The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus) novel Chapter 268

Emma's tears fell even faster as she asked, "Why do you keep asking me these questions, Hector? Is it only when I admit to it that you'll be satisfied?

"I didn't do anything! Why won't you believe me? Is it because I'm not your real sister? Because we don't share the same blood? Is that why you're so determined to push me to the edge?"

Seeing her in such a state, Hector knew it was pointless to continue. He got up and switched off the light in her ward.

"Get some rest," he said.

Emma clutched the white coat he was wearing. "Hector, I need to see Marcus. Please, I'm begging you to help me—just this once. If you refuse to help me, then I'll… I'll…"

She faltered, unable to come up with a real threat.

To her surprise, Hector agreed without hesitation. "I'll help you, Emma. But after you see Marcus, don't even think about coming home again."

Emma's eyes widened in disbelief. "What? Do you even realize what you're saying, Hector?"

"I know exactly what I'm saying, Emma. The question is—do you know what you're doing?" His voice lost its gentleness, turning steely and firm.

Emma would catch the warning in his words if she were wise enough. Yet, Hector wouldn't stop her if she decided to disregard it. He wasn't going to save someone who was bent on ruining themselves.

"I'll arrange for Marcus to see you once, Emma."

With that, he turned and walked out of the ward.

"Hector! Hector!" Emma called after him, but he never turned around.

Some words didn't need to be spoken again.

…

The next day, Hector arrived at the Walker residence to find the place completely transformed. Jasmine flowers bloomed in every corner while the walls bore large, carefully arranged photos of Natalie.

Charlotte and Gorge meticulously checked every last detail, while Mason flitted from one spot to another, inspecting every corner to ensure perfection.

Lincoln had left for the company early that morning. With Sky gone, his workload had doubled.

Charlotte had insisted that Sky return for the welcome party that night before going back to digging into the baby-switching case from back then.

Meanwhile, Timothy had returned, bringing his team with him. He was in the dining room, sipping coffee and chatting with Natalie and Olivia when Hector arrived.

After asking a helper where to find them, Hector knocked on the dining room door. Everyone inside turned to look at him in unison.

"Hector's back!" Natalie was the first to speak.

Hector gave a gentle smile. "Yes, I'm back."

"You must be tired after the night shift, right? Go get some rest, Hector," Natalie said.

"And she still wants to see him?" Natalie asked, finding it strange.

Aside from being good-looking and well-built, Marcus didn't exactly have much else going for him. Was Emma really that shallow?

"Yeah, let her meet him if she insists. That should be enough to get her to give up. Honestly, I didn't want her ruining your welcome party, so I had Marcus meet her to make sure she felt discouraged. It's better if she stays at the hospital and doesn't show up at all."

"You're actually worried that Emma might try something, aren't you?" Natalie chuckled. "She'd be pretty upset if she found out you were this cautious around her."

Hector laughed as well. "I'm not oblivious, Nat. Some things are hard to put into words, but I can clearly see it. She's been with us for 20 years, and I've always cared for her like a sister.

"I don't want to see her go down the wrong road. If there's even a sliver of a chance to stop her, I'll take it—that's what a brother does. But if she insists on taking that route after everything, I'll step back and walk away without regrets.

"You're my true sister, Nat, so I'm telling you exactly how I feel. I know you won't judge me for it. Feelings can be messy, and things aren't always as clear as we want them to be. I'm not ready to treat Emma like an enemy when I don't have clear proof of my suspicions.

"But I won't hesitate to act if she keeps pushing boundaries or tries to hurt you and the Walkers. I just need to be certain before I make a final call. Will you hold that against me?"

Natalie shook her head. "No, not at all. Actually, I'm glad you're being open with me."

Hector smiled and said, "I've never been one for playing games or sugarcoating things. I'd rather just be upfront. Whether you accept it or end up resenting me, I can live with that."

"Funny enough, I feel the same way," Natalie replied, her eyes crinkling into a warm smile.

Hector's willingness to share his feelings with her was a sign that he truly saw her as his sister. After all, people would only open up to those they held closest.