Married To My Billionaire Stepbrother novel Chapter 178

Chapter 178: Because You Are Aiden Handrix

Natalie walked further inside, ignoring the annoying people along the way. Not a single person was approachable enough for her to ask about her grandfather’s whereabouts.

She stopped a resort staff member who was helping with the party arrangements and guests. "Where is Mr. Albert Ford?" Natalie asked.

"Mr. and Mrs. Ford are in the guest rooms. Mr. Ford is getting ready, and they’ll be out soon," the lady replied politely. "Please have a seat. All the family members will be here shortly."

Natalie went to sit at an empty circular table, while Ryan and John followed closely, sticking to her like glue, maintaining the distance not more than three steps away from her.

John’s hawk-like gaze swept across the guests, missing nothing. After the drug incident, he trusted no one around Natalie and was prepared to act if anyone dared to try something again. His anger from that night had yet to subside.

Ryan mumbled, "Relax. We’re both here with her."

"You can’t relax among wolves in sheep’s clothing," John replied. "It’s easy to handle the people we deal with directly. But here, these people are far more dangerous. You can’t tackle them head-on without proof."

Ryan understood his concern and nodded in agreement.

Jay, who was busy greeting relatives and friends, spotted Natalie. Excusing himself, he walked over to her.

"Natalie," he called, his voice laced with a warning.

She turned to look at him, her gaze indifferent.

Jay stood facing her. His expressions anything but gentle. "Make sure not to cause any trouble today. Father isn’t well, and I don’t want our family embarrassed in front of everyone."

She stared at him, her heart feeling numb. This man hadn’t even bothered to ask how she was and he wasn’t even aware of what she’d been through the night she was drugged. To him, she was always the troublemaker.

Did he ever think of me as his daughter, at least once?

"Mr. Ford," she replied coolly, "instead of me, you should warn your beloved younger daughter. I’m certain she’s cooking up some plan to embarrass our family."

She didn’t wish to say ’our family’, but as long as Albert was alive, she had to.

Jay frowned. "You always blame Briena for your mistakes, just because she tolerates you. When will you grow up? She may be younger, but she’s more sensible than you..."

"Crafty is the word I’d use," Natalie interrupted, her expression icy, though inside she could feel the hurt.

Jay gritted his teeth. "You..."

"I believe you don’t want to cause scene in front the guest, Mr Ford," Natalie interrupted him, "so please excuse me." She turned and walked away, heading to the empty table away from everyone.

Jay could only frown angrily as he watched her leave.

Ryan and John exchanged looks, both almost tempted to smack him, but they held back out of respect for Natalie’s father.

"Ms. Natalie, are you alright?" John asked gently.

Natalie nodded as she sat down, accepting the chair Ryan had pulled out for her. "I was just wondering if my mother was truly as smart as everyone says she was. If she was so smart, then what on earth did she see in that man to marry him?"

Ryan and John remained silent, unsure of how to respond.

She was hurting, but more than that, she was disappointed in her own father.

Whenever she’s dressed up nicely, I’m never there, he sighed inwardly. When will she dress up just for me, to show only me?

What’s going on?