The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus) novel Chapter 8

"Nattie." Grace clutched Natalie's hand, her eyes red with emotion.

She leaned closer, her voice barely a whisper that was meant for Natalie alone. "None of the Langleys can be trusted. Their grudge runs deep. Nattie, open attacks are easy to avoid; it's the hidden ones you need to fear. Please, trust me on this."

Grace's voice broke slightly. "If you can't do it for yourself, please do it for me. I'm begging you, Nattie.

"With no one to look out for you, how could I ever feel at ease? Even in the nursing home, I'd be restless. I'd lose my appetite, struggle to sleep, and before long, I'd likely fade away, consumed by despair."

Grace's voice trembled as she begged Natalie, her eyes red and glistening with unshed tears. She looked so fragile, as though a single word might cause her to break down.

Natalie hadn't said a word, but Grace was aware of everything.

Natalie had already fought with the Langley family once, all three members uniting against her. Without someone to shield her, their revenge was inevitable.

Grace couldn't bear the thought of her sweet granddaughter enduring even a moment of hardship. Though her mind often teetered on the edge of clarity, her rare lucid moments were devoted to securing Natalie's future.

"Nattie, you wouldn't want me to waste away in despair, would you? To spend my final days filled with nothing but regret?" Grace broke into sobs, her voice trembling with anguish.

As Grace spoke, her emotions overwhelmed her, and she burst into tears. Natalie had no choice but to wrap her arms around her, soothing her with gentle reassurance.

No matter how much Natalie tried, Grace couldn't stop crying. Natalie felt powerless as Grace's sobs grew louder. In the end, she gave in and agreed to stay at Charles' place.

As soon as Natalie agreed, Grace's tears stopped almost instantly. She pulled out her phone, slid on her reading glasses, and leaned in close before dialing a number.

The sound of a phone ringing echoed from the doorway. In the next instant, Ethan answered the call and stepped into Grace's room.

Ethan offered a polite smile. "Mrs. Langley Senior, I'm Ethan Carter. Mr. Holden Senior recently called, asking me to pick your granddaughter up."

"Ms. Walker," Ethan said, his tone carrying a hint of professionalism.

Was he Grandpa Charles' man?" Natalie narrowed her eyes slightly. A call was made just two minutes earlier, and he was already standing at Grace's door. Such speed could put even superheroes to shame.

Ethan remained calm as he explained, "Yes, I came with Mr. Holden today to visit Mrs. Langley Senior. However, Mr. Holden had to leave early due to an urgent matter, so I stayed behind. It just so happened that Mr. Holden Senior's call came through at that moment."

"It's… quite a remarkable coincidence," Ethan added.

As Ethan explained, his gaze subtly shifted to Natalie. From a distance, he had only caught a vague impression of her, but now, standing this close, he realized she was far more beautiful than he had imagined.

Natalie's delicate face was framed by alabaster skin. Her striking almond-shaped eyes carried a distant, icy charm, their beauty undeniable yet unapproachable. Her nose was petite and elegantly high-bridged, while her lips remained lightly pressed together, betraying no hint of emotion.

Natalie wore a simple windbreaker and track pants. Her slim figure and neatly tied bun framed her young, beautiful face. Yet her detached expression, as if nothing truly mattered, made her seem far older than she actually was.

No, there was someone who could melt her cold exterior. Whenever Natalie looked at Grace, her gaze would soften subconsciously, and her tone would take on a gentle warmth.

Ethan cast another glance at Diana, who was kneeling on the floor in apology. If he remembered correctly, Victor and Diana had only risen as Amberton's wealthiest couple in the past two years.

For her to force the wife of the city's wealthiest man to kneel and apologize, Natalie was clearly no ordinary woman. She was a force to be reckoned with.

Ethan withdrew his gaze and set the gift he'd brought on the table. "Mrs. Langley Senior, shall I take Ms. Walker now, or would you prefer I wait a little longer?"

"Wait, just wait a moment," Grace said.

Grace held her phone, opening her chat history with Charles. She leaned in to scrutinize the photo, confirming that it was indeed Ethan. The call she'd made had been answered by the young man standing before her, and everything he said matched perfectly.

Grace let out a breath of relief. Although she was disappointed that Marcus hadn't come, she consoled herself with the thought that once Natalie moved into Holden Residence, there would be plenty of chances for her to meet and get to know Marcus.

"Natalie, I've already apologized to Grace. Can I get up now?" Diana said, her tone strained, each word forced through clenched teeth. The presence of an outsider only deepened the resentment simmering within her, intensifying the sharp edge in her gaze toward Natalie and Grace.

Natalie turned to Grace. "Grandma, are you willing to forgive Mrs. Langley?

Grace glanced at Diana, then Victor. After a moment's thought, she gave a slight nod. "I forgive them."

"But Nattie, I don't want to see them. Please ask them to leave," Grace said, her tone soft but resolute.