Chapter 9 Moving into Holden Residence

After Natalie exchanged pleasantries with Charles, she turned to Grace and spoke a few more words. Once everything was settled, Grace finally allowed Natalie to leave with Ethan. Grace accompanied them to the entrance of the nursing home, her eyes brimming with tears as she held Natalie's hand tightly. "Nattie, you'll stay at Holden Residence for a while. During this time, make sure to build a good relationship with Marcus," Grace urged, her voice filled with concern. She seemed completely unaware of Ethan, who was quietly listening nearby. Grace continued softly, "Marcus may have a fiancée, but Charles told me there isn't much affection between them. Engagements break off all the time, and divorces are even more common. It's nothing to worry about." "Grandma," Natalie interrupted gently, casting a quick glance at Ethan. He stood nearby, his expression calm and detached, as though their conversation did not concern him at all. Natalie wasn't fooled. From the moment she first saw him, she had guessed he was Marcus' personal assistant. Someone with his sharp eyes and composed demeanor would never miss a single detail. "Alright, alright, I'll stop." Grace relented with a small sigh. "But remember, dear, if you can win Marcus over, Selena and Tyler will be furious." "Grandma, please go back inside, listen to the nurses, eat on time, and rest well. I'll come see you again soon," Natalie said warmly, pulling Grace into an affectionate hug. After saying her goodbyes, Natalie informed Sarah of her departure and then followed Ethan out of the building. As they stepped outside, the cab Natalie had called for earlier arrived at the curb. It was a sleek black G-Wagon, gleaming under the sunlight. "Mr. Carter," Natalie called calmly. "You don't need to take my grandmother's words too seriously. I won't be staying at Holden Residence. As for my grandmother, I'd appreciate it if you could help me keep this between us." Ethan's polite smile did not falter. " Ms. Walker, if you're not planning to stay, I think it would be best if you explained that directly to Mr. Holden Senior. I'm just an employee, and following his orders isn't something I can avoid." Ethan reflected on Charles' unwavering instructions. If Ethan failed to bring Natalie to Holden Residence, he might as well prepare his resignation. Natalie furrowed her brow slightly, but before she could respond, Ethan stepped forward and opened the car door with practiced precision. "Ms Walker, please get in." He added softly, "It's clear that Mrs. Langley Senior genuinely cares about you. It'll only upset her if she finds out you're not doing what she asked." Hearing her grandmother's name made Natalie pause. After a brief moment of hesitation, she canceled the cab she had called earlier and stepped into Ethan's car. … An hour later, Ethan brought Natalie to the grand gates of Holden Residence. Inside, every detail had been carefully arranged. Charles had instructed the butler and maid to prepare the guest room next to Marcus' bedroom. Grace had suggested arranging a match between Natalie and Marcus, but Charles hadn't dared to agree outright. After all, Marcus already had a fiancée in Dithoria State. That said, Marcus' apparent lack of interest in his fiancée gave Charles some room to maneuver. His plan was simple. Let Natalie stay close enough to Marcus and see if a bond could naturally form between them. If it did, Grace would be delighted. If it didn't, he would provide her with a reasonable explanation. "Nattie, if there's anything about this room that doesn't suit you, just tell me," Charles said with a kind smile. He rested his hand lightly on hers as he guided her through the space, his voice full of grandfatherly affection. Seeing Natalie in person, Charles was struck by how much more charming she was than in the video call earlier. Her gentle demeanor, sweet nature, and innocence made her all the more endearing. Natalie let her eyes wander across the elegantly furnished guest room. It was nothing like her modest quarters at the Langley residence, where she had grown used to living with the bare essentials. Victor and Diana had always been clear that she shouldn't expect luxury or let herself dream of being treated like a privileged young lady. Conversely, Grace had always been her support and comfort. Whatever Victor and Diana withheld, Grace found a quiet way to provide. Living with the Holden family and relying on their kindness, Natalie was only grateful. She couldn't possibly complain. "Grandpa Charles, I love it," Natalie said with a soft, sincere smile. "Thank you." "I noticed you didn't bring much with you," Charles said, his brow furrowing slightly. "Don't tell me the Langley family didn't let you take anything." Natalie came with nothing but a backpack, and after Charles had heard Grace talk about Victor and Diana's behavior, he felt even more sorry for her. Natalie nodded. It was true, after all. Her bag held nothing of value—only an old iPad and a few design sketches. The iPad had been broken when Selena threw it out of her bag and stepped on it, and she had not repaired it yet. As for the sketches, she had kept them neatly tucked away. "When Marcus gets back, I'll have him take you shopping for anything you need," Charles said, his tone filled with concern and kindness. "That's very kind of you, Grandpa Charles, but it's not necessary," Natalie replied with a gentle smile. "I've already ordered a few things online. They should arrive tomorrow." Charles chuckled softly. "Alright, if that's what you prefer. For now, get some rest and settle in. Dinner will be ready soon," he said before leaving the room. Charles didn't insist. Natalie was a young girl, shy and reserved. She needed time to settle herself in. "Thank you, Grandpa Charles," Natalie said softly. Once the door closed, Natalie set her bag down and carefully inspected the room. She allowed herself to relax only after confirming there were no cameras or hidden devices. Natalie went to the adjoining bathroom and washed her face. When she returned to the bedroom, she sat on the edge of the bed and checked her phone. An email from Connie Sterling, her apprentice, awaited her attention. "Ms. Walker, the Holden family in Dithoria State is offering a significant amount for your