The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus)

"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.

His gaze locked onto her face. He didn't look away. He simply stared, unblinking, as if afraid she might disappear if he did.

"Grandpa is gone. Before he left, he told you not to cry. He wanted you to be happy. To be healthy. To live a good life." Natalie's voice was calm and steady.

A single tear slid silently down Marcus' cheek. Then another. And another. With each blink, more tears followed.

"Marcus, can you pull yourself together?" Natalie took his hand in hers, then leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to his tears.

Marcus remained mute, unable to speak through his grief.

Natalie didn't speak again. She

simply kissed him, softly and patiently, wiping away each tear with her lips. But no matter how many she kissed away, the tears kept coming, endless as a stream.

"Marcus, the Holden family needs you to take charge now. You need to arrange Grandpa's funeral." Natalie lifted her gaze slightly, locking eyes with him without blinking.

"Can you really trust anyone else to handle this properly? Think about Cassie. She's probably hiding somewhere, waiting for the perfect moment to stir up trouble.

"And then Yvette. She pushed all the blame onto the Holden family, onto Grandpa. She drove him to his death. Are you really willing to do nothing? Just lie here and cry?"

Her voice was quiet but piercing. Stripped of warmth or emotion. Just an icy calm.

"Marcus, get up."

Slowly, he sat upright. His gaze met hers. Natalie picked up a tissue and gently wiped his face.

"Do you remember what Grandpa said? He told you not to cry. He said you look terrible when you cry. Marcus, stand up. Don't let Grandpa leave without peace of mind."

Marcus lowered his head, silent for a long time. When he finally lifted his eyes again, the sorrow and despair were gone, buried deep within.

What replaced them was something else—cold, unwavering, and ruthless.

His gaze was so calm it was almost cruel. He stared at Natalie for a long moment.

Natalie met his gaze without flinching. Unlike him, her eyes were filled with love and warmth.

Marcus reached out and pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly "Nat, thank you."

"Marcus, I'm your girlfriend. No matter what happens, I'll stand by your side. I'm sorry about Grandpa," she whispered.

"It's not your fault, he no longer wanted to live. You saved him once, but you couldn't save him from himself," Marcus murmured, his voice hoarse.

"It was his choice. I have to respect

it. I can't be selfish and force him to

stay in pain just for me. Nat, I'm going to be very busy after this. I not have time for you."

"You don't need to say that. I understand," Natalie said, pressing a finger against

his lips. "Marcus, whenever you need me, I'll be here."

There was nothing more to say.

Marcus held her tightly before releasing her. His expression was cold and sharp once more." Wait for me."

"I will."

Marcus turned and strode out of the room. When he returned to the study, he was composed and efficient, taking control of every matter.

...

Before Charles died, he had left a note on his desk. It was not a will, just a few simple words.

Marcus followed Charles' instruction, having his body cremated and preparing for

the funeral.

Instead of holding the funeral at

Holden Residence, he chose

Luminarà Park-a property under thenoveldrama

Walker family name-which was built on land that once belonged to the Jenkins family.

And before the funeral began, Marcus personally went to invite Yvette. Standing in

the yard outside her house, his gaze was sharp and unreadable.

Elijah stood beside him, barely containing his fury. He wanted nothing more than

to storm inside and drag her out.

The door creaked open. Yvette stepped out, looking at them with a sneer.

"So, Charles is truly dead," she said, her voice dripping with glee.