The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming

Chapter 274 Her Sense of Injustice on Marcus' Behalf Charles gazed at the photograph Natalie held, his face marked by a hint of sadness. "Marcus' parents are deeply upset and heartbroken over his choice to end the engagement.

"They've now tasked him with earning your parents' forgiveness, insisting that the bond between the Holden family and the Walker family shouldn't be damaged or becdistant because of their ungrateful son.

"After considering it carefully, I decided to ask you for a favor. During your welcparty, have Marcus partner with you for the opening dance, and ensure someone captures pictures to send to his parents. This way, they won't hold Marcus accountable anymore." Upon hearing this, Natalie glanced at Marcus. His lips were tightly pressed together, and his strikingly handsface showed no hint of emotion, as if Charles' words were irrelevant to him.

Yet, in Marcus' deep, dark eyes, which appeared cold and unfeeling, Natalie detected a sorrow emanating from within. Despite his aloof and proud exterior, Natalie perceived Marcus as pitiable and lonely in that moment.

She put down her teacup. "Grandpa Charles, may I ask a question?" "Go ahead." "Why did Marcus' parents leave him with you and disappear right after he was born?" she asked calmly. "Marcus isn't like me. His parents are with him, unlike me, a child who was wrongly taken to another family. Why didn't they remain with him and care for him? "I understand that Marcus was raised solely by Grandpa Charles, just as I was by Mrs. Langley Senior. But you two are entirely different.

"You genuinely love and care for Marcus, whereas the way Mrs. Langley Senior treatedis something you're likely aware of too." Charles' face went through a series of expressions. He hadn't just heard the rumors, he had discreetly asked Sheldon to look into it.

Upon discovering sof Grace's actions, Charles found it difficult to believe that he had considered such a ruthless and cunning woman as his godsister for so long. Additionally, he had always believed that she had endured a tough life.

Upon hearing Natalie's words, Charles felt a twinge of embarrassment. "Nattie, this is a personal family issue. I don't owe you an explanation." "What about Marcus?" Natalie shifted her eyes to Marcus. "Have you ever asked him if he misses his parents? When I was young, Victor and Diana were unkind to me. They never attended any of my events or parent- teacher conferences.

"Even though Mrs. Langley Senior showed up, I was still mocked by other kids. They calleda bastard with no parents, questioning why mine never cto pickup or participated in the school's parent-child activities." Natalie continued calmly, fixing her gaze on Charles. "Sure, my situation made sense. But what about Marcus? His parents haven't been there for him even a single day, nor have they ever taken care of him. Isn't it unreasonable for them to start making demands now, Grandpa Charles?" "Um..." Charles was speechless.

He glanced at Marcus, who sat silently. Marcus had his gaze lowered, hands on his knees, and his back perfectly straight. Sunlight streamed through the window, bathing him in a golden glow.

With his strikingly handsfeatures, effortlessly messy hair, and impeccable posture, Marcus seemed like a character from a comic book. Yet, beneath this beautiful picture, a quiet sadness was slowly emerging.

"Grandpa Charles, maybe it's not my place to say this or get involved in your family matters," Natalie said, taking a deep breath before continuing, "But, in your opinion, which is more significant? The kindness shown by giving birth or the kindness shown by raising a child? "If both you and Marcus' parents ask him to be dutiful at the stime, whose guidance should he prioritize, yours or his parents'?" Charles felt somewhat flustered by Natalie's questions.

"How can such a comparison be made?" He cleared his throat softly twice. "There were reasons Marcus' parents weren't with him." "Then explain the reasons to Marcus," Natalie insisted. "Grandpa Charles, whatever those reasons might be, he deserves to know. He's a human being who longs for his parents' love. The love of a father and mother is unmatched by any other. If his parents have genuine reasons, then share them with him.

"Don't just stay silent, be absent, and yet still expect things from him. It's like neglecting a flower while it grows, only to cand pluckwhen blooms. And then, when you get hurt by the thorns, you blthe flower for being difficult. That doesn't make any sense, Grandpa Charles." "Young lady! Are you asking all these questions because you don't want Marcus as your partner for the opening dance?" Charles avoided looking directly at Natalie, feeling a bit uneasy. "Never mind. You have five brothers, and Marcus ended your engagement. It's understandable if you're reluctant." Turning toward Marcus, he said, "I'm exhausted. Marcus, please take Natalie back." With that, Charles rose to his feet, ready to depart.

To his surprise, Natalie caught hold of him. "Grandpa Charles, our conversation isn't over yet!" "There's nothing more to discuss," Charles said as he tried to free himself from Natalie's grasp. "Let go. Release me."

Natalie obliged, but when Charles attempted to leave, she blocked his e path once more. "Grandpa Charles, why weren't Marcus' parents with him?" Charles appeared unsettled. "You should ask them! Why question me?"

"Alright then. Givetheir contact details. I'll call them immediately." Charles was at a loss for words. How had he missed it before This young e lady who often seemed aloof, could be incredibly persistent when she was determined. "Nattie, this is a Holden family issue. You should stay out of it," Charles warned, no longer daring to suggest Marcus as her opening dance partner.

"I'm not trying to interfere in your family's matters. I'm just defending Marcus." Natalie replied as she moved aside, her tone composed. "If I've upset you, I apologize. I was careless and crossed the line" "Well..." Charles couldn't fault Natalie. She was right, after all. However, he also couldn't reveal the real situation to Marcus.

"Marcus, take Nattie home," Charles instructed, unable to address Natalie's inquiries.

Marcus rose, gave Natalie a slight nod, and said, "Ms. Walker, allowto escort you back." "Alright," Natalie agreed.

Seizing the chance, Charles made a quick exit, disappearing faster than a thief.

"Ms. Walker," Marcus said softly, "thank you." He appreciated her for defending him.

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