assistance in treating a patient." Natalie saw the words "Holden family" and instantly thought of Charles' family. Her fingers hovered over the screen briefly before she typed her reply. "Take it." Connie responded almost right away. "Got it, Ms. Walker." Natalie put her phone away. There was nothing more for her to handle. Connie would take care of the time, place, and other details. She would just show up to see the patient when the time came. … Meanwhile, Ethan delivered a meticulous report to Marcus at the Holden Group branch in Amberton, recounting every detail of his encounter with Natalie. He included the conversation between Grace and Natalie, leaving nothing to the imagination. Marcus sat in silence, his expression growing darker with every word. What started as mild disdain for Natalie had hardened into unmasked contempt. To Marcus, this woman and her grandmother had crossed an unspoken boundary. They saw him as a convenient solution, a pawn to be used at will. She had schemed her way into Holden Residence, all while feigning innocence. "Mr. Holden, it seems Mr. Holden Senior has taken quite a liking to Ms. Walker," Ethan ventured cautiously. "He even arranged for her room to be set up right next to yours. I believe he's hoping that proximity might foster a closer bond between the two of you." Marcus' voice turned cold and sharp. "Ethan, tell my grandfather I'll be away on business for the next few days. I won't be returning to Hilltop Villa. He picked up his phone and scrolled through recent messages. One immediately caught his attention, sent just five minutes earlier by an unknown sender. Opening it, Marcus found a short but significant note. "Mr. Holden, Dr. Elim has accepted your request. The meeting is scheduled for July 20, 10:00 am, at Quinton Hospital in Balford." A flicker of satisfaction softened his features. Looking up, he addressed Ethan. "Clear my schedule for July 20. I'll be taking my grandfather to Balford that day." "Yes, Mr. Holden," Ethan replied. Relief tempered Marcus' irritation. The real reason he had brought Charles to Amberton was to secure an appointment with Dr. Elim, the elusive yet renowned physician. Dr. Elim's reply gave Marcus the perfect excuse to move forward with his plan. He would take Charles to Balford for his checkup while conveniently avoiding the need to deal with Natalie. "Ethan, go to Hilltop Villa, pack my things, and let Grandpa know I'll take him to Balford early tomorrow morning," Marcus instructed. He intended to leave a day early, ensuring Charles was comfortably settled at the hospital while taking the opportunity to visit the Holden Group branch in Balford, one of their key locations. As for Grace's granddaughter, with her insatiable vanity and shallow ambition, she could remain at Hilltop Villa entirely on her own. Without their presence, any effort she might have made to curry favor would inevitably fall short, leaving her schemes to crumble in their absence. "Yes, Mr. Holden," Ethan replied with his usual composure. "Will you be staying at a hotel tonight?" "Yes, Reserve a suite for me at The Ashbourne Hotel." "Understood, Mr. Holden." Ethan exited promptly, wasting no time in carrying out Marcus' instructions. … At Hilltop Villa, Natalie strolled alongside Charles as he guided her through the estate and introduced her to the surroundings. "Nattie, you can settle in here comfortably," Charles said warmly, his tone laced with paternal kindness. "Your grandmother shared with me some things the Langley family had put you through. It's simply unacceptable!" His voice softened as he added, "I'll make sure Marcus helps you find your biological parents." "Thank you, Grandpa Charles," Natalie replied, her voice gentle yet sincere. "I feel bad imposing on you like this. Once the semester starts, I'll move back to my dorm." Natalie was still in college and had yet to graduate, but Victor and Diana had never treated her kindly. During her first year at university, they insisted she live on campus, leaving her to fend for herself most of the time. They only contacted her when Diana needed a blood transfusion. Whenever that happened, Natalie was expected to rush to the hospital immediately to donate, no matter the circumstances. Grace initially opposed the idea of dorm life, but Natalie eventually convinced her. She argued that it would help her build independence and foster friendships. Natalie promised to visit every weekend and call Grace daily. Only then did Grace reluctantly agree. "Grandpa Charles, I know how much you and Grandma care for me, and I'll always keep that in mind," Natalie said with a sweet smile, her tone soft and comforting. Natalie knew exactly how to present herself in a way that earned their trust. While fiercely independent, she also understood the importance of appearing composed and dependable. Moreover, while Charles was kind, staying at Holden Residence still meant living under someone else's roof. It reminded her of the 20 years she had spent under Victor and Diana's authority, constantly at their mercy. If not for Grace, Natalie would never have agreed to depend on anyone again. Relying on others went against everything she had worked to build for herself. However, Grace's unwavering love left her with no room to refuse. "Mr. Holden Senior, Mr. Holden is on the line," the butler announced as he approached, holding out the phone. "He says it's urgent." "Give it here," Charles said, taking the phone without hesitation. He made no effort to excuse himself from Natalie's presence. "Hello?" "Grandpa, I won't be coming home tonight. Have the butler pack your things. Tomorrow morning, I'll take you to Balford for a trip," Marcus said without preamble. "What?" Charles asked, his surprise evident. "You're not coming back? Do you not know that Grace's granddaughter just arrived? You're not even going to meet her, and now you're planning to take me out of town on her second day here? "Marcus, have I not taught you the basic manners of how to treat others?" "Grandpa, this isn't something I can discuss over the phone. Ethan will pick you up tomorrow, and we can talk on the way," Marcus replied curtly. Before Charles could respond, the call ended abruptly. Though the phone hadn't been on speaker, Natalie was close enough to hear every word exchanged between them.