The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus) novel Chapter 190

When Charlotte heard Natalie's firm response, all her doubts disappeared.

This was perfect—her daughter wasn't the type to lose herself over some guy, unlike Emma, who had completely swallowed her pride for Marcus.

There were plenty of fish in the sea. If one wasn't fit, you simply moved on. Marcus wasn't the be-all and end-all.

"Alright," Charlotte said, her voice carrying a light laugh. "I'll talk to your dad, and we'll return the engagement gifts that the Holden family gave us back then."

She then said in a teasing tone, "Nat, I know so many great young men. Just pick one, and I'll set it up for you!"

"No need. I'm not interested in dating right now," Natalie replied, walking as she spoke.

She stepped outside the front door just as Marcus descended the stairs. He was dressed sharply in a perfectly tailored black suit, every detail meticulously in place, from his crisp shirt to his impeccably tied tie. His handsome face was as stoic and distant as ever, exuding an aura of cold authority.

Natalie hung up after she finished speaking to Charlotte. She glanced at Marcus and raised her phone, a wordless reminder for him to transfer her overtime pay from the night before.

Marcus opened his mouth to ask her what she meant, but before he could get a word out, Natalie turned and walked off without looking back.

"Mr. Holden," Sheldon said, suddenly appearing at Marcus' side, "do you know you kissed Ms. Walker last night?"

"What?" Marcus' eyes widened in disbelief. "Sheldon, mind your words."

"I have proof." Sheldon fearlessly pulled out his phone and showed him a photo. The image, taken at an angle, clearly showed Marcus pinning Natalie on the couch, looking for all the world like he was kissing her.

Marcus' face darkened as he reached to snatch the phone, but the butler deftly dodged him.

"Mr. Holden, Mr. Holden Senior is waiting for you in the study," Sheldon said with a mischievous grin. "Looks like we might be celebrating some good news soon!"

Marcus glared at Sheldon, his mind racing. How did Sheldon even get that photo?

"Mr. Holden, don't keep him waiting!" Sheldon called over his shoulder as he turned to leave, utterly unfazed by Marcus' dark expression.

Sheldon was practically humming with delight. When Natalie left earlier, she had even waved goodbye to Marcus. To him, this was clearly a sign of mutual affection.

If it weren't love, someone as sharp as Natalie would've hurled her phone at Marcus without a second thought, probably leaving him with a nasty bruise.

Still smirking, Sheldon followed Marcus into the study where Charles was waiting.

Charles had just finished his acupuncture session and entered the room ten minutes later. Marcus had been working on some documents in the meantime but immediately stood when Charles walked in.

"Grandpa," he greeted respectfully.

"The Walkers called me," Charles began without preamble, his expression serious. "They told me that Emma isn't their biological daughter. Your previous engagement with her is null and void—what's done is done."

Although his tone was calm, his face betrayed traces of lingering irritation. Natalie had warned him to stay composed after his treatments, and if he couldn't manage it, she'd left him some medicine to calm his nerves. He'd already taken one after receiving William's call earlier.

"Now," Charles continued, "the Walkers said they've found their biological daughter, and there's no reason to continue this engagement between her and you. They'll be returning the engagement gifts shortly, and the marriage agreement between our families will be officially canceled."

Marcus said nothing.

"You're happy now, aren't you?" Charles said, eyeing him. "You didn't want to marry their daughter, and they've made it clear they don't want you either."

"You're right, Grandpa," Marcus replied evenly. "The engagement gifts the Walkers sent me back then—are they still in your possession?"