Chapter 23 A Locked Door and a Glass Barrier Jackson didn't even get a full sentence out before Marcus cut him off . There was a hidden meaning in his tone - and Jackson caught it immediately . Before he could respond , Marcus turned and walked away with brisk , steady steps . Jackson stared after him , a shadow flickering across his face . Why did it feel like ... Uncle Marcus was always protecting that woman ? Was it just his imagination ? With Gabriel present , Natalie had no choice but to stay and finish dinner . And of course , Grandpa insisted she share a drink or two with them . Later that evening , Gabriel's true intentions became crystal clear . A 337 Finished " Natalie , you've had quite a bit to drink . You should just stay the night , " he said with a kind , coaxing smile . " You can share a room with Jackson , and I'll let Aiden sleep with me . " Natalie glanced at Jackson beside her and was just about to decline when he unexpectedly beat her to it . " Grandpa , I've still got work tonight . I might not be able to stay . " " What work could be more important than your wife ? " Gabriel frowned . " You're not going anywhere . Natalie's had too much - she needs someone to look after her ." Natalie looked toward Gabriel , but her gaze accidentally drifted past him - to the man sitting in silence nearby . Marcus was leaning back against the sofa , elbow resting casually on the armrest , fingertips pressed lightly against his lips . His expression was unreadable as he watched everything unfold . Natalie quickly looked away and turned back to Gabriel . " It's okay , Grandpa . I don't need anyone to take care of me . I'll just sleep in the guest room ." She stood , wobbling a little from the wine , and made her way toward the stairs . " Jackson , go with her , " Gabriel ordered . 1/3 19:35 Fri , Sep 19 ... : 37 Chapter 23 A Locked Door and a Glass Barrier Jackson hesitated for a moment but ultimately gave in and followed her upstairs . Behind them , a pair of sharp , narrow eyes followed every step . " Marcus , did you bring your driver tonight ? " Gabriel asked . Marcus pulled his gaze back and looked at his father . Finished He let out a low chuckle . " You're keeping your grandson and granddaughter - in - law here , and kicking me out ? " " That's not what I meant - you know that ." Gabriel leaned in a little , lowering his voice . " Your room is right next to Jackson's . They haven't shared a room in a long time ... tonight might be the night ... " He didn't finish the sentence , but his meaning was obvious . Marcus , always sharp , easily read between the lines . He smirked faintly . " You might be lighting a match , but I doubt the fire's going to catch ." Gabriel didn't quite understand , but by the time he looked up again , Marcus had already started walking upstairs . At the top of the staircase , Marcus saw Jackson locked out of the bedroom . He was pounding on the door . " Natalie , open up ." Marcus walked past him . Jackson turned and blinked in surprise . " Uncle Marcus ? You're staying the night too ? " " Yes . " Marcus gave him a cool look and headed toward the study . Behind him , Jackson's knocking resumed . " Natalie , open the door . " As Jackson passed the guest rooms , he noticed all the doors were locked , He couldn't help but let out a bitter laugh . Gabriel really had gone all out trying to set the two of them up . But unfortunately ... 2/3 19:35 Fri , Sep 19 ... 37 Chapter 23 A Locked Door and a Glass Barrier The groom was indifferent , and the bride had no interest . How was this fire supposed to catch ? Finished Inside the room , Natalie leaned against the balcony railing , still tipsy , ignoring the pounding at the door . She acted like she couldn't hear a thing and kept her eyes on the night view . During dinner , she'd tied her hair up with a rubber band , but now her neck felt a bit chilly . She decided to take the band out - but tugged too hard . The rubber band snapped and flew through the air - landing on the neighboring balcony . Natalie frowned . She looked past the glass divider and spotted the band on the other side . After a moment's thought , she lifted a foot and climbed over without hesitation . The glass barrier wasn't very tall - just a pane of glass separating the two balconies . It was easy enough to cross . She bent down to pick up the rubber band , but just then , her head started to spin . A wave of drowsiness crept over her .