Married To My Billionaire Stepbrother novel Chapter 353

Chapter 353: Talk With Albert

Meanwhile, at the Browns

"Ivan," Irene barged into his study.

Due to his injured jaw, Ivan was working from home.

"Did you see the news?"

Of course, he had seen it. It was all over the news as if the reporters had uncovered the greatest secret in the world. He was already in shock that Natalie was married to such a big shot. The man they had seen with her again and again as her husband was none other than the CEO of NextEra—yet no one had ever known.

He had always suspected that man wasn’t ordinary, with the way he carried himself. And now, his doubts had proven true. But still, he hadn’t expected him to be someone of such status.

That day in Natalie’s office, he hadn’t seemed bothered by how close Natalie was to those other two men. What kind of man lets his wife act like that, as if she belongs to others too? Ivan wondered. Was he even the right man for her?

Seeing her dazed brother, Irene continued, "Mother and I even thought of going to Natalie and talking her into coming back to you... but... with a husband like him, she wouldn’t..."

"Who asked you to think this way?" Ivan snapped, glaring at her, his frustration clear. "Don’t do unnecessary things and bring more trouble to me. I’ve already had enough because of you two."

"Ivan, how could you—"

"Get out of my study and don’t disturb my work," he growled, returning to his desk.

Irene quietly left the study, not daring to say another word.

Leaning back in his chair, he closed his eyes. All that was left for him now was the regret.

----

That day, Natalie didn’t go to the office. After returning home, she just wanted to relax. Mia and Cathy had left for work after meeting her, with the promise that they would soon celebrate her becoming a princess.

It was only noon when Natalie slumped onto her bed after having a nice shower and meal.

Royalty? How grand it looks... but it’s not for me. I’m happy in my small nest with the man I love.

Just then, her cellphone rang. She glanced at the screen.

Grandpa.

Since that day of the board meeting, Albert had not contacted her. During the meeting, she had seen how much Albert wanted to support her; his care for her was genuine.

But after learning the truth—how he had manipulated things for her by making Ivan befriend her, and later, her fiancé—she couldn’t help but blame her grandfather for it.

She understood his good intentions toward her. She couldn’t deny that having at least one friend in her life had been a blessing when all other kids had hated her. But still, her grandpa could have stopped at that. There was no need to bribe Ivan into marrying her.

She had been grateful to Ivan, believing he was her savior during her stay in Xyron City, and had thought she was in love with him. But when she returned, she had only one intention toward Ivan—to repay him for his help and for being with her, even if it was mostly through exchanged messages.

He had valued her help and made her feel needed, so she had thought they were in love. When the topic of marriage came up, both had agreed, and Natalie had been happy about it. He was the only person who seemed to care for her, so she didn’t mind being in love with him—or so she believed.

But then, she had realized—Albert had always known she wasn’t his blood, yet he had always stood by her side and never let her know the truth.

Staring at the mobile screen for a long moment, Natalie finally sat up and answered the call before it got disconnected.

Justin? Natalie wondered. She had never told her grandpa that Justin was really her husband—they had only been acting for his sake. And now, in the news, her husband had shown up as Aiden Handrix. Then how?

"That day, besides telling me his identity as Justin Harper, he also told me how much he loved you. He promised me that, no matter what the circumstances, he would always protect you—as your husband. I could see his resolve. But he needed to be close to you to win your heart, so we both acted as if I didn’t know anything, and he told you something else."

"Did he also tell you he’s the CEO of NextEra?" Natalie asked.