The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus)

Natalie and Marcus got out of bed, washed up, and went downstairs. Looking around, however, there was no sign of Wesley or Laura in the villa.

The housekeeper told them that Laura had gone to work at Holden Group with Wesley early in the morning.

Breakfast had been kept warm in the kitchen and was immediately served once they came downstairs.

"Mr. Marcus, Mrs. Natalie, please enjoy your meal."

"Thank you."

Natalie and Marcus sat down at the dining table, chatting casually about the upcoming trip as they ate.

"We need to bring people with us," Natalie said. "Noah's the butler now, so we'll take Elijah and the others."

"I'll bring Connie," she added. "Sophia and Mr. Holt heard about it too. They'd like to come along."

"We're going on a honeymoon. What are Sophia and Zachary tagging along for?" Marcus sounded a little annoyed. "I don't want any third wheels ruining our time together."

"Well, maybe Mr. Holt and Sophia think we're the third wheels," Natalie said with a laugh. "Marcus, this isn't really a honeymoon. It's me bringing you into my life.

"I want you to know what else I've been doing besides being Elim.

"Sophia and Zachary just confirmed their relationship. It took a lot of courage for Sophia to take that step. They need time to grow closer.

"Right now, Samuel is still in Dithoria, and Sierra's preparing to file for divorce. Zachary just wants to take Sophia away from all that mess."noveldrama

Natalie took a sip of milk. "You know, Sophia once claimed credit for saving your life, but I forgave her. She's always been grateful and has worked hard for me since.

"I don't blame her for what she did. I just think she is pitiful. Some people might say I'm wrong, but not everything in this world needs to be black and white.

"I'm a woman. When I was little and lived with the Langley family, I only pinned my hopes on Tyler too. I simply realized early enough not to rely on anyone and chose to depend only on myself.

"But Marcus, do you know something? Relying on yourself is really, really hard. I won't even pretend I've done everything on my own.

"If I hadn't met Mr. Langton, I might've died when I was a child. He saved me, and he never asked for anything in return. He once said, 'If you can help someone, then help.' The kindness you show today might come back to help you when you least expect it.

"So when it comes to Sophia, some people might say I have a bleeding heart of naivety, but I don't care. I want to help her. That's all."

"Sweetheart, I don't have a problem with that," Marcus said after listening. "Nat, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said what I did."

He looked at her with eyes full of guilt and affection.

Natalie smiled. "I wasn't blaming you. I just want you to understand that Sophia and Zachary are still growing their relationship. I want Zachary's support.

"Marcus, don't mention the money you give me. The charity we're doing needs a lot of money. I won't turn down help from anyone. The more people we have, the more power we can build.

"Once I take you there, you'll understand."

Marcus took a deep breath, his expression serious and resolute. "Alright, I won't object. I'll help you find more support, sweetheart."

"Then, thank you in advance, my dear," Natalie said with a sweet smile. "I've already messaged Sophia. She and Zachary will get ready and meet us at the highway entrance to Soutia."

"Okay."

"Sweetheart, eat up."

Marcus replied, "Sure, you too."

After breakfast, they got ready to leave. Natalie had packed the bags herself, leaving behind dresses and suits, and instead bringing only outdoor jackets, cargo pants, sportswear, sneakers, combat boots, and even mountaineering gear.

Watching her load the gear into the back of the Hummer, Marcus suddenly realized that the place she was taking him to probably wasn't easy to get to. But since Natalie didn't say anything, he didn't ask.

Together with Elijah and Connie, they set off from Holden Residence. When they reached the highway entrance to Soutia, they sawo

Zachary and Sophia already waiting.

Zachary was driving another Hummer SUV. He and Sophia wore matching athletic

outfits-him tall, her petite-looking striking together.

"Nat, Marcus," Sophia called out with a wave. The window of their car rolled

down, and Zane's face appeared.

"Ms. Natalie, I'm coming too." Zane grinned and waved.

"If you're coming, who's watching Goodwill Pharmacy?" Natalie gave him a side glance. "Who told you about this?"

"Well... I..." Zane scratched his head and looked toward the opposite car window. Natalie's back window lowered, revealing Connie's face. "Ms. Natalie, I told Zane." She scratched her nose sheepishly. "There are enough people at the pharmacy. I just dragged him along."

"Then, ride with him," Natalie said, opening the car door and motioning for Connie to get out.

"Huh?" Connie froze. Before she could protest, Zane ran over excitedly and pulled her along. "Come on, Connie. I packed lots of snacks for you."

Connie looked at Natalie, who raised an eyebrow with a half-smile. "Go on."

"Ms. Walker, you're not mad?" Connie asked carefully.

"Not at all. Honestly, I'd rather not have you being the third wheel in my car," Natalie said with a grin.

She could clearly tell that Zane liked Connie, and Connie seemed to return the feeling.

As her mentor and boss, Natalie wasn't heartless. She certainly wouldn't stand in the way of an office romance.

This trip might even bring unexpected good news.

"Ms. Walker, I'm going with them." Connie climbed into Sophia's car and sat in the

backseat with Zane, no longer worried.

"Let's go. I already sent the address to Sophia."

Natalie asked, "Do you have a driver with you?"

Zachary shook his head. "No, Zane and I will take turns driving."

"That works. Let's hit the road."

"Let's go."

Natalie and Marcus got into the backseat while Elijah took the wheel of their SUV.

The two cars pulled out one after the other, merging smoothly with traffic on the highway.

As the navigation system guided them and Elijah turned on some music, Natalie and Marcus exchanged a look. Their fingers laced together tightly.

It was called a honeymoon, but it wasn't a trip for two. Marcus felt something stir in his chest. Yet,

when he saw the warm smile onnet

Natalie's face, he realized that t didn't matter if it wasn't just the two of them.

Time passed quietly. The ride was smooth. Natalie leaned on Marcus' shoulder, whispering to him from time to time.

In the other car, Zane and Connie chatted away in the back, munching on snacks between words.

Zachary drove while Sophia sat in the passenger seat, watching the scenery

whizz by outside. She couldn't help but smile.

"Zachary, do you think we'll regret going on this trip?"

"Not at all, Zachary answered without hesitation. "I trust Natalie and Marcus. Whatever they're taking us todo, it's going to be something meaningful."