The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus) novel Chapter 14

Marcus listened quietly as Natalie explained the details, but his eyes kept drifting to her hand.

"Mr. Holden, do you understand?" Natalie asked, looking up at him.

Caught off guard, Marcus quickly pulled his gaze back and nodded. "Yes, I understand. But I still want to ask. If you were in my position, which treatment would you choose for my grandfather?"

Natalie raised her eyebrows slightly. This wasn't the first time someone had asked her that question, but she hadn't expected it to come from someone like Marcus.

"I'm genuinely asking you this question, Dr. Elim," Marcus said sincerely. His tone was calm, his words heartfelt. "As a family, we value the doctor's opinion. To be honest, my grandfather has been to many hospitals, but no one has dared to operate on him."

Natalie nodded. She already knew this much.

What she hadn't anticipated was that the Holden family from Dithoria had sought treatment without revealing their identity or names. It hadn't been clear to her that the patient was Charles Holden.

If Natalie had known earlier, she could have treated him in Amberton with herbal medicine and acupuncture instead of making the trip to Balford.

"My suggestion would be conservative treatment," Natalie said. "I'm confident I can treat Mr. Holden Senior's tumor."

Her tone was calm, but as she glanced at Marcus, she noticed something was off. His gaze, though respectful, carried a subtle intensity as if he were studying her.

From the moment he walked in, his attention had felt strange. He seemed focused on her words, yet his eyes continuously assessed her in silent scrutiny.

Behind her glasses, Natalie's sharp eyes narrowed slightly, her eyebrows knitting together.

Marcus broke the silence. "Three months feels like a long time. Wouldn't that delay things?"

"Are you worried about the cost, Mr. Holden?" Natalie asked coolly.

"No," Marcus replied with a polite smile. Money wasn't an issue for him. His concern lay elsewhere.

Marcus had done his research. Dr. Elim's consultations were famously brief, usually no more than a week. Patients were typically evaluated within two days, their treatment plan was set, and the follow-up care was handed over to Quinton Hospital.

But this time, Dr. Elim had proposed a three-month treatment plan for Charles. It seemed unusual.

As the sole heir to the Dithoria State Holden family, Marcus had to tread carefully. Many were watching, waiting for him to make a mistake.

If Charles' condition worsened under his care, those waiting in the shadows would seize the chance to strip him of his position.

Dr. Elim's previous reluctance to take on Charles' case only added to his suspicions. Why had she changed her mind?

And why the disguise? Was she even the real Dr. Elim?

"Mr. Holden," Natalie said suddenly, her tone calm, " if you have doubts, just say it. What exactly are you questioning?"

She closed Charles' file and looked directly at Marcus through her glasses. Her gaze, sharp and unwavering, seemed to pierce through him.

Marcus hesitated, feeling the weight of her scrutiny. Though her mask and glasses hid her expressions, he could sense her irritation.

Outside the office, Ethan leaned toward Marcus and spoke in a low voice. "Mr. Holden, I'm sure Ms. Walker was with the woman we just saw."

"And?" Marcus asked, his tone indifferent.

"Well, it's odd," Ethan said, scratching his head. "I haven't seen Ms. Walker leave the hospital, but I also can't find her anywhere."

"Maybe she took my warning seriously and left quietly," Marcus replied dismissively. "Don't mention her to my grandfather."

"Yes, Mr. Marcus."

…

In the office, Natalie finalized the two treatment plans, waiting for Marcus and Charles to decide.

Still, Marcus' gaze lingered in her mind. It had been unsettling, almost invasive. If it weren't for Charles' kindness, she might have refused the surgery based on Marcus' behavior alone.

"Connie, buy a gift and send it to Mr. Holden Senior," Natalie instructed. "Make sure it's from Natalie Walker."

She added, "Ethan saw me earlier."

Natalie hadn't had the chance to formally meet Marcus since his abrupt departure. To prevent Charles from misunderstanding her absence, she wanted to ensure he knew she was aware of his hospitalization and looking out for him.

She valued kindness. For every bit of goodwill shown to her, she sought to repay it tenfold. Charles had treated her well, and she would never forget it.