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."

her fame as a

she is going to endorse our

along with being our brand ambassador, Miss Briena will be the lead perfumer and

of surprise before her face returned to its usual calm. A slight smirk tugged at her lips, revealing a

So her position was being given to Briena. Ivan was clearly retaliating for what happened at their

separate for the sake of the company, but she was wrong. Then again, what could she do when someone insists on courting

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, and we appreciate her abilities. No one knows the

the lead position isn't convincing," one executive said. "There are many capable employees

began to voice their doubts as

and I know we won't regret it,"

spoke up. "I support Mr. Brown's decision because I know Miss Briena is a capable

turned to surprise as she looked

not mention it. It's just something

Aroma, and knowing it was

side, we have Miss Natalie, who was disqualified in the

pale. Her hands clenched tightly together. Plagiarism, revocation of student status—her life

a smug smile with Briena.

none other than Miss

Ivan snapped, stopping him from speaking further. Though he hated Natalie at the moment, those difficult days of her life had been painful, and Ivan had been by her side. Despite his

executive fell silent, his work done. Briena remained quiet as well, her expression triumphant

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 a deputy director. She is new here and will