The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus) novel Chapter 279

Charles carefully observed Marcus' expression. Seeing him at a loss for words and noticing no further change in his emotions, he finally believed him.

"You shouldn't just sit here alone. Go outside, mingle with the guests, and chat with them," Charles said. "There are plenty of young ladies here today. If you don't like Sophia or Natalie, take a look around. Maybe you'll find someone you do like."

He poked Marcus' leg lightly with his cane. "I am getting old. Sure, my health is better now, but who knows how long I have left? Do me a favor. Settle down, get married early, and let me hold my great-grandchild before I go. What do you say?"

Marcus sighed in silence.

In the past, Charles had used his poor health to pressure him into marriage. Even with his health improving, he was still pushing for it.

Some things just never change.

Yet, despite his recovery, Marcus didn't dare to provoke him. "Alright, I understand," he replied.

"Good, now go. You're still young. Resting is for us old folks."

Marcus stood up. "I'll head out then."

"Mm, go on."

Leaving the lounge, Marcus didn't take the elevator. Instead, he walked down the stairs. When he reached the second floor, he stopped at the railing and looked down.

Natalie had changed into a flowing feathered gown, custom-fitted to hug her figure perfectly. Tiny butterflies adorned the hem of her dress, their wings trembling slightly with her every step. As she moved, the delicate embellishments fluttered, as if they were truly dancing through a blooming meadow.

She stood in the crowd, accompanied by Charlotte and William, smiling elegantly as she conversed with the guests. In just a short while, she had already met a significant number of people.

Marcus remained on the second floor, his gaze unconsciously drawn to her. From the moment she appeared, holding onto Lincoln's arm, she had stunned him.

It was a man's admiration for a beautiful woman. But beyond admiration, an untimely memory surfaced in his mind, something from his past at Quinton Hospital.

He quickly and rationally shoved that memory aside, but his heartbeat had already quickened against his will.

"Mr. Holden, fancy meeting you here."

A voice suddenly rang out beside him. Snapping out of his thoughts, Marcus turned to find someone standing next to him. He hadn't even noticed her arrival.

Celeste held a champagne flute in her hand, her lips curved into a playful smile.

Marcus gave a polite nod. "Ms. Kennedy."

"My cousin is beautiful, isn't she? Look, Natalie. She's right over there."

Celeste stepped forward, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with him. "Shawn had been trying to find a chance to greet her, but he had not had any luck. I actually think Shawn and Natalie would make a great match. What do you think, Mr. Holden?"

Marcus' face darkened. "I am not as nosy as you, Ms. Kennedy."

Celeste giggled. "This is not gossip. Natalie just returned home. Her future is something the entire family takes seriously.

"Among the guests today, anyone around her age will probably be evaluated by Aunt Charlotte and Uncle William. After that, they will have Natalie meet them and see if there is a connection."

"Natalie is only 20," Marcus said. "The Walker family doesn't need her to marry for alliances. You seem a little too concerned, Ms. Kennedy."

His voice grew colder. Perhaps it was Celeste's words getting to him, but as his eyes swept over the men surrounding Natalie, he felt an inexplicable frustration rising in his chest.

"That's not quite right. Look at her. Natalie, the moon among stars, admired and surrounded by all. Don't you think so?" Celeste replied with a teasing smile.

"Ms. Walker."

Just as Natalie was about to turn and look for Hector, she spotted Ivan approaching with Ruby.

Her brow furrowed slightly. "Mr. Sinclair, do you need something?"

After what had happened at Goodwill Pharmacy, she saw no reason to have any peaceful interactions with Ivan and Ruby.

Ivan smiled as if nothing had ever happened. "I apologize for the previous misunderstanding. I hope you're generous enough to let bygones be bygones and not hold it against my daughter, Ms. Walker."

"Ruby, come here and apologize to Ms. Walker," he said and pulled the pale-faced Ruby forward. "I'm very sorry for what happened before. We failed to recognize your status. Please don't take it to heart, Ms. Walker. And please don't hold it against the Sinclair family.

"Ms. Walker, I'm sorry." Ruby's voice was barely above a whisper. She kept her head lowered, not daring to meet Natalie's eyes. "I sincerely apologize for my past rudeness. This is a gift I personally prepared for you. I hope you'll accept it ."

Ruby held out an exquisite box with both hands.

In front of so many people, Natalie smiled politely. "Tonight is my parents' party in my honor. Mr Sinclair, please enjoy the food, the drinks, and the festivals. As for other matters, let us leave them for another time."

Ruby's head snapped up. "And the gift… Ms. Walker, you wouldn't refuse it, would you?"

Hector interjected, reaching for the box in her hands. "I'll take it. Mr. Sinclair, my father had invited you to join him. As for Ms. Sinclair, she could stay here and enjoy the conversation with the rest of us."

Ruby exhaled deeply in relief and smiled. "Of course."

Natalie said nothing and continued moving through the elegantly dressed crowd with Hector.

This welcome party introduced her to many important figures, which was beneficial for her future in Dithoria State.