Married To My Billionaire Stepbrother novel Chapter 384

Chapter 384: My Career Is Ruined

It was Natalie’s first day at the Harper Group as the new CEO—the Global CEO who would be overseeing the entire Ford Group across the world. It was the highest position, one that commanded respect from everyone in the business world.

As she was getting ready to leave home, she asked, feeling a little nervous about her role, "Justin, you’re coming with me on my first day, right?"

Justin walked over and gently caressed her cheek. "It’s a special day for you, and everyone in the company should focus solely on you, without any distractions. If I come with you, they’ll recognize me as Justin Harper and might think I should be the one leading. They won’t give you the importance you deserve. The first day is when you set your image—and you need to show authority over everyone. Just being James Harper’s daughter or Aiden Handrix’s wife isn’t enough. Understood?"

She nodded. "I still feel like I snatched away what belonged to you."

"It never did," he replied calmly. "If your father had known about your existence earlier, everything would’ve belonged to you long ago. I was just a substitute—holding things together until you showed up."

Natalie hugged him. "I feel like I’ve never really done anything for you. I’m always the one receiving. I wish I could do something for you."

"You can," he said.

She lifted her head and looked at him, hoping he’d finally ask something—something real. "What?"

"You can continue to satisfy me every night. Only you can do that," he said, a mischievous smile on his lips.

She chuckled softly. "Alright."

"You shouldn’t be late on your first day," Justin added, slipping out of his playful mood.

Natalie hummed and asked, "Now that everyone knows you’re Aiden Handrix, how long are you going to keep working from home? As far as I know, NextEra already built one of its head offices here in Imperial City."

Justin nodded. "It won’t be long."

"By the way, where is the main head office of NextEra?" she asked.

"In the Eastern country," he replied.

"How did you end up there?" Natalie asked, shocked. "Of all the places in the world, you had to start your business from there?"

"Maybe my roots belonged there, so I was led by destiny," he answered.

"I’ve heard it’s a dangerous country—full of mafias," she said worriedly. "When I was in Xyros, I heard the most dangerous mafia family came from an Eastern country. They rule over the underworld. Even the Castellos don’t mess with them."

"Would you be scared if I told you... the family I said I belonged to is the one you’re talking about?" Justin asked.

Her eyes widened. "You mean...?"

He nodded. "And I’m going back there soon. But I’ll make sure you’re protected here, even when I’m away."

"You don’t have to worry about me," she said softly. "Just take care of yourself and return to me unharmed. Who knows... I might just show up there and be your strength. I’m not scared of mafias."

"You’re already my strength," he murmured, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. "Now go. We’ll talk more when you’re back."

She hummed in response and left. As usual, John and Ryan followed her as her bodyguards.

When Natalie reached the Harper Group’s head office, reporters were already swarming outside.

She pressed her temple. "I created a distraction for them to chase, and they’re still here. Seems like they haven’t found Briena yet."

"She’s at her usual hotel," Ryan informed her.

"Leak her location," Natalie ordered calmly and stepped out of the car.

The reporters, though held back by security, called out to her. "Ms. Natalie, please answer our questions!"

"It’s my first day in the office, and I don’t want to be late," she replied with a polite smile. "You might want to check your phones," she added, then walked away.

All of them instantly checked their phones—finding a piece of explosive news—and immediately rushed toward the hotel where Briena was staying.

Natalie smirked as she stepped into the office building. My dear Briena, you can’t hide from the precious fame you’ve always craved. You should thank me for letting you experience it so soon.Her expression then turned serious. The biggest mistake of your life was when you tried to harm Justin.

She remembered that evening clearly—when Briena had planned to drug Justin and make him sleep with that disgusting woman, Lily. Justin was the smartest of all; he’d never fall for such a cheap trick. But still, Natalie couldn’t forgive Briena.

What if Justin had been an ordinary person? What if he had fallen into that trap?

Natalie clenched her fists. Briena Ford, that day you crossed my bottom line.

As she entered the grand reception area of the Harper Group’s head office, the entire staff—from the higher-ups to the lower-level employees—were waiting to welcome her.

A middle-aged man in a sharp suit stepped forward. "Ms. Natalie, I’m Silvas Grant, the head of this branch. On behalf of all the employees, I welcome you as our new leader." He handed her a beautiful bouquet of flowers.

Natalie accepted it with a smile and passed it to Joan, her assistant. She looked around and spoke confidently, "Thank you so much for the warm welcome. I look forward to working with all of you and taking the Harper Group forward through our joint efforts."

The employees applauded her short but powerful speech as she walked toward the VIP elevator. _{freёweɓnovel.com}

She reached the top floor—an entire level dedicated solely to the CEO’s office. As she stepped out, she couldn’t help but think, Being the wealthiest business group, they sure live in luxury.

The floor was decorated with dozens of flower bouquets, sent by prominent figures and businesspeople from across the city.

A beautiful woman in her late twenties approached Natalie. "Ms. Natalie, I’m Avery, your personal assistant. Welcome to the Harper Group."

Natalie observed Avery carefully. She wore a white shirt and a pencil skirt, paired with black heels. Her hair was tucked neatly at the back of her head in a sleek hairstyle, giving her an elegant and highly professional appearance—the kind of woman who clearly excelled at her work.

"Thank you, Avery," Natalie replied.

"Let me guide you to your office." Avery led the way toward a grand door with its own personal reception area outside. Natalie immediately understood—this was where Avery sat and worked.

The door had a distinguished nameplate:

Natalie HarperGlobal CEO – Harper Group

Reading her name—Natalie Harper—filled Natalie with unexpected emotion. For the longest time, she had been a woman without a last name. After the truth came out that she wasn’t really a Ford, she hadn’t used her mother’s last name, Shaw, either. To assert her identity, she went simply by Natalie, until Justin declared himself as Aiden Handrix and called her Mrs. Aiden Handrix.

Now, finally, she had a last name that was truly hers. Harper. A name that reflected her bloodline, her identity, her worth.

Natalie continued listening as Avery walked her through the packed agenda, slowly realizing—her life was about to get hella busy.

"Fans are also curious—did you actually do it with the actors for the sake of making the scenes look realistic?"