The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus) novel Chapter 235

William listened carefully to Natalie's words. After a long moment, he nodded. "Nat, your mother and I have already missed 20 years of your life. Now that you're back, we won't let anyone step over you. Not even Emma, whom we raised for 20 years."

His firm and unwavering words stirred something deep within her, making her eyes involuntarily redden.

When Selena returned, the Langleys drove Natalie out without hesitation. At the time, she envied Selena for having parents who loved her unconditionally.

The first time she came to the Walker family, Charlotte refused to let her in. Instead, she focused on comforting a heartbroken Emma, devastated by her broken engagement with Marcus. That night, she had decided she would never acknowledge Charlotte as her mother.

But at some point, she started to feel the warmth of parental love from Charlotte and William.

She couldn't pinpoint exactly when it happened, but she clearly remembered Mason's words and the crystal ball he gave her when they first met. That was the first time she had felt genuine brotherly affection.

Charlotte and William repeatedly used their actions to show her they truly wanted to make it up to her.

From the start, Natalie never intended to drive Emma away, even though she had sensed Emma's veiled hostility and resentment.

She had no desire to retaliate against a fake heiress like Selena had, as long as Emma didn't provoke her.

But when she first arrived at the Walker family, Emma packed her bags and went on a trip. Was it really just to get over her broken engagement?

That was only part of it. It was also a protest to determine whether she or Natalie held more importance in Charlotte and William's hearts.

However, the answer clearly dissatisfied Emma.

That was why she had instructed Cindy to keep her updated on everything happening at the Walker residence and even encouraged her to speak disrespectfully to Natalie.

Emma's goal had always been to overshadow Natalie—to make it clear that even though Emma was the impostor, she would still be the one most cherished in the Walker family.

But once again, she had miscalculated.

William was even more decisive and ruthless than Lincoln.

Lincoln had been willing to keep Emma for Sky's sake. But to William, Sky's opinion was worthless.

That was why, after seeing Emma attempt suicide, Sky had rushed upstairs to bring Natalie down—because he knew William would listen to her.

If she could see through it, William undoubtedly could as well.

No matter how things turned out, at least William had clarified that Natalie's place in the Walker family was unquestionably above Emma's.

That alone was enough for her.

Since Natalie wanted to collect the favor Sky owed her, William had no objections. Still, he would make sure someone kept an eye on Emma.

Even though he had raised her, and she had always been outstanding, her recent behavior had been disappointing.

"Nat, don't let Sky guilt-trip you into compromising. But if this is what you want, I'll support you.

"Your mother is still in Amberton but will be back before the welcome party. You have to believe us—your mother and I truly had no idea we had raised the wrong child," Willan said.

William lowered his voice and glanced toward the kitchen. His eyes flickered with irritation before softening again when he turned back to Natalie. "We're grateful to the heavens for bringing you back to us. Whatever you want to do, we'll support you."