The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus)

Lincoln's tone and gaze changed the atmosphere. Celeste walked over and grabbed Shawn's arm. "What's gotten into you today?" she hissed.

Then, looking at Lincoln, she said, "Lincoln, don't be mad! He had a few too many drinks earlier. Maybe he's not thinking straight."

"Wait." Marcus suddenly spoke up. He smiled slightly and draped his arm over Natalie's shoulder. "Sweetheart, why don't we walk Mr. Haines to the door?"

"Hm?" Natalie was baffled. Wasn't she supposed to sing? What was going on now?

"Lincoln, are you mad?" She asked, staring at Lincoln. She felt that Shawn's actions were rather abrupt. After all, they had only met once and weren't even acquaintances, let alone friends.

"No." Lincoln's icy expression melted instantly. He smiled and replied, "Shawn is just in a hurry. He has to join the production team immediately."

Shawn's face turned pale. He had always considered himself good-looking and physically attractive. However, against Marcus, who was an absolute stunner, he didn't stand a chance.

Besides, Natalie didn't even know who he was. This one-sided crush of his was nothing but a solitary fantasy. He didn't even have the chance to voice it aloud.

"Marcus, why don't you and Nat see Shawn out?" Lincoln suggested, pouring himself a glass of water and taking a leisurely sip.

Though he had been managing Walker Group, he was still an artist. So, he still had to take care of his voice.

"Alright, Lincoln." Marcus held Natalie's hand and flashed a polite smile at Shawn. "Mr. Haines, after you."

Celeste sighed inwardly. Shawn had promised her he would attend this gathering to get closure and not cause any trouble. But he just couldn't hold back, could he?

If he offended Marcus, it would've been the same as throwing away his career in the entertainment industry.

Natalie wasn't foolish. After thinking about it for a moment, she finally understood the situation. She nodded slightly. "Okay."

Nothing was going on between her and Shawn. His actions might not have raised suspicion under normal circumstances, but to someone observant, it could easily be misleading.

Especially with a man like Marcus, who was prone to jealousy, Shawn's little stunt could've easily planted hundreds of imaginary scenarios between Natalie and Shawn in his mind.

Therefore, some things had to be made clear.

Shawn sobered up after hearing Lincoln's frosty words. He rubbed his temples and realized he had drunk too much and lost his composure.

How could he let others misunderstand and disrupt Natalie's life?

"I'm sorry. I drank too much and overstepped," Shawn said bitterly. "There's no need to see me off. I'll leave right now."

"Mr. Haines, allow us to do that," Natalie said. "You've been drinking. It's not safe for you to leave alone."

She then turned to Marcus. "Honey, let's walk Mr. Haines out as a favor for Lincoln, alright?"

When he heard her call him "honey" in front of so many people, Marcus almost floated away with joy. But he put on a poker face and nodded calmly. "Alright. Mr. Haines, this way, please."

Seeing that, Shawn knew that there was no point in refusing. He picked up his belongings and bid farewell to the others. Then, he turned and walked toward the exit.

After exiting the club, Natalie spoke first. "Mr. Haines, do we know each other?" Shawn shook his head. "No, we don't."

"Then, do you have a girlfriend?" Marcus interjected, cutting off whatever Natalie had intended to say.

Shawn was momentarily stunned but then shook his head. "No, I don't."

Marcus smiled slightly. "I think Ms. Kennedy is a great choice. You should pursue

her. Both of you are celebrities in the entertainment industry.

"I'm sure if you two get together, it

will generate a lot of buzz. The Kennedy family is wealthy and influential, and they're connected to the Walker family. This will surely help take your career to the next level." noveldrama

SWI

A chill ran down Shawn's spine. He looked at Marcus, who was smiling, but there was an icy sharpness in his eyes.

Marcus knew.

Suddenly, Shawn felt terrified. Marcus could crush him easily as if he were an ant. How had he dared to act out in front of him?

"I've pursued Celeste before, but she likes someone else. I confessed and got rejected."

Shawn lowered his head. In his mind, he muttered an apology. At this point, he had no choice but to use Celeste as an excuse.

"Mr. Haines, don't be discouraged. In this world, there are many regrets when it comes to love." Marcus smiled and continued, "You have to believe that sincere effort can move even the hardest hearts.

"If you haven't won over Ms. Kennedy, perhaps you just haven't tried hard enough. If you keep trying and show your sincerity, she's bound to notice and accept you eventually."

Natalie listened silently and didn't say a word. On the surface, Marcus was smiling, but she knew he was fuming inside.

Celeste had organized the gathering today, as well as the guest list. Everyone present was either Natalie's family or close friends.

Shawn was the only person Natalie had seen at an event but wasn't considered a friend.

Marcus was clearly holding a grudge against Celeste now since she tried to set Shawn up with Natalie.

"Mr. Haines, I believe in you." Marcus was still smiling as he pulled Natalie closer. Back then, my wife didn't like me, but I shamelessly pursued her. Eventually, she was moved by my sincerity, and now, she's my wife.

"Mr. Haines, you and Ms. Kennedy have known each other for years and have worked on several projects together. I'm sure you can do it too. I wish you the best of luck."

Marcus' voice was deep and pleasant to the ears, but with every word he spoke, Shawn's expression darkened.

Yet, Shawn had to keep his composure and not show any emotions. Marcus might

be smiling, but he exuded a chilling and oppressive presence.

"So Ms. Kennedy has someone she

likes." Marcus curled his lips. "It turns out that she's been single for so many years because she's also a victim of unrequited love. Mr. Haines, you'd better seize the opportunity."

"That's enough." Natalie tugged Marcus' hand. "Honey, you're talking way too

much today. Why are you so invested in this?"

"Hm?" Marcus lowered his gaze to her.

"Are you feeling okay?" Natalie asked with a straight face. "You're being way too chatty. Mr. Haines' love life is his business. Besides, you're not his boss.

"Also, if Celeste finds out you're talking about her behind her back, I can't stop her if she wants to beat you up."

"If even my wife doesn't help me, I'm going to be sad." Marcus' gaze softened. "If Celeste beats me to death, will you cry for me?"

"No. I'd even play the funeral march for you."

Marcus burst into laughter. This time, he wasn't able to hold it in. The laugh was genuine and heartfelt.