Sephina scoffed. "I’ve been suffering you for years. If only you were more like Briena." She smiled with pride. "Look how she’s brought honor to this family. But you must be jealous, since you couldn’t even bring yourself to congratulate her."
Natalie released Albert’s hand, giving him a reassuring smile, then stood up with a smirk.
"My mistake. I truly forgot to congratulate my dear sister on her incredible achievement." Natalie turned to face Briena, extending her hand with a smirk. "Congratulations, little sister."
Briena accepted the handshake, but before she could thank her, Natalie continued, "I wish you tremendous success and fame..." Her grip on Briena’s hand tightened. "...the kind that you might one day wish you never had."
Briena felt a brief shiver at Natalie’s words, but brushed it off, thinking, She’s just jealous and can only wish ill upon me. She can’t actually do anything.
"Thank you," Briena said politely, subtly pulling her hand back, her fingers aching slightly from Natalie’s firm hold.
"Darling, shall we leave?" Justin asked, clearly aware of Ivan’s disdainful gaze directed at him.
Natalie was slightly surprised by his choice of words but didn’t let it show as she offered him a lovely smile. "Yes."
Ivan’s gaze stuck on her the sight of her smiling face once more. She looked beautiful when she smiled, but why didn’t he notice it before? His heart felt unsettled at the sight of it, making him swallow hard.
She turned to Albert. "I’ll come visit you once I return." freewebnoveℓ.com
Albert nodded. "Take care."
"Grandpa, we’re leaving too," Briena chimed in. "Ivan has to get to the office, and I need to work on my new movie," she added, emphasising the last words to make sure Natalie heard. But Natalie had already walked out of the room with Justin.
Ivan said good bye to the Ford couple and left with Briena.
As Natalie and Justin waited for the elevator, Justin held her hand firmly. Briena and Ivan arrived just in time, with Briena clearly eager for an opportunity to flaunt her success in front of Natalie.
The elevator arrived, and they all stepped inside together. Justin pulled Natalie closer, his arm wrapping securely around her waist.
Ivan’s gaze narrowed at how Justin’s hand wrapped around Natalie’s slender waist. Briena noticed it and looped her arm through Ivan’s and entered the elevator with them.
She also felt jealous at how Natalie was well treated by her husband and at that he was like an eye candy, that her heart still wavered for him despite having Ivan with her.
As the doors closed, she spoke up. "Natalie, I’ll be starting filming soon. If you want, you’re welcome to visit the set. You could meet more celebrities—it might help you with your work. You know, I would be surrounded by all those famous superstars soon."
Natalie ignored her completely, but Briena persisted.
"Natalie, I just want to help you. If your company doesn’t succeed, you know Grandpa might revoke your rights over the business and family. I really want you to succeed..."
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