Married To My Billionaire Stepbrother novel Chapter 117

Chapter 117: Kicking Him Out

Julia turned to Natalie. Noticing her wearing a kitchen apron, she asked, "Were you preparing dinner?"

"Ah! Yes, Grandma," Natalie replied politely, trying not to think about what had just happened in the kitchen. "Please have a seat."

Julia followed Natalie to the sofa and asked, "Were you startled by my arrival without any notice?"

"A little," Natalie admitted.

"I wanted to surprise you, so I came straight here, thinking you must be alone and I could keep you company," the older woman explained as she settled onto the sofa. She then turned to Justin, who had just returned after placing her bags in the guest room. "Why are you here? Albert isn’t home, so there’s no need to pretend to be Natalie’s husband."

Natalie glanced at Justin, who didn’t show a hint of hesitation. He stood there confidently and answered, "Mr. Ford isn’t home, so I thought it would be better to offer her some company, so she wouldn’t feel lonely and feel sad about her grandpa being in the hospital."

Natalie sighed inwardly. ’These two Harpers decided on their own whether I am lonely and need company. No need to ask what I even want.’

Julia hummed in approval. "You did well. That’s very thoughtful of you. But now that I’m here, you don’t need to worry. You must miss your royal suite. You can head back hotel."

Justin could hardly believe it. His grandma hadn’t just shown up unannounced—now she was trying to kick him out. He looked at Natalie, who seemed unsure of what to say.

He sighed. "Alright. As you wish, Julia."

He went to grab his jacket and picked up his car keys.

"Justin, how about you stay for dinner?" Natalie asked hesitantly. "I was cooking for you anyway. If you go back now, you’ll have to eat hotel food."

"It’s alright," Justin said, ready to leave, but then he heard Julia’s voice, "Natalie’s right. Just stay and have dinner with us. Hotel food isn’t the same as homemade food."

Justin glanced at Natalie briefly before looking back at Julia. "You’ll just end up kicking me out anyway, so I might as well leave early."

"Kicking you out?" Julia frowned, her voice rising slightly. "I was only worried you’d be uncomfortable here. If you want to stay, then stay. Am I forcing you to leave?"

"Alright, don’t get upset. I’ll stay," Justin said as he hung his jacket back up, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.

Natalie shook her head in disbelief. This man... He’s making it look like he’s staying because Grandma insisted, and now she can’t tell him as it would prove his point that she’s ’kicking him out.’

"Grandma, I’m preparing dinner. Please make yourself comfortable," Natalie said, then returned to the kitchen.

Justin walked over to the sofa and called out to Natalie, as if ordering her, "Make a bit more. I’m hungrier than usual tonight."

"Brat, making her work for you?" Julia exclaimed. "Is she your slave? Go and help her. You’re not the only one who’s busy working all day."

He sighed helplessly, reluctant but obedient, and stood up anyway. Just as he turned around, a small smile formed on his lips. He knew his grandma too well.

He entered the kitchen, only to hear Natalie warn, "Stay on the other counter and work from there. Don’t come over to my side."

She had overheard Julia instructing him, so she already knew he’d be joining her in the confined space of the kitchen.

"Seems like someone’s scared after making me stay," Justin teased before asking, "What do you want me to cook?"

Natalie ignored his comment about being scared. Of course, she was scared—scared of being closer to him than she could handle—but she would never admit it.