The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus) novel Chapter 285

After socializing for a while, Celeste walked up and gently pulled Natalie away from the group of wealthy socialites.

Charlotte and William were both occupied with their guests, so they entrusted Celeste with taking care of Natalie.

Natalie found this a little amusing. She was an adult, not a child. Although she hadn't been particularly at ease at banquets in the Langley family, her mentor, Federrick, had privately taught her quite a bit. Still, having someone pull her away from the overly chatty socialites wasn't a bad thing.

Celeste led her toward the younger crowd, while Shawn silently followed behind them.

Just as Natalie was about to pick up a glass of champagne, Shawn reached out first and handed her one.

"I already checked—no one tampered with it," he murmured, lowering his voice. "I've been keeping an eye on things."

Natalie arched her eyebrow slightly. She had to admit that Shawn's vigilance was impressive. But since he had mentioned it, she decided not to drink it.

She set the champagne down and walked toward the dessert table. As she carefully browsed through the selection, Shawn placed a plate of chocolate velvet cake in front of her.

"Want to try this?"

Natalie turned her head. "Did you keep an eye on this one too, Mr. Haines?"

Shawn nodded. "Yes. Natalie, trust me. I wouldn't let anyone harm you."

He continued, "Mr. Lincoln assigned me to stay by your side to guard against anyone with bad intentions. The Walker family may be the richest in the country, but that doesn't mean they can let their guard down. At your welcome party, Mr. Lincoln said there might be people watching from the shadows."

Shawn's voice was low, just enough for Natalie to hear. "If you don't trust me, I can take the first bite."

"I trust you," Natalie said with a small smile.

She took the chocolate velvet cake from his hand, cut a bite with her fork, and brought it to her mouth.

The cake was rich and smooth, the chocolate deep and indulgent, but to her, it was a bit too sweet—definitely not as good as the one she had eaten at Marcus' place.

Still, she was hungry, so she simply finished the cake, bite by bite.

As soon as she finished, people approached her for conversation, and she started socializing again. While chatting, she also had Olivia find good angles to take photos of her. She had plans for those pictures.

After a while, she finally found a moment to slip away. She waved over Gorge and asked him to arrange for Marcus to meet her in the back garden.

"Mr. Haines, I need to step out to the garden for something. You don't have to accompany me," she said to Shawn with a soft smile. "If Lincoln asks about it, I'll explain to him myself."

"I'll go with you," Shawn offered after a moment of thought. "I'll just keep watch from a distance."

"No need." Natalie waved him off. "This is the Walker family's estate—my own home. If something happens, I'll call for security right away.

"Besides, you've been following me around all night without having a proper chance to eat or drink. I noticed quite a few people wanting to talk to you. Take this opportunity to expand your network."

"Alright," Shawn reluctantly agreed.

Natalie barely had an impression of him, and he didn't want to be too pushy—it might scare her off.

Natalie nodded with a smile before gracefully turning and leaving the hall.

Shawn stood where he was, watching her retreating figure.

Her dark hair was partially pinned up, pearl earrings swaying gently as she moved. She wore an elegant white evening gown with an open-back design, revealing her fair, delicate skin. The fitted mermaid silhouette accentuated her slender waist and perfect figure.

And then there was her face—so flawlessly beautiful, it looked as if she had stepped out of a painting. A striking mix of exquisite features and an air of cold nobility, her beauty was breathtaking yet untouched by the mundane world.