The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus)

Sky wore a suit. His hair had grown back a little, no longer the bare scalp from before. After returning he had tidied himself up, and the clean buzz cut actually gave him a certain kind of quiet strength.

Still, all he could do was remain quietly in this room and watch from afar as his sister got married.

Time passed slowly. The Holden family's wedding procession finally arrived-a fleet of Rolls-Royce Phantoms, every car identical in gleaming black.

Marcus sat inside the lead car, holding a heavy bouquet made of real gold.

He had hesitated at first, worried it might be too much for Natalie to carry, but Elijah had insisted. This was a once-in-a-lifetime occasion. Flowers were for everyday gestures. On a wedding day, sincerity had to shine.

So, Marcus had quietly arranged for the golden bouquet to be made.

Elijah had also promised that the moment Natalie saw it, she would be delighted. Not just her, but everyone around would be envious. That reassurance had made Marcus even more confident.

The smile tugging at the corner of his mouth couldn't be suppressed. Though he kept the composure on his face, his eyes and eyebrows gave him away. He was clearly full of joy and anticipation.

As the wedding party arrived, guests came forward to offer their congratulations. Marcus responded with a polite smile and nod to each one, gentle and respectful, a far cry from the cold and aloof man many had once feared.

"Nat is upstairs, fifth floor. You're looking good today," Lincoln said, stepping up. "Thank you, Lincoln. You're looking sharp too," Marcus replied with a warm smile. Lincoln smirked. "I know I'm good-looking."

After all, good looks ran in the Walker family. Not a single one of them lacked in appearance.noveldrama

He patted Marcus' shoulder. "Be good to my sister. Don't make her cry. Don't ignore her. Love her with all your heart. If you two ever fight, come to me. I'll take her home. But don't you ever even think about kicking her out."

Marcus nodded. "You have my word. Except for Holden Residence, I've already transferred all my other properties to her name. If we ever argue and someone has to leave, it'll be me, not her.

"Holden Residence was passed from my grandfather to my father. My father hasn't formally handed it to me yet, so I can't transfer that one for now."

Lincoln finally cracked a smile. "Go on. She's waiting for you."

"Thank you, Lincoln. I'll always remember your kindness."

Just then, Hector and Timothy walked over, grinning.

"You still have to get through us," Hector said.

The two of them led Marcus to the stairs. "No elevators today."

"What about Mason?" Marcus glanced around, not seeing Mason.

"He's with Sky. Sky was granted leave from prison to attend the wedding, but our parents didn't want him alone, so they asked Mason to stay with him," Timothy replied.

Marcus was sharp enough to catch the deeper meaning in those words. He nodded. "I'll go greet Sky later."

"Alright, drink up."

Then he looked up at the grand staircase. Each step was lined with four small glasses of wine. The quantity wasn't much, but from the first floor to the fifth, there were a lot of steps.

If he really tried to drink them all, he might not make it upstairs. He'd be passed out before he reached the top.

Hector and Timothy chuckled together. "Marcus, think you can handle it?"

"I can," Marcus replied, unfazed. He bent down, picked up the first glass, and

finished it in one smooth motion. Then the second, third, fourth...

In a few breaths, he had already climbed multiple steps, downing a glass at nearly every step.

Just as he reached the eighth or ninth flight of stairs, Hector came forward and grabbed his wrist. "That's enough. Take the elevator."

They had only wanted to test his sincerity. If he got his bride too easily, he might not treasure her. But if they pushed him too far and something happened, Natalie would never forgive them.

It was a happy day. A little formality was enough. Besides, all the drinks they'd prepared had low alcohol content.

Marcus looked at Hector, who gave him a grin. "Go. She's waiting for you."

"Thank you, Hector. Thank you, Timothy." Marcus nodded deeply, then stepped into the elevator, still holding the golden bouquet.

Hector and Timothy exchanged a glance. Timothy picked up two glasses and handed one to Hector.

"Do you think Sky has really changed?" he asked.

Hector nodded. "I think he has. He's different now. His whole demeanor is calmer, just hope it's real. If not, it would be a shame after everything our parents have done to help him. Anyway, let's not talk about this today. It's Nat's big day."

"Right. Let's go."

Marcus stepped out first, holding the gleaming bouquet. Noah was already at the

door, handing out thick gift envelopes.

Each one was weighted with cash. Behind him, Elijah carried a large tote bag

stuffed with more of them.

Elijah had insisted that although

digital transfers were efficient, nothing beat the thrill of holding a heavy envelope filled with real money Cold numbers on a screen could never stir the heart like the feel

of crisp bills in hand.

Marcus and Noah had both agreed. So they had prepared hundreds of envelopes.

Each one solid, tangible, and deeply satisfying.

"The doors are opening! Treasures have arrived! Mr. Marcus has come to take Mrs. Natalie to a life of luxury!" Elijah called out cheerfully.

Inside, Natalie sat on the bed, her wedding dress cascading down and covering her legs completely. Her posture was graceful, her back perfectly straight.

The door was slightly ajar, but no one outside forced their way in. The guests were respectful, and no one wanted to spoil the mood.

Inside the room, Olivia and Connie were already laughing as they collected envelopes.

"So many! I've never seen this many envelopes. I could never bag this much money in a lifetime," Connie grinned, her face glowing with joy.

"Oh, please. If I had to walk enough fashion shows to earn this much, I'd collapse," Olivia teased, laughing just as brightly.

"What a pity Sophia isn't here. She could've collected a few too."

"She said she wouldn't. Said it was better that way. Because Ms. Walker's older brother would be here today, she didn't want to see him. She said it would bring back bad memories," Connie replied quietly.

Olivia understood immediately. She nodded, and the two spoke in hushed tones.

Outside, Elijah's voice rang out again, exaggerated and theatrical. "Open the door.

I know you're in there. If you have the guts to get married, you should have the guts to open the door!"

Olivia and Connie burst out laughing.

That man really was something else.