The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus)

Chapter 97 Appearing Genuine

Natalie's words drained all the color from Charlotte's face. However, outside the car, Emma, who had been nervous, finally began to feel relief.

Since Natalie didn't want to accept Charlotte as her biological mother, all she needed to do was continue being even more thoughtful, obedient, and outstanding than before. Eventually, Charlotte would see that she was still the most considerate one.

She stepped forward and got into the car, deliberately taking the front passenger seat and leaving the back seat for Charlotte and Natalie.

"Gorge, drive," she ordered.

“Natalie, don't misunderstand me. I never thought of fighting you for Mom's affection." Emma bit her lip as she turned her pale face to Natalie. "I'm upset because I was dumped, not because I found out I'm not related to the Walkers, nor because I'm worried you'll steal her love now that you're back."

As she spoke, tears welled up and began streaming down her face. She turned away, steadying her emotions. “I'm really happy you're home. I just couldn't control my emotions because of my heartbreak. I hope you don't blame me."

She lowered her head and dabbed at her tears with a tissue.

Natalie knew about Emma's heartbreak, of course-after all, she'd witnessed it firsthand.

Her scheme to drug Marcus had failed. Instead, she'd been rejected and humiliated on the spot. She'd narrowly avoided her true intentions being exposed.

If not for Charles' concern for the two families' reputations, Natalie was certain Marcus would've exposed evidence of Emma's actions rather than letting her dismiss it with a few words of denial.

She said nothing, turning her attention to the passing scenery outside the window.

Charlotte didn't know what to say. One was her long-lost biological daughter, cold and unwilling to accept her. The other was the daughter she had doted on and cherished like a treasure since childhood.

Emma had adored Marcus for years and worked tirelessly to earn his affection. She was talented and beautiful, but Marcus simply didn't feel the same.

The marriage arrangement was meant for her biological daughter. Emma had only been a stand-in.

Now that Natalie was back, even if Marcus hadn't broken off the engagement, Charlotte and William would have made sure the arrangement was voided.

Gorge didn't dare say anything, knowing that even well-meaning words could backfire in such situations.

Charlotte remained silent, and Natalie spoke up. "Drive."

She added, “My grandmother may throw a tantrum when she wakes up, but if I go wake her myself, she won't. I'll need your help later to take me to her, Mrs. Walker.”

“Nattie,” Charlotte's voice trembled. She had been overwhelmed with anticipation ever since she had seen Natalie's photo on the adoption website.

It was her mistake. When Natalie was with the Langley family, she had been driven out as soon as the real daughter returned. Now that she had come to her own home, what had she been met with?

The sight of Emma hugging her and crying for comfort.

She had been left outside the gate for over half an hour. It was obvious that she wasn't welcome here. How could she possibly feel like she was home?

“Nattie, I'm sorry. It's my fault. Whether you believe me or not, I didn't mean to leave you outside the gate for so long."

She took a deep breath and slid closer to Natalie, grabbing her hand without giving her a chance to refuse. "Let's do a DNA test."

“I refuse.” Natalie pulled her hand away. "You already have a daughter, Mrs. Walker. You don't need to force a daughter who doesn't fit into your family."

"But you are my daughter." Charlotte was as stubborn as she was emotional. She had been determined enough to bring Grace to Dithoria from Amberton, all to ensure Natalie wouldn't resist.

"Nattie, I won't mince words anymore. If you don't agree to a DNA test, I won't let you see your grandmother, let alone take her away.

“I know the only person you care about is your grandmother. You said yourself earlier that the Walkers have power and influence. If we want to make things difficult for you, it would be effortless."

“Mrs. Walker, are you threatening me?” Natalie asked, narrowing her eyes.

"Nattie, I'd never bear to threaten you,” Charlotte said bitterly. "I just want to keep you here so I can make up for everything I owe you."

“I'm past the age where anything needs making up for.” Natalie sighed. “Mrs. Walker, if you want to make it up to me, please don't make things difficult for me, alright?”

She had grown up. The love she needed had been given to her by Grace. Sure, sometimes she envied other girls for having their parents' love, but now, she no longer yearned for it.

Charlotte fell silent, her sadness and disappointment etched on her face. She'd messed up. She'd used the wrong methods and upset Natalie.

Her eyes reddened, but she controlled her emotions. At least she'd managed to see Natalie today.

The rest of the car ride was silent.

Gorge pulled up in front of the residence and hurriedly got out to open the door. “Mrs. Walker, Ms. Walker.”

He wasn't sure how to address Natalie and Emma anymore, He said the wrong things earlier, and it was too late to make up for it now.

"Nattie, get out of the car. Emma, you too,” Charlotte said, stepping out first.

Emma nodded and got out from the front passenger seat, then walked over to wait for Natalie to exit.

“Natalie, let's go inside together.” Emma had regained her composure. She smiled warmly, and her voice was soft and sweet. "I may have lost a boyfriend, but I gained a sister, so I guess fate hasn't been too unkind to me. Right, Mom?"

She then looked at Natalie. "Natalie, you won't mind having me as your younger sister, will you?"

Natalie evaded Emma without a word. Women who liked Marcus were better left unprovoked as it only brought trouble.

Selena had been a prime example. The moment she met Marcus, she abandoned her fiancé, Tyler. She'd even insulted and demeaned Natalie just to gain Marcus' attention. Women who targeted others for the sake of a man were terrifying.

Chapter v7 Appearing Genuine

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Emma had gone as far as drugging Marcus, so Natalie knew she wasn't as easy-going and kind-hearted as she appeared. The image of the perfect, pampered daughter of the Walker family only made it easier for her to hide her dark side.

Natalie didn't want unnecessary trouble for herself. Moreover, Emma's seemingly warm welcome didn't mean she was genuinely happy to have her back.

“Ms. Walker, there's no need to be so polite,” Natalie said coolly. “I'm only here to pick up my grandmother. Mrs. Walker's words shouldn't concern you."

"Don't say that. I'm certain you must be Mom's biological daughter since you look so much like her when she was young.

"I was wrong before. I shouldn't have cried on Mom's shoulder because of my heartbreak and made you wait so long at the gate. I honestly didn't know you'd be coming home today. If I'd known, I wouldn't have cared about any man.

“I'm sorry. Please forgive me just this once. Mom and Dad have been looking forward to your return for so long. Please give us all a chance."noveldrama

Emma looked at Natalie with sincerity and warmth, her soft voice completely devoid of any apparent falsehood.