Married To My Billionaire Stepbrother novel Chapter 158

Chapter 158: Punishment

Late into the night, inside Justin’s private suite.

Justin sat on the sofa in the drawing room, one hand resting on the armrest, a one leg folded over the other. His expression was serious, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the armrest. His dark gaze remained fixed on the man kneeling before him with his head head lowered like a sinner.

Noah stood to the side, his expression neutral, though his eyes betrayed the worry he felt for the man on the floor.

A man in a black suit—Ryan, another of Justin’s well-built, formidable bodyguards—entered the suite. He silently handed a file to Noah and took his place to one side. Ryan’s gaze briefly flickered to the kneeling man, but he kept his face impassive. Inside, however, he shared Noah’s concern.

Noah opened the file and began reading aloud to the stern-faced Justin. whose gaze on the man kneeling on the floor did not stir.

"We’ve identified the drug given to Ms. Natalie," Noah began. "It’s odorless and tasteless. The victim has no way of knowing their drink was spiked until they start feeling the effects. It can cause severe physical harm and can ruin mental health if not treated right..."

Noah continued, and when he stopped, Justin spoke to the man kneeling in front of him.

"Do you have anything to say in your defense?" Justin’s voice was cold and menacing.

John kept his head lowered. "I deserve to be punished. I will head to receive my punishment right away."

In their world, mistakes were unforgivable, and one had to own them. John was trained to be a bodyguard, entrusted with the duty of protecting those assigned to him—but he had failed. There were no excuses, only victory or defeat, with nothing in between.

"You know what to do," Justin said coolly. "You may leave."

John rose silently, bowed to Justin, and exited without a word.

Both Noah and Ryan clenched their fists. They wanted to stop John, but they were powerless to intervene.

Summoning his courage, Noah spoke up. "Mr. Harper, the drug was—"

"You will personally ensure he receives his punishment. No mercy is permitted," Justin interrupted, his voice cold and unyielding. Noah swallowed the rest of his words.

With a slight bow, Noah left to carry out the order. Ryan could do nothing but watch him go. If he protested, he would face the same fate as Noah.

Justin stood and returned to the bedroom, where Natalie slept peacefully. He turned off the lights, slid under the blanket, and wrapped her gently in his arms.

Only he knew how relieved he was to see her safe. He couldn’t bear the thought of what he might have done if she had been harmed.

-----

The next day, late in the morning, Natalie stirred in her sleep.

"Ah... it hurts..." she groaned, holding her head as she struggled to open her eyes.

"Hey, Harper, we heard a woman’s voice... what did you do to make her—"

Justin, seated on the couch and in the middle of a meeting, immediately shut his laptop and hurried to the bed.

Natalie blinked, her eyes slowly adjusting to the room. She stared at Justin by her bedside, struggling to comprehend where she was. Her thoughts were foggy, and her mind felt disconnected from reality. _{ƒгeewebnovёl.com}