Married To My Billionaire Stepbrother novel Chapter 388

Chapter 388: Meeting A Mother

The next day, Justin had already left for the Eastern Country. He was all fresh and energetic—while Natalie dragged herself to the office in a groggy state.

Justin hadn’t let her sleep at all the previous night, claiming that since they’d be apart for a while, he had to make up for all that lost time in advance.

Natalie had no choice but to give in to him.

Now, gulping down painkillers to soothe the stiffness in her muscles, she somehow made her way to the Harper Group, silently cursing her husband for his endless stamina.

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Meanwhile, at the Ford Group, Briena was finally allowed to return and resume her position as CEO. Though people in the company gossiped behind her back, on the surface, they had to maintain a respectful attitude.

Briena couldn’t wait to get her life back on track.

"Mom, Ivan hasn’t contacted me even once. When I call him, he doesn’t answer," Briena complained bitterly. "After the disaster with my movie, no respectable man from a wealthy family would want to marry me. I’m only left with Ivan now."

Clara was well aware of that fact too. The media had been buzzing with speculation about whether Ivan would break off the engagement—but reporters hadn’t been able to get a word from him.

"He won’t be able to disappear that easily," Clara said. "After all, he has major projects with the Ford Group. He’ll have to show up eventually to meet with the CEO."

"You’re right, Mom. Once I meet him, I’ll try to explain everything."

Clara hummed in agreement, then added, "Now forget about Ivan for a moment and think about how to stop your father from bringing Sephina back."

"I didn’t see Dad in his office. Did he already leave to get her?" Briena asked, alarmed.

"He wasn’t in the office?" Clara asked in shock. She quickly made a few calls and confirmed—Jay had indeed gone somewhere.

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Jay reached Valena Town. Though he had rarely visited in recent years, he still remembered the place like the back of his hand. When he was a child, Sephina would often bring him here whenever Albert was away on business trips. She loved the peace and quiet, and during those days, she gave her full attention to her son.

The memories tightened around Jay’s heart as the car finally stopped in front of the short wooden gate that led to the house nestled in the center of the farm. The place was still surrounded by lush greenery, just as peaceful and untouched as he remembered.

A servant came out to welcome him.

"Where is Mother?" Jay asked.

"Madam is at the back of the farm," the servant replied, then led the way.

Jay followed the long pathway, flanked by trees and flowers, until he reached the back of the home. From there, the view opened up to a clear sky and distant mountains—still breathtaking after all these years.

There, sitting quietly in a chair, was Sephina. She was facing the horizon, still and composed.

Jay paused, remembering—it had always been her favorite place.

"Mother," he called gently.

Sephina looked at him but showed no surprise at his arrival. "You should be at the company," she said simply.

Jay approached her. "You didn’t tell me you were coming here. I was worried."

"I’ve decided to live here from now on," she replied without turning her gaze away.

"Mother, are you really going to abandon our home?" he asked quietly.

"That’s not my home," she said, her tone calm and detached. "In fact, it never was. Albert built that house in the city for his own convenience. But my home was always here. And now, that place is yours. You can take care of it."

The more composed she sounded, the more it hurt.

"Mother... are you abandoning me as well?" he asked, his voice faltering.

"Mother, don’t say that. I am your son," he said, his voice tight with emotion.

"I did everything for my daughter—your granddaughter. But I’m still your son, and I’ll always take care of you."

"I hope you take care of the company," she said, her tone shifting to firm. "If you fail it—don’t even think about showing your face to me again. I can accept betrayal. I can accept deceit. But I will never accept you failing what Albert built from scratch. That company is his soul."