Chapter 19 Close Encounters Jackson walked in with confident strides , a hint of confusion flickering in his eyes . Natalie's brows drew together . " What are you doing here ? " & 337 Finished " If Grandpa hadn't called me first thing this morning and told me to pick you up , I wouldn't have come , " he replied , his tone laced with annoyance . Only then did Natalie remember - Marcus was supposed to be coming too . If Jackson ran into him ... Knowing Jackson's nature , he would definitely press for answers . Even if he didn't care about her anymore , some things just didn't change . They both turned their heads the moment they heard footsteps . And there he was - Marcus , standing at the doorway . Jackson's expression shifted to one of disbelief . " Uncle Marcus ? What are you doing here ? " Marcus raised his gaze and glanced at Jackson , then instinctively looked toward Natalie . Seeing the way she seemed caught off guard , he could pretty much guess what was going on . " I came on behalf of the orphanage . Ms. Foster was injured during an incident at the facility we sponsor . I'm here to assist with her discharge , " he said coolly . Natalie finally exhaled in relief . He was sharp . His ability to assess the situation on the spot - impressive as always . If Marcus had said she called him , given her current situation with Jackson , things would have gotten complicated fast . " I see ." Jackson narrowed his eyes . " So you're the one who brought the fruit basket the other day too ? " " Yes . " Marcus brushed past them , walked over to the bed , and picked up her discharge form . Jackson stared in stunned silence . Hadn't Marcus said back then he was just visiting a friend ? 1/3 19:34 Fri , Sep 19 ... : 37 Chapter 19 Close Encounters " Uncle Marcus ... " Finished Jackson stepped forward , clearly wanting to intervene . When Marcus turned back toward him , Jackson held out a hand . " Let me handle it . I'll take care of the discharge papers - you need to bother . " Before Marcus could answer , Jackson had already taken the form and left the room . Now it was just Natalie and Marcus . don't " Mr. Collins ... my friend was supposed to help me check out , but she had something urgent this morning and never made it back , " Natalie said in a low voice . " And I didn't know he would come . " Marcus looked down at her , his dark eyes reflecting the softness of her face . She was wearing a long white chiffon dress . The hem brushed her ankles , where faint burn marks were still visible . " It's fine . Not surprising he showed up , " he said mildly . " You filed for divorce , but convincing the old man won't be easy . I'm guessing he pressured Jackson into coming ." Natalie gave a slight nod . " Yeah . It was Grandpa who sent him . " But Marcus's earlier words - convincing the old man won't be easy - echoed in her mind . Gabriel's authority in the Collins family was absolute . Other than Marcus , no one dared go against him . And Gabriel doted on Marcus more than anyone . Marcus's place in the family hierarchy was second only to Gabriel himself . " Your ankle - did you not get it treated ? " Marcus asked , his voice steady as his gaze dropped . His low tone pulled Natalie out of her thoughts . She looked down instinctively . " It's not that serious . I didn't ask the doctor to treat it ." She wasn't used to Western medicine and usually relied on herbal remedies . She planned to apply a poultice later - it wasn't a big deal . She lowered her head to inspect the burn . Her heel was slightly raised , exposing the red , irritated skin - just enough for Marcus to see . Maybe it was the one - footed stance , or maybe her balance was off , but her body tipped forward -right into Marcus's arms . 2/3 19:34 Fri , Sep 19 : Chapter 19 Close Encounters : Natalie tried to regain her balance , but it was too late . Marcus reached out and caught her by the elbow . His cool ring brushed against her skin , and she froze . She looked up quickly , eyes meeting his . Marcus had just lowered his head . Their gazes locked . Her heart began to pound uncontrollably . She couldn't explain why . 37 Finished Marcus looked back at her , the corners of his mouth curving into the faintest hint of a smile . His voice stayed low . " Careful . " Send Gifts 合 20 四