The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming

Chapter 154 You Never Owed Anyone Anything Marcus' voice sounded magnetic and pleasant, but his words were harsh.

As he spoke, he looked at Natalie. She pressed her lips together, her gaze turning cold and distant again. It was clear she didn't like what he said.

However, she didn't stop him.

When Marcus finished talking, he put the phone on speaker and placed it on the table.

Grace's voice cthrough clearly. "This is my granddaughter's number. I'm sure I didn't dial the wrong one. No matter who you are, please give my granddaughter her phone." Marcus raised his eyebrows and looked at Natalie. She pressed her lips even tighter. She stayed silent and took a sip of tea. Then, she turned to look out the window.

"You dialed the wrong number," Marcus said.

He didn't say any more sarcastic or harsh words. He hung up and slid the phone back over to Natalie.

"Ms. Walker, why are you not answering the call? Are you afraid of something?" "I heard from Mrs. Walker that you reminded her to investigate whether my grandmother really cared aboutor was just pretending. Is that true?" Marcus slightly smiled and admitted what he had done, "Yes. I reminded Aunt Charlotte." "Why?" Natalie looked at Marcus. "Mr. Holden, why would you think of that?" "I spoke with Mrs. Langley Senior before, and her reactions felt odd. I can see Aunt Charlotte and Uncle William treat you well. They even said they wanted you to be their goddaughter.

"I don't like Emma, but I do respect Aunt Charlotte and Uncle William. The Walkers and the Holdens also have many business partnerships." Marcus explained slowly, "Back then, my grandfather wasn't feeling well but tried to hide it from me. Aunt Charlotte was the first to notice and told me. Out of respect, I felt I should warn them when I realized something wasn't right." Natalie nodded and stayed silent. She hadn't expected Charlotte to tell Marcus that she wanted Natalie to be her goddaughter.

She had asked the Walkers not to make a big deal of her identity or acknowledge her in public, and they had completely respected her wishes.

Their kindness and respect grew clearer with time. It stood in stark contrast to how Victor and Diana behaved. "You once askedwhat I did to Mrs. Langley Senior that caused such a big reaction from her. Now I can tell you, I didn't do anything. I just asked her a few questions about your childhood.

"The Langleys used you as a blood bank, and you agreed because you believed it meant you didn't owe Victor or Diana anything anymore. But, Ms. Walker, you never owed anyone anything to begin with." Marcus spoke in a low, deep voice as he looked straight at Natalie. His gaze was hard to read, yet they seemed sincere. She found herself inclined to believe him.

Did she really owe no one? Natalie lowered her head. For the first time, she could not bring herself to meet his gaze.

Marcus curled his lips slightly and continued, "Ms. Walker, you don't owe the Langleys anything. You're kind and dutiful. You were caught in this situation. Even though you sensed something was wrong, you still avoided looking into it. That's understandable.

"If I were you, I might have done the same. Sometimes, people know something is wrong, but they don't want to expose it. Once the truth comes out, there's no going back." Natalie lowered her head, staring at the teacup in front of her. After a pause, she finally spoke. "I didn't realize you were such a life coach, Mr. Holden." "I'm not a life coach. I'm just stating the facts in hopes that it can help you." "Mr. Holden, you suddenly seem so kind, and it feels odd to me." Marcus let out a faint smile. "So, in your mind, am I usually that cold and heartless?" "I'm sorry if I said something wrong," Natalie said, looking up at him. "Thank you, Mr. Holden." "Let's eat," he said.

"Alright." They finished the meal quietly, and Grace did not call again.

Still, Natalie could not shake a feeling of unease.

Marcus had seen right through her. She could not stop thinking about Grace.

It was hard to deny that Grace's words and care toward her had been genuine all these years. She had to admit that she couldn't be cold or decisive when it cto Grace.

She could not completely reject the kindness she had received just because Grace had not prevented Diana from using her as a walking blood bank.

Even so, this matter remained like a thorn lodged in her heart, growing more frightening the more she thought about it.

She decided to give up her shares in Langley Group for good and never go back to work there. She could already foresee what would happen to the Langleys in the future.

She had called several shareholders who had treated her well. Sof them told her right away they were going to sell their shares.

Kevin and Jack were especially quick to act. As soon as they heard she was giving up her shares, they said they would do the same.

They would rather cash out now and invest with Natalie because they believed they could still make a profit elsewhere.

Natalie kept her head lowered, lost in thought.

Marcus had said what he needed to and did not speak anymore. He knew she was smart enough to figure things out for herself.

Sometimes, people felt they owed someone simply because they had received so little in return.

As a grandfather, Charles considered Marcus' life more important tham anything else, except for the the had Marcus test unknown mushrooms. After they finished eating, Marcus took the special packaged meal with him and left the resort with Natalie.

"Ms. Walker, let's go home," he said.

"Alright." Natalie opened the car door and got in.

Marcus had packed two sets of the smeal. Natalie knew one was intended for Grace, but he neve mentioned it. He simply left the choice and decision to her. They drove for a while. Eventually, Natalie couldn't help asking, "Mr. Holden, if you were me, what would you do?"

Marcus turned his head slightly and glanced at her with his eyes with his dark e "Ms. Walken do you want to hear the n truth truth or a lie?" "Of course, I want the truth." "The truth often sounds harsh." "I still want to hear it, even if it's harsh." Marcus' lips curved slightly. After a pause, he spoke again. "If I were you, I would cut my losses in time."