Chapter 194
Alice was once again scolded by her brother, and her face was turning from pale to flushed. She
stomped her foot and turned to leave, but seeing that neither her brother nor Callum had any intention
of stopping her, she reluctantly turned back towards the banquet.
Watching Alice storm off made Henry shake his head at his sister’s foolishness. Her disrespectful
behavior was utterly embarrassing for the McKinney family. “Ms. Clarkson, I sincerely apologize. My
sister is a bit spoiled, I hope you don’t take it to heart,” Henry apologized again, feeling embarrassed by
his sister’s antics.
Natalia shook her head. “It’s really okay, Mr. McKinney. Your sister is straightforward, and it’s quite
endearing.”
Henry knew Natalia was just being polite, but he still admired her humble and consistent demeanor.
Such grace and poise were hard to come by. With these thoughts in mind, he couldn’t help but take
another look at Natalia. Not only was she stunningly beautiful, but there was also something oddly
familiar about her.
Upon noticing the deep blue hues in her beautiful eyes, he was surprised.
“I’m curious about your lineage. Your background seems so refined and noble. Could you tell me about
it?” The more Henry looked at Natalia, the more familiar she seemed. Perhaps, she was a hidden
heiress from some well–known family?
Natalia laughed shyly. “Mr. McKinney, you flatter me. I’m just an orphan. I don’t belong to any noble
family, and I don’t even know who my biological parents are.”
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt
After surviving a near–death experience, Natalia chose to suppress all memories related to Magnus but
remembered everything else about herself. She was adopted from an orphanage by Kyler. Which noble
family would’ve abandoned her and given her to an orphanage?
Henry frowned in confusion. “An orphanage? No, Ms. Clarkson, you must be joking. Your manners and
behavior clearly reflect a noble upbringing. I’m just curious about your background, nothing more.”
Henry was a stubborn lad. He firmly believed Natalia was withholding her true identity, so he turned to
Callum for help. “Callum, since Ms. Clarkson doesn’t want to disclose any information, could you tell
me?”
Callum shrugged his shoulders, helplessly replying, “What Natalia said is true. She grew up in an
orphanage and was later adopted by a man. She isn’t from any noble family. You’re overthinking.”
Callum had no intention of revealing Natalia’s true identity. Over the years, he just wanted to keep her
safe from harm, hence the secrecy.
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“Really?” Henry was surprised. “That’s truly incredible! I can’t believe it. Ms. Clarkson, you look so
familiar. I’m sure I’ve met someone who resembles you!”
Natalia was speechless at Henry’s persistence. But did he really know her relatives? His words shook
Natalia. She incredulously took a step forward and asked, “Is that true, Mr. Henry? Do you know my
mother?”
Henry hadn’t expected his casual remark to elicit such a strong reaction from Natalia. “Um, I just
thought you looked familiar. I’m sure I’ve met someone who looks like you, but I just can’t recall who it
is right now.”
“Oh, I see.” Natalia lowered her head. There were many people in the world who looked alike. He
probably didn’t know her parents.
Seeing Natalia’s disappointed expression, Henry felt a pang of sympathy. “Ms. Clarkson, don’t be too
anxious. If I get the chance, I’ll help you find your relatives. You are as beautiful as an angel; I’m sure
whoever lost you is also looking for you.”
“Really?” A wave of sadness washed over Natalia. “What could have been the reason for them to lose
their child?” She looked up at Callum. If it were possible to find her mother, Callum would have found
her by now. Perhaps her mother didn’t want her.
“That’s not it, Ms. Clarkson. You’re so lovely and beautiful, your mother must have had compelling
reasons.” Henry comforted her, patting her shoulder.
Callum watched the interaction between Natalia and Henry, and a storm began brewing in his heart. He
quickly changed the subject to assert his claim over Natalia. He hadn’t missed the affection in Henry’s
eyes for Natalia.
Hmph, even if Henry was his friend, he didn’t want him to know about Buttercup’s background. All
these years, he had already discovered Natalia’s past. However, she had lost her memory due to her
accident at sea, and he didn’t want to burden her with it.
“That’s fine,” Callum thought. He would keep her hidden and take good care of her. He would make her
the happiest woman in the world.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm“Sweetheart, the banquet is about to start. Let’s go, we still have to welcome the other guests.” With
that, Callum put his arm around Natalia’s shoulder and led her into the crowd, giving Henry a nod as a
sign to make himself comfortable.
Henry watched Natalia being led away by Callum, and a sense of loss swept over him. Such an
outstanding girl had been snatched away by Callum. How lucky he was!
However, relationships between men and women didn’t necessarily have to involve romance. He still
had a chance to become the best friend of Ms. Clarkson, didn’t he?
Lost in thought, Henry wandered into the crowd. A vague memory was tugging at him. He was certain
he had seen a face similar to Ms. Clarkson’s somewhere before.
As the fireworks began to light up the night sky, the banquet Callum had organized
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specially for Natalia officially commenced. Guests showered Natalla with sincere congratulations and
enthusiastic applause. They could not stop praising how strikingly beautiful and well–mannered she
was.
Natalia was not adept at socializing. Like a little bird, she quietly stayed close to Callum, extending a
smile and her gratitude to everyone. After a full round of greetings, Natalia’s feet were aching. She had
mingled with the nobles and dukes, and felt like her feet were about to give out.
Noticing that Natalia was slowing down, Callum leaned in and asked softly, “Are you not feeling well?”
“Um…” Natalia nodded, whispering back, “These high heels are too thin and tall. I feel like my ankles
are about to snap.” No sooner had she finished speaking than Callum scooped her up into his arms,
heading straight towards the castle.