The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus)

Natalie stepped forward and stood by the table, speaking to the others. "The people here aren't as simple or pure as they seem.

"You've seen it for yourselves. Getting here isn't easy. If we can't hold them down, we won't just fail to save the girls-we won't be able to leave in one piece either.

"So, things may get physical later. You've seen these weapons. They're for suppressing violent protests. We may get injured, but no one will die.

"If anyone is scared, you can hide upstairs on the second floor now."

"I'm not scared, Ms. Natalie," Connie said first. "We've been here before. I know how it goes. I'm not afraid."

"Me neither," Zane quickly chimed in. "Ms. Natalie, I'm a grown man. I can't be less brave than Connie."

Natalie looked at Sophia, who nodded firmly. "Nat, I'm not afraid either. I want to do something meaningful, and I now know that this is it."

If Sophia wasn't afraid, Zachary wouldn't be either. He smiled and held Sophia's hand. "I'll protect her, Mrs. Holden. You don't have to worry."

Marcus stood up and moved behind Natalie. "Nat, you know what I'm capable of. I won't hold you back."

Natalie smiled. "Good. I'm not worried about Elijah either."

"This place is called Ashford Vale, located deep in Coalmarsh. Almost everyone here was born, raised, and will die here. They're ignorant but united. They'll sacrifice their wives, daughters, and sisters, but when it comes to their own interests as men, they won't concede an inch.

"When we first came here, we tried to talk it out, but it didn't work. We had to fight and use force to subdue them. Only then did we slowly manage to make progress.

"You've seen the children here. They're kind and innocent, but the same can't be said for the adults.

"We can't back down now. If we yield even once, we give them leverage. We have to maintain the upper hand here and make them submit. This is not for their sake, and not to help them escape poverty. This is to save the innocent girls.

"So if it comes to a fight, remember-protect yourselves. Don't get hurt." "We understand." Connie raised her hand. "Ms. Walker, we've got this." Zane raised his hand too. "Ms. Walker, don't worry. I've never lost a fight." Zachary nodded. "Mrs. Holden, rest assured. I'll protect Sophia and do my part." As for Marcus and Elijah, Natalie didn't need to say a word. The two of them were more than capable-not only in defending themselves but likely also in taking down half the village if needed.

"These villagers don't care about their lives. That's why we use weapons-to suppress them swiftly and cleanly. If we can avoid hurting them, we will."

Natalie smiled slightly, holding her weapon before her. "Really, there's no need to be too tense. This kind of thing happens a few times every year."

"We're not tense," Marcus said, reaching for her hand. "Nat, is this how it's always been when you came here?"

Natalie nodded. "Yes. Feeling sorry for me now?"

"I am," Marcus replied softly.

His gaze was filled with affection. She was just a young woman, and even though she had people with her, she had to travel long distances and face unreasonable, hostile villagers. She didn't ask for anything in return-only doing her best to save girls whose lives were destined for tragedy.

Natalie had grown up in the Langley family, but that hadn't meant luxury or love. Maybe that was why she felt such deep empathy for girls like them-and why she was so determined to help.

Natalie gave Marcus' fingers a squeeze. "Don't worry. I know what I'm doing. I only act when I know I can succeed."

"I'm not worried. I just feel for you." Marcus held her hand tight. "From now on, I'll do this with you."

"Great." Natalie smiled. "With us working together, we'll only get stronger." "Yeah."

Just as they finished speaking, Taylor returned and with him came Lynette, Sue, and Ann, along with their families.

Maverick had brought half the

village with him. Just about every household representative was present. They were carrying farming tools-sticks, hoes, and

whatnot-clearly looking for a fight.

"Ms. Natalie," Maverick said with a wide smile as he stepped forward. "Lynette

told us you wanted to talk. We know now that these three girls want to go to school.

"We've already given our conditions to Mr. Cole. Since you called us here, are you planning to agree to them?"

"Lynette, you tell him," Natalie said, ignoring Maverick and turning to the girl. Lynette stepped forward, pulled out three documents from her backpack, and laid them on the table.

"What's this?" Maverick asked, leaning in.

Lynette spoke up. "Father. Sue, Ann, and I are cutting all ties with our families. We're severing our relationships.

"You'll get the 30,000 dollars, but only on the condition that we are no longer considered your daughters. From this day forward, we shall live separate lives and never cross paths again."

"You ungrateful brat!" Maverick slammed his palm on the table. "A few years of school and you think you're grown? You worthless girls. Always siding with outsiders. They're just tricking you!

"You think they want to help? They'll sell you off to sweatshops the moment you leave."

"Oh, so now you know about sweatshops?" Lynette's eyes were red, but she held back her tears. They were girls-the cheapest, most disposable sacrifices in this place.

If Natalie hadn't shown up and told them there was a way out of this nightmare, they never would've known they had a choice.

Their value shouldn't be traded for marriage alliances for their brothers. They shouldn't be sold off to become someone else's wife.

And once they were married, they would live a life of endless hardship. If they gave birth to a daughter, that child's fate would mirror their own. They would then be forced to keep

having children until they finally bore a son.

Natalie had given them a chance to study and leave this place. The rest was up to

them.

If they seized this opportunity, they could escape and start anew.

If they didn't, their lives would be sealed away forever. They would never get

another chance.

So Lynette, Sue, and Ann had made a pact long ago.noveldrama

Their futures had to be their own, no matter what.