The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus) novel Chapter 232

"Go ahead," Sky said.

"I think calling you Ms. Natalie feels a bit distant. Since we're living under the same roof, would it be okay if I just called you by your name or Nat?" Emma asked, wiping away her tears.

She looked at Natalie with a sincere expression. "If you call me Emma, it'll make it seem like we're closer. Is that alright?"

"Nat, I think Emma has a point," Sky chimed in. "We're all living in the same house. Calling you Ms. Natalie does feel a bit stiff. Just do me a favor, and let's all use names only, alright?"

Then, he turned to Emma. "For all we know, you might even be older than Nat. Stop chasing her around like a little kid—it'll only make her feel old."

"Okay, Sky. I understand now. I'm sorry I didn't think about it," Emma said obediently.

She seemed especially compliant, nodding to whatever Sky said.

"Nat, what do you think?" Lincoln asked, holding a teacup in his hand.

After thinking it through, he felt Sky's reasoning wasn't without merit.

For the first 20 years of her life, Emma had been the cherished daughter of the Walker family.

Now that Natalie had returned, everything could change drastically. If Emma caused trouble, she would be kicked out without hesitation. However, if she remained well-behaved and docile, there was no reason the Walker family couldn't continue to keep her.

After all, they had raised her for so many years. It was impossible to say there were no feelings at all.

Natalie nodded. "Alright, we'll do as Sky suggests."

If Emma were driven out of the Walker family, both Sky and Emma would hate her for it. As Federrick had once taught her, it was best not to corner someone completely.

Sky sighed with relief. "Alright, then. Thank you for being understanding, Nat."

"You're welcome, Sky," Natalie replied courteously.

Sky turned to Hector and Mason. "Hector, Mason, any objections?"

Hector adjusted his glasses and nodded. "No objections from me."

"None here either," Mason said quickly. "I'll go keep an eye on Cindy. We can't let her sneak off with anything from the house."

Sky nodded. "Alright, go ahead."

Mason got up and left, and Natalie stood up as well. "Since we're all done talking, I'll head back to rest."

"Sure, go ahead," Sky said.

"Natalie, I brought you a gift," Emma interrupted. "Please take a look. I'd really like you to have it. I've brought it back with good intentions. Would you accept it?"

Natalie stared at Emma for a long while. Emma met her gaze with an open, sincere expression—there was no hidden agenda in her eyes.

"Thank you, but it's not necessary," Natalie said, gently rejecting the gift. "If I accept it, I'll need to return the favor, and I'd rather not. I hope you understand."

Emma looked disappointed but nodded. "Alright, Nat. I didn't expect you to give anything in return. I just wanted to share something with everyone since I brought gifts for everyone else."

"Thank you, but I really can't accept it," Natalie said, politely refusing Emma's gesture.

She then turned to Olivia and said, "Olivia, let's go. I'll show you to my room."

He forced a smile and gently wiped Emma's tears away. "Nat is our biological sister. She's Mom and Dad's true daughter. She's had a rough time in the Langley family, and now that she's back, it's understandable that they're doting on her.

"Emma, don't let it bother you. It wasn't your fault that you were mistakenly swapped at birth. Don't overthink things."

"Sky, thank you," Emma said, throwing herself into his arms.

She carefully avoided his injured back and hugged his waist tightly. "Sky, I don't know what I would do without you. Mom and Dad haven't answered my calls recently. When I message them, they just send back short replies.

"I'm really scared. Marcus broke off our engagement and even accused me of drugging him, but I didn't do it. Cindy's been fired, and Mason is worried she'll steal things from the house. I keep feeling like no one loves me anymore."

Sky gently patted Emma's back. "Nonsense. You still have me. I'm just worried you'll overthink things. That's why I told you to take some time off and not come back."

"But…" Emma hesitated, struggling to find the right words.

She wanted to stay away and take her time to clear her mind, but the Walker family had frozen all her cards. She couldn't use them, and even the hotels under the Walker family's name wouldn't recognize her as a legitimate member anymore. Despite her unwillingness, she had no choice but to return.

"Sky, I'm worried about you. I couldn't relax having fun out there, so coming back seemed better," Emma said, forcing a smile as she looked up at Sky. "As long as I have you looking out for me, it doesn't matter if the other brothers don't love me."

"Silly girl," Sky said with a soft chuckle. "Once the novelty wears off and Mom and Dad settle down, they'll love you again."

Emma smiled. "Thank you, Sky."

As Emma nuzzled her cheek against Sky's chest, he felt his heart soften with affection and pain. Emma had always stuck to him since childhood. Whenever she felt wronged, he was the first she would go to for comfort.

Now that Natalie had the love and protection of their parents and several brothers, it seemed like she didn't really care for his affection. She showed him some respect, but it amounted to barely anything.