The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus) novel Chapter 423

Seeing Laura hesitate, Natalie decided to push a little harder. "Mrs. Holden, don't worry. I've practically one foot in the grave already—just an old woman with nothing left to lose.

"Mark isn't an idiot, and he's definitely not a creep. Even if we shared the same bed, nothing would happen, let alone just staying in the same room."

Laura was rendered speechless. Just imagining that scenario made her head hurt. Nonetheless, Natalie had already put it so bluntly. If she kept overthinking it, she would only make herself look narrow-minded.

Still, Laura could not shake the unease. Natalie might not care, but Marcus was young. He had his whole future ahead of him. He would date, fall in love, and get married one day.

After thinking it over, Laura carefully suggested, "How about I arrange two rooms for you instead? Dr. Elim, don't get me wrong. It's just that sharing a room might be a little cramped and uncomfortable for you both."

"That's fine." Natalie did not care about the room arrangements. Her only goal was to make sure Laura agreed to let Marcus stay.

They were mother and son, yet Laura was too afraid to acknowledge him. That kind of torment—being so close yet unable to reunite—was already painful enough.

Letting Marcus stay might at least ease Laura's longing for him. Besides, Marcus refused to leave.

She added, "I'll make sure he doesn't wander around."

"It's alright. I'll have Benson take care of it." Laura did not know what to feel. She was happy, but more than anything, she was worried.

Her condition was unpredictable. She worried it might mutate or become contagious. If she ended up harming the people around her, she would never forgive herself.

"Mrs. Holden, please don't worry. Your illness is not contagious," Natalie reassured her firmly. "I will cure you. Trust me."

"Alright… I trust you." Laura hesitated but eventually nodded.

She turned and called Benson over. "Benson, prepare two guest rooms. Find out Mr. Mark' preferences and any things he dislikes. Do the same for Dr. Elim. Make sure everything is arranged properly so they are comfortable and feel at home. Understand?"

"Of course, Mrs. Holden. I'll take care of it," Benson respectfully said.

Then, he walked over to Marcus and Natalie to discuss their needs before heading off to make the arrangements. Scarlet Hill Residence was not particularly large, but there were plenty of rooms.

The entire estate was understatedly elegant, its classic architecture blending seamlessly with its surroundings. The rooms on the third floor had a stunning view—just beyond the windows stretched endless fields of scarlet poppies.

When the wind blew, the petals would drift into the courtyard, and on especially breezy days, they even floated into the rooms. The rooms themselves were not big, but they were warm, inviting, and practical.

After settling in, Natalie unpacked her bag, freshened up, and then took a seat by the window. She pulled out Wesley's notebook and started reading.

The notebook was thick, every page filled with his neatly handwritten notes. His handwriting was so precise that it looked almost like it had been printed.

However, the more she read, the more disturbing the content became. There were even photos attached, each one corresponding to a detailed description of the situation at the time.

Natalie was completely absorbed in reading, unaware of how much time had passed until a knock on the door pulled her back to reality.

"Dr. Elim, it's time for dinner." Marcus' voice came from outside.

She quickly responded, "Got it. I'll be down in a bit."

"I'll wait for you at the door."

With a sharp look at Marcus, Natalie started walking, and he followed without question. Benson had no choice but to lead the way. This time, they were taken to a smaller room instead of heading to Laura and Wesley's main bedroom.

Benson knocked lightly, and after receiving permission, he cautiously pushed the door open. Inside, there was a small dining table with two chairs. Two bowls of plain chicken soup and two glasses of milk were on the table.

Laura and Wesley, both completely covered from head to toe, sat facing each other—but neither of them had touched their food. The moment they saw Natalie and Marcus enter, they immediately stood up.

"Mark, take some photos and document Mrs. Holden's meal."

Natalie's voice was firm as she gave her instructions. "Mrs. Holden, eat as you normally would. I need to observe how your body reacts afterward."

Laura's body tensed. With Marcus in the room, she would have to remove the bandages covering her face in order to eat.

The Holden family might not have any of her photos left, but she and Marcus still shared strikingly similar features.

"Mrs. Holden, there's nothing to be afraid of. Mark is highly professional." Natalie walked closer. "If you want to get better, you have to cooperate with us. Even if I find a cure, I can't help you if you won't work with me."

"Mrs. Holden, please trust us," Marcus chimed in, his voice calm and composed. "Doctors don't discriminate. To me, you are simply another patient Dr. Elim is treating, and we're only doing our job. Please cooperate."

"But I…" Laura's voice came out hoarse and strained, unable to bring herself to sit there and eat with Marcus watching.

"I can't… I really can't." Laura lifted both hands to her face, gripping the fabric tightly. "Please… don't force me. Dr. Elim, I beg you—please ask Mark to leave. I've already agreed to let him stay. That was difficult enough for me. Please don't push me any further."

Tears welled in her eyes, her breath coming in shaky gasps. She just could not do it. No matter what, she would not let Marcus see her like this.