The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus) novel Chapter 419

"Madam, Mark, we've arrived."

Benson killed the car engine, stepped out, and respectfully opened the door to escort them inside. "Those two over there are the owners of Scarlet Hill Residence—my employer and his wife."

Leading Natalie and Marcus forward, Benson bowed deeply and introduced them. "This is the miracle doctor and her assistant, Mark."

"Madam, Mark, welcome."

From behind their mask, a hoarse male voice emerged. The taller of the two figures extended a gloved hand.

"My apologies. We're sensitive to the cold."

"And how should I address the two of you?" Natalie's voice carried the raspiness of an elderly woman. She, too, wore gloves as she lightly shook the man's hand in greeting.

She blocked Marcus from shaking hands with them.

"You may call me West, and this is my wife, Rory." The man's voice was rough as he gestured toward the entrance. "Please, come inside."

Natalie glanced at Marcus, signaling him to follow.

Marcus, however, had remained silent since stepping out of the car. He hadn't even bothered to survey the surroundings.

His expression was dark.

"Mark, carry my bag." Natalie had brought her usual canvas bag and handed it to him while taking pictures. He had been carrying it ever since.

"Understood, madam."

He changed the way he addressed her on his own. Calling her "Grandma" was something he simply couldn't bring himself to do.

Natalie paid no mind to the change in address and followed them into Scarlet Hill Residence.

The residence was enclosed by towering walls, though its grounds were not particularly expansive. A three-story building built in traditional style stood at the center, with a garden in the front, a vegetable patch in the back, and a small artificial pond with a rockery.

Surprisingly, there were no maple trees planted within the residence. Instead, various species of succulents and cacti filled the courtyard.

In one corner along the wall, a cluster of vibrant red spider lilies bloomed.

On the right side of the yard, two tall magnolia trees stood with a wooden swing set strung between them. The swing swayed gently in the breeze, occasionally creaking as it moved.

"This way, please."

The masked figures led the way, while Benson respectfully ushered Natalie and Marcus inside.

The interior was decorated in a classical style, from the carved wooden furniture to the intricate latticework on the windows. It was evident that the owners had a fondness for traditional aesthetics.

"Madam, Mark, please have a seat. I'll prepare some tea for you."

Benson motioned for them to sit. Across from them, the two masked figures settled into their seats. They remained completely covered, even wearing dark sunglasses that concealed their eyes entirely.

After the initial greeting at the entrance, the man hadn't spoken another word.

Natalie waited in silence. Soon, Benson returned with tea. "Madam, Mark, please enjoy."

"Thank you."

Natalie accepted it politely.

Marcus, however, remained silent.

Finding this odd, Natalie turned to look at him, only to realize that he had been staring intently at something on the wall.

Following his gaze, she saw it—a small golden locket.

"Mark, wait outside with Mr. Jones. I need to speak privately with the patients." Her voice was calm yet firm.

Marcus rose without protest. He gave the masked figures a slight nod before striding out.

The masked man tapped lightly on the table. At the signal, Benson followed Marcus outside.

"No… This isn't the same face as the one on the medical records you sent me."

Natalie steadied herself, forcing her mind to clear. She had reviewed those records thoroughly. The patient's photographs had been taken from every angle, and the woman in those images looked nothing like the one standing before her now.

"It's me." Laura's voice trembled.

"But there are only a few days each month when I look… somewhat normal like this."

She choked back a sob. "Doctor, please… Please save me." Tears streamed down her face as she struggled to suppress her cries.

Her son was just downstairs. Yet, she couldn't let him see her like this.

"I may look normal today, but I'll become what you saw in the files tomorrow." She tried desperately to contain her emotions. "I want to see my child. I miss him so much.

"I was never a good mother. I gave birth to him… and then this illness took hold of me. I never nursed him, never held him in my arms—not even once. All because I was afraid."

Her voice cracked. Years of pain, regret, and longing threatened to consume her whole. She had spent so long suppressing these emotions. And she was terrified.

She was terrified for too many reasons to count.

Natalie had never expected that her first meeting with Marcus' birth mother would unfold under such circumstances. Steeling herself, she stepped forward and gently helped Laura to a seat.

"Madam, let me examine you first."

"I'm afraid…" Laura instinctively took a step back. "I'm afraid my illness is contagious."

"For years, my husband has taken me everywhere, seeking a cure. We've traveled far and wide.

"In the end, I told him I loved scarlet poppies, so he brought me here." Tears streamed down Laura's face. "Doctor, I'm out of options.

"This illness won't kill me, but it makes living feel worse than death."

If not for her husband, Wesley's unwavering support and the hope of one day recovering to reunite with Marcus, she might have chosen death long ago.