The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming

Chapter 140 His Opinion Matters For the first tsince Marcus had met Natalie, he saw her typically calm and aloof expression take on a look of genuine confusion.

"I blamed you at first, wanting to know what you said to my grandmother that frightened her so much," Natalie said softly, lowering her head. A trace of mockery tugged at her lips. Ultimately, whatever Marcus had told Grace didn't really matter.

If Grace truly had the mental capacity of a six-year-old, as long as Marcus hadn't been excessively harsh, nothing he said should have rattled her that deeply.

After all, he had not threatened or intimidated her. He had spoken calmly, yet her reaction was so extreme.

Deep down, how could Natalie not have her doubts? The truth was, she just hadn't been willing to believe them. "Ms. Walker, does my opinion even matter?" Marcus' casual tone interrupted her thoughts. His dark, deep-set eyes were fixed on the Intensive Care Unit door.

"Don't you already know the answer?" His words only deepened the bitter curve of Natalie's lips.

Of course, she knew. She had always known. But she could ignore it as long as no one said it out loud. She could pretend it didn't exist.

As long as Grace loved her, that had been enough. She didn't care how Victor and Diana treated her or about parental love.

Grace had given her tenfold what she didn't receive from Victor and Diana.

Grace's love was more than enough to rival what the other children had. Natalie never felt envious or pitiful. But today, things had changed.

Today, she saw how Charlotte and William protected and cared for her, and Mason and Hector stepped forward to shield her without a word.

With them there, Victor and Diana couldn't hurt her.

William even told her not to let Victor's emotional manipulation get to her. She had the right to reject any unreasonable attempts to brainwash her.

Being switched at birth wasn't her fault. On the contrary, it was her loss-had she been with her biological parents, her life would have been better and happier.

Charlotte had even said it plainly-Grace's love for her had always had an ulterior motive. Natalie could never surpass Victor in Grace's heart.

There had been times when Victor slapped her over strivial matter. While Grace would pull Natalie behind her and scold Victor, she never retaliated against him as fiercely as Charlotte and William had done on her behalf.

The difference was stark. And with the comparison ca deep sense of hurt.

Now that she had that comparison, doubt had begun to creep in.

"Even so, without Grandma's protection, I might not have grown up safely," Natalie murmured, lowering her head again.

Draped in Marcus' oversized white sweatshirt, she looked smaller. The sleeves fell far past her hands. Her fingers peeked out slightly, pale and slender, nervously tugging at the fabric.

She looked fragile-vulnerable in a way she had never shown before, like a lost young lady.

Marcus' gaze lowered slightly, his sharp brows furrowing. Which version of Natalie was the real one? Or was all this still part of an elaborate act orchestrated by her and Grace? Once Grace woke up, would she resort to guilt-tripping again, pressuring him to marry her? The possibility seemed all too likely.

But Marcus was resolute. He would never marry a woman who tried to manipulate him, even if Natalie were now revealed to be Charlotte and William's biological daughter—the true heiress of the Walker family.

A sudden realization struck him. When he broke off his engagement to Emma, the Walker family agreed far too readily.

They must have already known that Emma wasn't their biological daughter.

By allowing him to cancel the engagement so quickly, they had been paving the way for their biological daughter-Natalie.

So, he would eventually need to cancel his engagement to the true heiress as well.

Marcus' mind ran through countless scenarios of what could happen, but his expression remained composed, giving nothing away.

In the Holden family, Natalie's identity was Elim, and Charles relied on her for treatment. During this time, Marcus would ensure she remained safe no matter what happened.

That was why he had been so patient, staying by her side and preemptively handling every issue, even before she asked.

He wouldn't bring it up as long as the Walker family didn't insist on continuing the engagement. But if they did, it didn't matter if it involved Emma or anyone else he would end it.

"Ms. Walker, the medical facilities in Dithoria State are far better than those in Amberton. And with Elim here, I believe Mrs. Langley Senior will pull through," Marcus finally said, offering her a few words of comfort.

Yet even as he spoke, a thought lingered in his mind-Natalie was Elim. How could it be that Grace's mental state had regressed to that of a six-year-old? "I know several top-notch neurology specialists. I can arrange a consultation to thoroughly examine Mrs. Langley Senior and explore treatment options-perhaps even surgery-to help restore her cognitive function." Natalie shook her head at his suggestion. "I've already tried." "It didn't work."

Years ago, when Grace was injured in е a car accident saving her, the subsequent rescue had caused brain damage. After she recovered, her mental capacity regressed to that of a six-year-old, but she suffered no other lasting effects.

The doctors assured them this condition would not affect her quality of life or physical health If Germind were like a child's, it would mean fewer worries and more happiness-a more straightforward, carefree life. With that, Natalie had stopped pushing for Grace's recovery.

"And honestly, there's nothing wrong with how she is now," Natalie added softly.

"Ms. Walker, perhaps you're just avoiding thinking deeply about this," Marcus countered as he sat across from her, his gaze penetrating. "Are you afraid?" "No." Her denial was immediate. "I'm not afraid, and I'm not sure what you mean by that. All I want is for Grandma to wake up safely. That's it." "She will." Marcus didn't press further, leaning back and closing his eyes for rest.

Natalie said nothing more, sitting quietly by the Intensive Care Unit door as she waited for Grace to pass the critical 24-hour observation period.

At midnight, Mason returned to the Intensive Care Unit from the hotel.

Natalie was still sitting in the schair, staring blankly at a fixed point, while Marcus sat opposite her with his eyes closed as if asleep.

"Natalie," Mason called softly, lowering his voice. "I'll take over. You should go rest." She snapped out of her daze, glancing at Mason before looking at Marcus, who remained motionless with his eyes shut. After a pause, she shook her head lightly.

"No, it's fine. I'll stay here."

"Ms. Walker, you should listen to Mason and get srest." Marcus opened his eyes slowly Without a healthy body, you won't be able to properly care for Mrs. Langley Senior.

I'll escort Ms. Walker back." "Mason, stay here and keep watch. If anything happens with Mrs. Langley Senior, notifyimmediately," he instructed as he stood up.