Chapter 17 A Visit from Marcus " Bye , Uncle Marcus . " : Marcus gave a small nod without saying a word . 37 Finished After the elevator doors closed , he finally turned and walked lightly toward Natalie's hospital room . When she had been rushed into emergency care , an accident had broken out at the company's project site . He had only just finished dealing with it . She had risked her life to save the children in that orphanage . Given the circumstances , it was only right that he come see her . Inside the hospital room , Lucy had stepped out to buy Natalie something to eat , leaving her alone for now . When there was a knock at the door , Natalie assumed Jackson and Aiden had come back . But when she saw the tall figure standing at the door , she froze . The man wore a sleek black suit and carried an elegantly arranged fruit basket . Natalie's fingers clenched tightly around the blanket . " Mr. Collins ... what brings you here ? " " The director wanted to come by tonight , but something came up . I'm here on behalf of the orphanage to check on you ." Marcus placed the fruit basket on the bedside table and took a seat in the chair next to her bed . " Thank you , Mr. Collins ." " Where's your friend ? " Marcus looked around the room , his gaze flicking to the empty chair where Lucy had been . " She went out to get me dinner . She should be back soon . " He didn't respond . Silence settled between them . Natalie bit her lip , then spoke . " Mr. Collins , thank you for saving me ." " You were unconscious . How do you remember it was me ? " 1/3 19:34 Fri , Sep 19 Chapter 17 A Visit from Marcus Marcus leaned in slightly , a hint of curiosity in his deep - set eyes . " I remember seeing you come in ... right before the chandelier fell . You pulled me away . " ( 37 ) Finished She remembered him shielding her from the chandelier , but she had no idea he'd performed CPR and mouth - to - mouth after she passed out . " I really admire your courage, Ms. Foster . Out of all the women there , you were the only one brave enough to run into the fire . " Marcus leaned back in his chair , one hand resting casually over the back , his long legs crossed as he looked at her calmly . The unexpected praise made her heart skip a beat . She thought back to what Jackson had said earlier and suddenly found it laughable . No sense of her own limits . Courage . Amazing how stark the contrast could be . " Maybe it's just a mom thing . Seeing kids in danger brings out some kind of instinct , " Natalie said with a wry smile . " Besides , I wasn't the only brave one - there were security guards ... and you , Mr. Collins . " Marcus lifted his eyes and met hers . His lashes fluttered briefly . After a long pause , he finally said , " Do you realize you almost died right in front of me ? " Natalie instinctively swallowed . Every time she faced this man , his sheer presence made it impossible to stay calm . He was just sitting there . He wasn't doing anything . " My friend told me . She said it was you who gave me first aid . Otherwise ... " Natalie trailed off for a moment , then continued . " I probably wouldn't be here . " Marcus's eyes darkened slightly . So she already knew . " You should consider yourself lucky it was me , " he said calmly . " I've had rescue training . I know 2/3 19:34 Fri , Sep 19 Chapter 17 A Visit from Marcus : how to do CPR and mouth - to - mouth properly ." Mouth - to - mouth . The words echoed in her ears , and her lashes fluttered again . She instinctively reached up and touched her lips . It wasn't the same as a kiss , but it was still lips touching lips . Still close contact . Seeing her reaction , Marcus said softly , " Don't overthink it . I only did it to save you ." " I wasn't overthinking anything . " Natalie quickly pulled her hand away . " Thank you ." 37 Finished Though they had only officially met during the family dinner , Natalie had heard things about Marcus before . Like the fact that he was known for being a germaphobe . And that he didn't seem interested in women . Just then , the door opened from outside . " Natalie , I'm back . " Natalie looked up to see Lucy walking in with food . As soon as she spotted Marcus , the cheerful expression on her face quickly toned down . She walked over and greeted him obediently . " Mr. Collins ." Send Gifts