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.”

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.

“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.

“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 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.