The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming

Chapter 141 Forceful Embrace Marcus' commanding tone left no room for argument. Mason, who had always admired him, immediately stood at attention and replied without hesitation, "Got it." He turned to Natalie. "Ms. Walker, let's go." With acupuncture scheduled for Charles early the following day, Marcus worried that if Natalie stayed awake all night, it might affect her performance.

She lifted her gaze, meeting his steady eyes. The message in them was unmistakable.

She pressed her lips together but didn't move. "Mr. Holden, I'll stay here. I know my own body-I can handle it." The next moment, he stepped forward and, without a word, scooped her up in his arms.

"Marcus, what are you doing? Putdown!" She struggled, but his grip was unyielding. His strength alone immobilized her attempts to break free.

"Ms. Walker, I promise you that Mrs. Langley Senior will be fine," he said calmly. "Once you've rested, you can return tomorrow, and I won't stop you." Marcus lowered his gaze, his sharp, elegant eyes carrying a clear warning.

Natalie caught the message loud and clear. She eventually stopped struggling, letting him carry her out of the hospital and into the car.

"Drive back to Holden Residence," Marcus ordered.

"Got it, Mr. Holden." The driver started the car engine and quickly pulled away from the hospital.

Natalie went to the guest room when they arrived at Holden Residence. After showering and changing clothes, she lay down and fell asleep.

The following day, Natalie woke up on schedule, her internal clock as punctual as ever. She rubbed her temples. The combination of going to bed late and restless dreams left her feeling inexplicably drained.

Grabbing her phone, she checked the tbefore immediately dialing Mason's number.

"Hello? Mason, has Grandma woken up? Has she been transferred to a high-end ward?" "Yes, she's already been transferred. Mrs. Langley Senior's condition is stable. Don't worry. Are you coming over? I can pick you up." "No, I have sthings to take care of first. I'll cby after I'm done. Thank you, Mason. What about Father and Mother? How are things with the Langley family?" "Don't worry. The Langley family won't get off easy. Father and Mother are furious after everything they've done to you over the years. There's no way they'll let them go without consequences," Mason said in a lower voice. "By the way, Sky mentioned you should transfer your shares in Langley Group back as soon as possible. Once you've cut ties with Langley Group, Sky can proceed with the next phase of his plan." "I'll head to the hospital later—I need to talk to Grandma again." "Don't let your emotions get the better of you," Mason warned, his tone firm. "Natalie, all of us-Father, Mother, Sky, and I agree that Mrs. Langley Senior's treatment of you hasn't been as kind as you think.

"Of course, we're not trying to create a rift between you and her," he quickly added, his voice softening. "Please don't misunderstand," he said cautiously, afraid of upsetting Natalie. "If you think I'm overstepping, just pretend I didn't say anything." "It's fine," Natalie said, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Let's leave it at that. I'll cover once I'm done." "Alright. Take care. And don't forget to have breakfast. By the way, where did Marcus take you last night after he brought you away?" Mason didn't mention it explicitly, but it was the first the had seen Marcus act so assertively toward a woman.

Emma had maintained an air of pride and aloofness in the past, but behind the scenes, she frequently pried into Marcus' schedule and orchestrated coincidental encounters.

She would even resort to small tricks like stumbling or fainting in front of him. However, Marcus always kept his distance, avoiding her at every turn.

Forget about picking her up-even the slightest physical contact was nonexistent.

Emma's falls ultimately benefited Elijah, as Marcus' gentlemanly demeanor wouldn't allow him to leave her lying there.

He would step in just enough to maintain decorum for the sake of appearances and the relationship between the two families.

Other than her, there hadn't been any women by Marcus' side over the years, let alone anyone who could get close to him.

This was why Mason had been so surprised and curious last night. But with no chance to ask them, he couldn't resist bringing it up over the phone today.

After all, the way Marcus had carried Natalie so assertively was undeniably striking.

Yet, what intrigued him most was that Marcus hadn't taken Natalie back to the Walker residence but had brought her directly to Holden Residence.

It was enough to set Mason's imagination running wild.

"Mr. Holden tookto his home," Natalie admitted as she pinched between her brows, not bothering to hide that she had stayed at Holden Residence.

"I'll head to the hospital in a bit," she added before hanging up, not allowing him to probe further.

Mason's curiosity was piqued, which wasn't ideal.

Still, she inherently trusted him. She believed he wouldn't speak out of turn.

After washing her face with cold water, she quickly composed herself. She changed into a black tracksuit and tied her hair, looking neat and refreshed.

The faint dark circles under her eyes were the only telltale sign of her restless night.

When she went downstairs, she saw Marcus seated at the dining table, eating breakfast.

"Ms. Walker, please cthis way for breakfast," Sheldon respectfully said as he approached her. "Mr. Holden Senior is ready and waiting for you." Natalie nodded. "Got it."

She followed Sheldon to the table and sat down. Marcus glanced at her, his gaze calm and inscrutable. "Ms. Walker, did you rest well last night?" "It was alright," she replied.

"That's good," he said, his deep, magnetic voice betraying no emotion.

He set down his cutleries and drank the last of his black coffee in one gulp.

"I'll be waiting for you in Grandpa's room," he said before rising and leaving. "Sheldon, make sure Ms. Walker is well taken care of." "Yes, Mr. Marcus." "Ms. Walker, take your time. If there's anything else you'd like, just letknow, and I'll have the kitchen prepare it immediately." "No thanks. This is fine," she said, her tone steady. By now, she had fully adjusted her emotions from the previous night.

Sheldon stood nearby, watching Natalie calmly finish her meal. Then, she wiped her hands clean and left the dining room.

When Natalie entered Charles' room, Connie had everything prepared m Natalie first took his pulse and then began the acupuncture session.

The room was quieter than usual. As each silver needle was placed, her expression remained focused, her ed her eyes steady and determined, with no trace of the doubt or weariness from the night before. Marcus observed in silence. Once the acupuncture session ended, he turned to leave.

"Mr. Holden, please wait," Natalie called out, stopping him in his tracks. "Take Mr. Holden Senior for a scan this afternoon." "So soon?" He turned back, his gaze skeptical.

"Go and see for yourself," she replied evenly. "You'll know the results once it's out."