The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus) novel Chapter 165

As she spoke, Grace walked toward Natalie.

Under the bright crystal chandeliers, Natalie stood there in her black jacket and cargo pants, her hair tied back. Her face looked indifferent, and there was not the slightest hint of a smile or joy in her eyes.

Grace's expression fell. Her eyes reddened, and tears began to fall. "Nattie, why are you looking at me like that?"

"Grandma." Natalie stepped forward, fixing her unwavering gaze on Grace. "I have something to ask you. You must answer me truthfully."

"Nattie, you look so serious. I'm scared." A hint of surprise flickered in Grace's eyes for a second. She lowered her head, wiping away her tears. She avoided meeting Natalie's gaze. "Nattie, did I do something wrong? Why do you look so serious?"

Instead of answering Grace's questions, Natalie spoke in a cold, steady voice. "Grandma, have you ever done anything to harm me? Have you ever lied to me? Please answer me honestly."

Natalie's tone was calm and chilling, her usually pretty, soulful eyes now sharp and probing.

On the way back, she had been thinking about how she should face Grace. While she appreciated her kindness and felt grateful, she wasn't naive.

If Grace had really been deceiving her and taking advantage of her all this time, it would be better to make a decision sooner rather than later.

Marcus had told her she didn't owe anyone anything. That included Victor, Diana, and also Grace.

Grace lifted her head, tears streaming down her lined cheeks as she gazed at Natalie. "Nattie, why would you ask me such a thing? Did somebody say something to you? I raised you myself. I loved you the most from the time you were little. Do you really not trust me?"

"I trusted you too much," Natalie said, smiling bitterly.

She took out her phone and made a call to Charlotte. "Hello, Mrs. Walker. Could you all come to Holden Residence? I need to discuss something with you tonight."

"Oh, sure. Your dad, your brothers, and I will be there right away," Charlotte answered excitedly.

Hearing her barely contained joy, Natalie's lips curled into a warm smile. Perhaps blood ties really were different.

Moments later, Charlotte arrived with William and Natalie's brothers. This time, there was a new face among them—a man Natalie had never met but recognized well. It was Lincoln, the famous actor.

He had fair skin, a buzzcut, and wore a simple T-shirt and ripped jeans. His features were striking and refined, like someone stepped out of a comic book.

As soon as he walked in, Lincoln pulled out a bouquet of lilies from behind his back and handed them to Natalie. Though he looked cool and aloof, his eyes crinkled into a bright smile.

"Hello, Ms. Walker. I'm Lincoln Walker, the second oldest in our family."

His cold appearance contrasted sharply with how his eyes crinkled when he smiled. Usually, a buzzcut might make someone look tough or roguish, but not in Lincoln's case. It only made him look more appealing.

Besides flowers, Lincoln also offered a gift. It was placed in the center of the lily bouquet. It was a small, exquisite jewelry box.

Without another glance at Grace, Natalie turned and headed for the door. She had only gone a few steps when Marcus hurried after her, blocking her path. "I apologize. Ms. Walker, may I have a word with you?"

With that, he grabbed her wrist and steered her a short distance away.

"Mr. and Mrs. Walker, please stay here," he said, stopping Charlotte and William when they tried to follow.

"Marcus, whatever it is, talk it over calmly. Don't scare her," Charlotte said anxiously.

She knew how coldly Marcus had treated Emma in the past and how decisively he had canceled their engagement. Who could say if he would do the same if he discovered Natalie was the real daughter of the Walkers?

Charlotte didn't want to rush into arranging any marriage. She had only just found her daughter and longed to spend more time with her.

But if Natalie ended up liking Marcus, she might have to talk it over with Laura so they could rearrange the engagement.

While Charlotte was thinking this over, Marcus lowered his voice to speak to Natalie. "Ms. Walker, if you leave with the Walkers now, what about my grandfather's treatment this evening?"

Natalie answered calmly, "Mr. Holden, I'm not going to live in the same house with Mrs. Langley Senior. Either I stay, or she stays. You can make the choice."