Married To My Billionaire Stepbrother

Chapter 80: Unexpected Guest

When Natalie returned home, she was surprised to find her grandpa already sitting on the sofa, watching TV.

"Grandpa, what are you doing here?" she asked as she changed her foot-wears and went to him. "You should still be in the hospital."

"I would feel more sick if I were there." The old man assured, "I am fine. Doctor allowed me to be here."

She sat next to him. "Grandma...."

"She’s busy stirring up more trouble for you. She hardly has time to worry about me," he said with a sigh, then added, "You’re not going to that charity gala, are you?"

"I didn’t want to, but I have to," Natalie replied.

"You shouldn’t go," her grandpa said, frowning. "Your grandma’s probably planning to embarrass you. I’m worried."

"Grandpa, you can’t keep asking me to avoid these events just because of them," she assured him gently. "Even if I skip this one, they’ll find another way to cause trouble. It won’t ever stop. Trust me, I’ll be fine."

Albert gave her a reluctant nod.

Just then, the doorbell rang. Natalie stood up to answer it, but her grandpa quickly grabbed her hand. "Check first. If it’s your grandma, don’t open the door."

Natalie almost laughed at his worry. "I’ll check." She peered through the door viewer and smiled when she saw the familiar face.

"It’s Aiden, Grandpa," she said as she opened the door.

Justin stepped inside, only to be greeted by Albert’s question, "Aiden, don’t you know the door lock passcode by now?"

it necessary. But before he could respond, Natalie quickly wrapped her arm around his, leaning

course he knows the passcode, Grandpa. But he says he loves seeing me at the door when he gets home. And I don’t mind opening

good thought as well. Young people in love

up slowly. "I’m going to get some fresh air on the

away, feeling Justin’s gaze on her as she realized she was still clinging to his arm. Embarrassed, she began

seeing you up close like this, too. Next time, instead of just standing at the door,

flushed

think?" he asked, clearly

response, she pushed him away, her cheeks burning, and headed toward her room. "I need to freshen up first.

chuckled softly, slipping off his shoes

face, trying to steady her racing heart. This man is truly something else. Does he actually

already observed Albert’s distress. Now he

his tone calm. "What’s bothering

"You noticed?"

"You

sad. "After seeing my family today, you must have realized they don’t truly care about Natalie. They treat her like an outsider. I am glad you stood by her side and wish to protect her, but I know you have your limits

silent,

beyond your capability. All I ask is that you always trust her, no matter what my family shows you

not offering more but

They shared a quiet dinner together, and after helping Albert to bed, Natalie and Justin

her side of the bed, she glanced at Justin. "What did Grandpa say to you? I saw you two talking

says about you," Justin answered,

sighed, lying