The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus) novel Chapter 191

Charlotte spoke with such humility and politeness that it left Charles with no room for irritation. With a quick glance, he signaled to Sheldon, who promptly headed to the study with the helpers.

Within moments, Sheldon and the helpers returned, carrying tray after tray with the engagement gifts that the Walkers had given to Marcus back then.

"All the gifts and the inventory list are here. Please, Mrs. Walker, feel free to check them," Sheldon said, handing over a detailed list.

Charlotte smiled warmly as she accepted the list, carefully going through it item by item.

Meanwhile, William took out the inventory list from the Holdens and began meticulously reviewing it with Charles.

"Come on now, no need to be this precise," Charles said, his voice tinged with discomfort. "Do you really think I'd shortchange you? Or are you worried we'd skim off some of the gifts your family gave us?"

William chuckled awkwardly. "Of course not, Mr. Holden Senior. That thought would never cross our minds. We owe a lot to you and your family for helping us back when we needed it most."

He paused, then added sincerely, "We're being thorough because we don't want Marcus to get the wrong idea. He made his feelings clear when he canceled his engagement with Emma. We just don't want him to feel burdened or think we're taking advantage of your family.

"To be honest, the gifts we gave you don't even compare to what your family gave us. If the kids weren't meant to be, the least we can do is make sure everything is returned properly."

He sighed, his expression turning solemn. "The truth is, our daughter just wasn't good enough for Marcus. That's on us. Mr. Holden Senior, if there's anyone to blame, it's our family. Please don't hold it against us."

William sounded so genuine and sincere that it was impossible to detect even a hint of pretense. By taking all the blame on behalf of his family and refusing to say anything negative about Marcus or the Holdens, he left Charles with no choice but to let it go.

Charles could only sigh inwardly. What else was there to say? The kids were grown now, and it was only natural for them to have their own preferences when it came to choosing a partner.

The Holden family didn't need alliances to solidify their position, and while the Walkers weren't on the same level globally, they were still the wealthiest family in the country.

Besides, William and Charlotte were clearly devoted parents. They'd never resort to using their daughter to gain an advantage.

"It seems like the kids just weren't meant to be," Charles finally said, shaking his head. "But let's make sure this doesn't affect our families' relationship."

"Don't worry about that," William assured him. "We're not holding any grudges, and we hope Marcus and your family won't either. It's all water under the bridge now."

"Marcus' a great man, no doubt about it," Charlotte added quickly. "There's no one better than him, honestly. Whoever ends up with him will be a hundred times better than our daughter."

She reached into her bag and pulled out an invitation. "By the way, we've recently discovered that Emma isn't our biological daughter.

"Our real daughter has been found, and we're hosting a welcome party for her. Here's the invitation with the details. We'd be honored if you could join us for the event, Mr. Holden Senior."

Her face lit up with pure joy. Marcus could cancel the engagement if he wanted, but that wouldn't stop her from celebrating her daughter and inviting every eligible bachelor in Dithoria. There was more than one fish in the sea, and the world didn't revolve around Marcus.