The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus) novel Chapter 288

Marcus' blunt response left Olivia momentarily speechless. She glanced between him and Natalie.

Olivia knew Natalie always thought things through carefully, leaving no detail unchecked. If Natalie had brought Marcus into this plan, it wasn't just to keep Sky in check. There had to be a deeper reason—one Natalie hadn't shared yet.

But Olivia didn't press. As Natalie's best friend, Olivia had always trusted and supported her decisions.

"My bad. I guess I wasn't thinking straight," Olivia joked, flashing a self-deprecating grin. "I'm the real lovesick fool here. I'm totally Nat's number-one fan. Come on, Nat, give me some love!"

With that, Olivia leaned toward Natalie as if to plant a playful kiss on her cheek. Natalie pushed her away with a laugh. "Knock it off. We've got work to do."

"I'm the star of tonight's show. I can't stay out here too long." She turned to Marcus. "Mr. Holden, shall we head back together?"

Marcus gave a small nod. "Yeah, let's go. But Ms. Walker, I should warn you—my grandfather's been on my case about finding a girlfriend. Preferably one who can give him a great-grandchild sooner rather than later. We should make sure none of those photos end up in his hands or even reach his radar."

Natalie paused mid-step, her expression tightening. She'd completely overlooked that possibility.

Marcus noticed her reaction and added, "Don't stress about it. If it comes up, I'll just say I hired someone to secretly take those photos because I regretted calling off our engagement and wanted to win you back. If the elders misunderstand, Ms. Walker, just put all the blame on me."

Before Natalie could respond, Marcus spoke again. "Consider it my way of repaying the favor I owe you."

Natalie turned, her gaze fixed intently on Marcus. In the beginning, he had clearly disliked her. Later, when he found out she was Elim and that she had saved Charles, his attitude toward her became much more respectful. Yet, it had never veered into anything resembling affection.

Now, his unexpected cooperation and willingness to handle the fallout made her question his motives. Was he really just repaying her for what she did for Charles?

Marcus seemed to sense her doubt. He clarified, "I'm a man, Ms. Walker. I can handle getting blamed or criticized. You stood up for me in front of my grandfather before, and I'll always appreciate that."

Natalie exhaled and nodded. "Alright. If you insist, let's head back together."

She glanced around the area and added, "Most of the people here tonight are prominent figures. They know who you are, Mr. Holden. No one would dare gossip about us."

Marcus smirked faintly. "That's true. Only a fool would try."

Anyone who dared to gossip about him behind his back must have had a death wish.

Olivia, still sitting nearby, stretched her legs and teased, "So, you two are ditching me now, huh? You've used me up and are tossing me aside?"

Natalie chuckled. "Call Mason. He'll come get you."

"Fine," Olivia said, flopping into a chair. Her legs were sore from standing all night. She pulled out her camera and began scrolling through the photos she'd taken.

Not long after, Mason came looking for Olivia.

"Olivia!" Mason called out cheerfully, jogging over with a strawberry cake in his hands. "Look what I got for you."