After a long pause, Natalie uttered softly, "ept it."


    "Alright, Ms. Walker," Connie, who was on the other end of the call, answered immediately. "I''ll reply to their email now.


    "Oh, right. Ms. Walker, the patient might not be able to make it to Balford."


    "I know."


    After reviewing the photos, Natalie knew the patient wasn''t able to go anywhere.


    "Where are they now?" she asked.


    "Let me check."


    Momentster, Connie responded, "They''re at Scarlet Hill, a ce in Amberton." Natalie arched a brow. Scarlet Hill? Now, that was an interesting coincidence.


    Based on what she had uncovered, Marcus'' biological parents were at Scarlet Hill right now.


    "Ask them to provide a detailed location. I was just about to go to Scarlet Hill myself, actually."


    "Okay, Ms. Walker. I''ll send it to youter."


    "Great. Anything else?"


    After checking, Connie shook her head. "Nope."


    "I''ll hang up then."


    "Ms. Walker, wait!" Connie blurted out.


    "Yeah?"


    "Now that Mr. Holden Senior has almost recovered, when can I leave? I want to go with you."


    After pondering for a while, Natalie replied, "Connie, stay at Holden Residence and look after Grandpa Charles. You can return once he recoverspletely." "Okay, Ms. Walker."


    Natalie added, "Your current task is to make sure Grandpa Charles is well taken care of. I''m going to Amberton with Marcus, and I can only be at ease if you stay by his side."


    "I understand, Ms. Walker."


    "Okay, that''s all."


    "Goodbye, Ms. Walker."


    "Goodbye."


    As she hung, Natalie received a text from her pinned contact-her beloved and revered mentor.


    Federrick texted, "My dear Natalie, I''ve received the sketchbook, and I''m very happy with it. There are three more, so go find them for me!"


    He even attached a few heart emoji at the end of the text.


    Natalie started typing on her phone, sending Federick a reply. "I''m on it!" Federrick sent her a sticker with the caption, "My dear Natalie, you''re the best". Natalie chuckled as she replied with a sticker captioned, "My mentor''s the best". But were there really three more of these sketchbooks? She wondered if there were any left in The Book Sanctum.


    She could just call Marcus to ask since he was already her boyfriend.


    Almost right away, Natalie dialed Marcus'' number. The call barely had time to ring before it was answered.


    "Nat?"


    Marcus'' deep, alluring voice slipped into her ears, and a sudden warmth crept up to her face. He had called her "Nat" so many times before, and it never fazed her. But now, for some reason, there was a new kind of sweetness to it.


    "Marcus, was the sketchbook you showed me at The Book Sanctum the only one, or are there more?"


    After calming herself down, she asked bluntly, "I heard the full set includes three more volumes. Do you have them?"


    "I''m not sure, though. What about I pick you up after work, and we go find them together?"


    Marcus had been in a foul mood, but the moment he heard Natalie''s voice, a bit of that heaviness lifted.


    "Not today, I''m afraid."


    Natalie nced at her watch. She had a new patient to attend to and a visit to the Nouvelle Zara headquarters ahead.


    The dress Charlotte had ordered from Nouvelle Zara waspleted well in advance of the wee party. Since she couldn''t wear them all herself, she made the most of the situation.


    Natalie mapped out her schedule in her mind. She had three tasks in Amberton uncovering the truth


    behind the hospital''s baby swap


    finding Marcus'' biological parents in Scarlet Hill, and treating the new patient.


    Sophia was in good hands with Zachary taking care of her and Holden Group''s


    bestwyers on the case, so there was nothing to worry about.


    Hence, Natalie could head to Amberton without waiting for Emma''s trial to end.


    When the ruling came in, Mason would update her.


    "Well, I can drop by to visit on the way."


    Natalie smiled as she said, "Wait for me, my dear boyfriend!"


    The instant she said, "my dear boyfriend", Marcus'' face lit up. The traces of gloom


    on his face vanished immediately.


    "Okay, I''ll be waiting for you."


    Hanging up, Natalie sent a text to Ophelia. Then, she carried her bag and left.


    William and Charlotte had given her all the space she needed ever since she moved back to Walker Estate. They never pried into her ns or tracked her movements.


    Even so, Natalie would always drop Charlotte a message, letting her know about her whereabouts. Here brothers regrly sent her money and checked in on her as they were worried that she might not feel at ease or happy living with them.


    Little by little, Natalie settled into the warmth of this big family.


    When she was downstairs, getting ready to leave, Gorge ran up to her. "Wait, Ms. Walker. Let me pack something up for you to eat."


    "Okay," Natalie replied. "Take your time, Gorge. I''m not rushing."


    "I''ll be very quick, Ms. Walker."


    With that, he turned and ran into the kitchen. As Natalie watched Gorge move


    around busily, a gentle smile tugged at her lips.


    Gorge, ever thoughtful, had been preparing a variety of beautifully crafted snacks for Natalie to take with her since she returned home.


    Knowing her favorite brand of chocte, Gorge began crafting new desserts using it. He always sampled them first, ensuring they were perfect before sharing them with her.


    Natalie noticed every bit of Gorge''s kindness and kept it close to her heart.


    Soon, Gorge walked out of the kitchen with a cute bag. "Here, Ms. Walker. Something for you to nibble on while you travel."


    "Thank you, Gorge."


    Natalie took the bag and looked inside, spotting several jars filled with delicately crafted treats.


    "If you like them, Ms. Walker, let me know, and I''ll make more," Gorge said, grinning. "I''ve been trying my hand at making some really tasty beef jerky. Once it''s ready, I''lfhave you try it."


    "Looking forward to it! Thanks, Gorge."


    With the bag in her hand, Natalie chatted briefly with Gorge before heading out of


    the vi.


    The moment she got to her car, Noah stepped forward. "Let me take the wheel, Ms. Walker."


    "Alright." Natalie tossed him the keys. "Keep them. You''ll be responsible for my safety and travel from now on."


    "Okay, Ms. Walker."


    At Holden Group, Marcus had just finished two meetings. Then, he wrapped up a


    ton of work in no time. Every so often, afterpleting his work, he would look up


    at the office door.


    Since Natalie''s call, he had instructed Ethan to escort her to his office the moment she showed up.


    Several hours had passed, and Natalie was still not there yet.


    Marcus'' expression grew darker.


    Did Natalie even love him? Did she say yes to being together because she felt responsible? Was that why she made seeing him sound so casual?