father?"

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