Married To My Billionaire Stepbrother

Chapter 7: Resignation

Natalie walked to her office, ignoring the surprised and mocking glances from her colleagues. She heard their whispers, their jokes at her expense, but she kept her composure and walked with the same pride she always did.

A manager was informed of her arrival and quickly approached her. "Miss Ford, you've been asked to be in the meeting room. All the executives are waiting for you."

As the head of the research and development department, attending meetings with executives was nothing unusual for Natalie.

She entered the meeting room and made her way to her chair, passing the executives. They greeted her, some casually, some formally, but all respectfully. Despite what had happened the previous day, they couldn't find fault in Natalie's work ethic or her professionalism.

Two years ago, when Brown Industries was going through a rough patch and investors were pulling out, it was Natalie who helped Ivan turn things around. She created a new perfume that became a sensation in the market and remains the best-selling product of Browns. As a skilled perfumer, Natalie had created many successful fragrances over the past two years, elevating Browns to one of the top companies in the industry.

Natalie sat in her chair, and soon Ivan arrived with Briena by his side. His gaze met Natalie's, but he quickly averted his eyes, as if he couldn't stand to look at her. He pulled out a chair for Briena like a gentleman, demonstrating her status in his life, and then sat in his own chair at the head of the table.

Briena offered a mocking smile, which Natalie ignored, instead starting to doodle in her notebook. Briena's presence here had undoubtedly altered the agenda of the meeting. Though a famous pianist, Briena also claimed to be a perfumer—a well-raised daughter of the Ford family with multiple skills. It wouldn't be surprising if her position was given to Briena today.

Ivan sat in his chair, his face expressionless, his indifferent gaze passing over Natalie. Seeing her unbothered and focused on her notebook, a tinge of dissatisfaction appeared in his eyes.

"Mister Brown," Ivan's assistant called, snapping him back to his senses. He cleared his throat and stood up.

Everyone's attention turned to him, including Natalie's.

"Let me introduce you all to my fiancée, Miss Briena. I'm sure you all recognize her."

acknowledging her fame as

means that she is going to endorse

Natalie as he continued, "From today onwards, along with being our brand ambassador, Miss Briena will be the lead perfumer and the director of the research and development department. She will report directly to

before her face returned to its usual calm. A slight

director of R&D? That was Natalie. So her position was being given to Briena. Ivan was clearly retaliating for

thought he would keep personal and professional matters separate for the sake of the company, but she

you're not serious, right?" one of the executives asked. "I believe your decision is not influenced by personal matters? Miss Natalie has been managing the department exceptionally well,

endorsing our products, but giving her the lead position isn't convincing," one executive said. "There are many capable employees waiting for promotions.

executives began to voice

and I know we won't

then, another executive spoke up. "I support Mr. Brown's decision because I know Miss Briena is a capable perfumer. Have any of

to surprise as she looked at Briena, only to find her sister averting her

lightly and spoke. "Do not mention it. It's

perfumer Aroma, and knowing it was Briena, they had

and on the other side, we have Miss Natalie, who was disqualified in the international competition for plagiarism six years ago and was

Plagiarism, revocation of student status—her life had

Natalie's reaction and shared a smug smile with

one she plagiarized from is none other than Miss Briena, her

Ivan had been by her side. Despite his anger, he couldn't bring himself to scratch her old wounds. All he

done. Briena remained quiet as well, her

to Natalie, and after a moment of silence, his deep voice reached her shocked ears. "Natalie, you have been managing this department for a long time, and it must have been difficult for you. Briena will share your burden while you work under her as