The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus) novel Chapter 274

Charles gazed at the photograph Natalie held, his face marked by a hint of sadness. "Marcus' parents are deeply upset and heartbroken over his choice to end the engagement.

"They've now tasked him with earning your parents' forgiveness, insisting that the bond between the Holden family and the Walker family shouldn't be damaged or become distant because of their ungrateful son.

"After considering it carefully, I decided to ask you for a favor. During your welcome party, have Marcus partner with you for the opening dance, and ensure someone captures pictures to send to his parents. This way, they won't hold Marcus accountable anymore."

Upon hearing this, Natalie glanced at Marcus. His lips were tightly pressed together, and his strikingly handsome face showed no hint of emotion, as if Charles' words were irrelevant to him.

Yet, in Marcus' deep, dark eyes, which appeared cold and unfeeling, Natalie detected a sorrow emanating from within. Despite his aloof and proud exterior, Natalie perceived Marcus as pitiable and lonely in that moment.

She put down her teacup. "Grandpa Charles, may I ask a question?"

"Go ahead."

"Why did Marcus' parents leave him with you and disappear right after he was born?" she asked calmly. "Marcus isn't like me. His parents are with him, unlike me, a child who was wrongly taken to another family. Why didn't they remain with him and care for him?

"I understand that Marcus was raised solely by Grandpa Charles, just as I was by Mrs. Langley Senior. But you two are entirely different.

"You genuinely love and care for Marcus, whereas the way Mrs. Langley Senior treated me is something you're likely aware of too."

Charles' face went through a series of expressions. He hadn't just heard the rumors, he had discreetly asked Sheldon to look into it.

Upon discovering some of Grace's actions, Charles found it difficult to believe that he had considered such a ruthless and cunning woman as his godsister for so long. Additionally, he had always believed that she had endured a tough life.

Upon hearing Natalie's words, Charles felt a twinge of embarrassment. "Nattie, this is a personal family issue. I don't owe you an explanation."

"What about Marcus?" Natalie shifted her eyes to Marcus. "Have you ever asked him if he misses his parents? When I was young, Victor and Diana were unkind to me. They never attended any of my events or parent-teacher conferences.

"Even though Mrs. Langley Senior showed up, I was still mocked by other kids. They called me a bastard with no parents, questioning why mine never came to pick me up or participated in the school's parent-child activities."

Natalie continued calmly, fixing her gaze on Charles. "Sure, my situation made sense. But what about Marcus? His parents haven't been there for him even a single day, nor have they ever taken care of him. Isn't it unreasonable for them to start making demands now, Grandpa Charles?"

"Um…" Charles was speechless.

He glanced at Marcus, who sat silently. Marcus had his gaze lowered, hands on his knees, and his back perfectly straight. Sunlight streamed through the window, bathing him in a golden glow.

With his strikingly handsome features, effortlessly messy hair, and impeccable posture, Marcus seemed like a character from a comic book. Yet, beneath this beautiful picture, a quiet sadness was slowly emerging.

"Grandpa Charles, maybe it's not my place to say this or get involved in your family matters," Natalie said, taking a deep breath before continuing, "But, in your opinion, which is more significant? The kindness shown by giving birth or the kindness shown by raising a child?

"If both you and Marcus' parents ask him to be dutiful at the same time, whose guidance should he prioritize, yours or his parents'?"