The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus) novel Chapter 284

Natalie's question was serious and direct. Charlotte immediately responded with equal seriousness.

"Nat, my stance has always been clear from the very beginning. I raised Emma for 20 years, and I do care for her—that's something I can't deny. But in my heart, you're the one I must make amends to. You're my most cherished and beloved daughter.

"Emma was able to stay in this family all these years because of you. But now that you've returned, it's time for her to go back to where she belongs. I will never allow someone who has harmed you to stay in this family, nor will I ever favor her at your expense."

Charlotte spoke from the depths of her heart, her sincerity evident.

"If she truly saw you as her sister, I would have treated her as I always have. But she would never be above you. I can give Emma an eight out of ten in kindness, but for you, it will always be a full ten. If Emma can't accept that and insists on fighting for attention, then she can get lost!

"Call me heartless, call me cruel—I don't care. The only thing I care about is that my real daughter, now that she's home, is happy and living well.

"A mother's love is never impartial. Before, I didn't know about you. Emma was raised with your brothers, and your father and I doted on her the most.

"But now that you're back, whether it's between you and your brothers or you and Emma, your father and I will always put you first. Others can accept it or not—it changes nothing about our decision."

As Charlotte spoke, her eyes reddened.

"Nat, I know you never received love from your so-called parents before. And even now, you don't feel entirely secure in our love."

Charlotte understood this all too well. That was why she kept saying it out loud—so Natalie would know that neither she nor William would ever let her suffer again for anyone else's sake.

She knew the scars Victor and Diana had left on Natalie wouldn't be easy to erase. But she had patience and faith. One day, Natalie would trust and rely on her completely.

There was no need to keep things bottled up. They should just say what needed to be said.

Charlotte was determined to be a mother who spoke her heart, not one who silently loved her child but never expressed it.

"Nat, I may not be perfect, but please believe me—my love for you is real and unwavering."

Listening to Charlotte's words, Natalie's eyes gradually reddened. She quickly turned away and took a deep breath.

What was wrong with her eyes? Why did they suddenly feel so hot?

She couldn't cry. She had never cried, not even when Diana abused and tormented her. She couldn't possibly cry now just because of a few words from her biological mother.

"Nat." Charlotte stepped forward and pulled her into an embrace. "I originally planned to transfer Emma after the welcome party, but I changed my mind and had Hector move her already. Whatever you want to do, I will support you.

"You're the true heiress of the Walker family, our rightful eldest daughter. No one can ever surpass your place in my heart. There are some things I didn't tell you because I didn't want you to worry. Do you blame me for that?"

Natalie took a deep breath and shook her head lightly. "Thank you, Mom."

"Let's go freshen up a bit. The banquet is about to start, and I want to introduce you to the top executives of the company. If you ever want to join the headquarters, we can just make you CEO right away.

"Your father and I may have retired and handed the company over to that disgrace, but we still hold the majority of the shares. We still have the final say."

At this point, Charlotte no longer referred to Sky as Natalie's brother, calling him nothing but a disgrace.

Natalie couldn't help but curve her lips slightly. Charlotte's attitude made her feel at ease.

"Thank you, Mom."

"Nat, you never have to thank me. It's a mother's duty to protect and stand up for her child."

Natalie's eyes burned again. She had never heard such words in the Langley family. Even if Charlotte changed one day, at this moment, Natalie was truly moved.

"Alright, I won't say it anymore." She quickly adjusted her emotions, regaining her usual calm and distant demeanor. "Let's go downstairs."