Shattered Then Healed By His Love (by Haley Blanton) novel Chapter 38

Chapter 38 Playing It Cool Marcus

“I know a place that might be perfect. Want to take a look?”

Marcus‘ voice was steady as he lowered his gaze, watching her quietly.

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Natalic froze for a moment. “Mr. Collins, are you offering to help me find a space? Is it your friend’s property?”

“Mm. It’s my friend’s,” Marcus said as he reached into the back seat. “It’s a two–story building that used to be a tea house for entertaining clients. The tea house has since moved to a new location, so the place is just sitting empty.”

As his words faded, she saw the car door swing open.

When she lifted her eyes to meet his, his gaze was sincere–far too serious for this to be a joke.

“All right, then. I’ll go take a look.”

Natalie slid into the car, finding herself face–to–face with the man in the driver’s seat.

She recognized him immediately–Marcus‘ assistant, James.

He gave her a polite nod; she returned the gesture with a small smile.

Everyone around Marcus seemed to share his temperament–cool, composed, and almost unnervingly calm.

They didn’t talk much on the way; if not for the soft, relaxing music playing in the background, the silence in the car would’ve been suffocating.

The location was in the heart of the city, a prime, bustling area about a thirty–minute drive from Oakridge Estates.

If she ended up choosing this place, she’d definitely need to buy a car; fortunately, that was already part of her plan.

“This is it.”

Marcus led her inside.

James moved ahead to unlock the tea house door, guiding them in.

The space wasn’t huge, but it wasn’t small either–just the right size for a clinic.

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10:57 Sat, Sep 27

Chapter 38 Playing It Cool Marcus

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Since it had been a tea house, the interior carried a traditional, elegant charm. Much of it wouldn’t need any renovation at all; she could start using it as it was.

The place looked freshly maintained–clearly updated in the past two years. Still, in a location like this, it had to cost a fortune.

Even though she and Marcus were technically family now, that wouldn’t last much longer; there was no reason for him to offer her a discount.

“What do you think? Does it feel right?”

James turned to her with a polite, faint smile.

“It’s great. I really like it,” Natalie admitted, then glanced at James. “But with a location like this and no need for remodeling, I’m guessing the price isn’t cheap.”

Even though she’d made three million from the pair of lion statues Jackson had gifted to Victoria, opening the clinic–and producing the custom jade pieces–would eat through that quickly. She had to manage her costs carefully.

“Well, that depends on Mr. Collins—”

James didn’t get to finish before Marcus interrupted. “What’s your budget?”

“My budget’s around eight thousand a month,” Natalie said, lifting her gaze to meet the dark, sharp eyes watching her. “But here? I’m guessing at least thirty thousand to start.”

Marcus‘ tone was calm. “My friend’s asking five thousand.”

“Five thousand?” Natalie’s eyes widened in shock. “Why would your friend price it so low?”

A property like this should have been snatched up instantly. James, standing nearby, looked just as stunned. This was clearly Mr. Collins‘ property. When had it suddenly become his friend’s?

And the market rate was nowhere near five thousand; it was fifty thousand–at least.

“He owns a lot of properties,” Marcus said casually, “and doesn’t care about the price. He’s been waiting to find the right person. Rather than leasing it out for some random business, it makes sense to use it for something meaningful… saving lives, helping people.”

Listening to him, Natalie tilted her head thoughtfully. “Your friend sounds unusual.”

Marcus glanced at her, expression unreadable, offering no response.

Beside them, James rubbed the bridge of his nose and lowered his eyes, saying nothing.

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