Married To My Billionaire Stepbrother

Chapter 86: A Newcomer

"Pay attention," Steve interrupted smoothly, still holding her wrist, prompting her to look ahead.

"Nat," Mia murmured helplessly, hoping to get her out of here.

She was sure, no one would bid on Natalie, leaving her embarrassed in front of hall full of entire business world or rather a scum would bid on her.

"She is strong enough to deal with it. Don’t worry," Steve assured, though his voice remained cold and far from any genuine concern.

Mia shot him a glare. "I don’t need you to tell me that. And if you think you can mess with this best friend of mine, then you can dream on. Natalie is not like that slut Nora...Ugh..."

The grip on her wrist tightened the next moment, making her wince in pain. Steve’s calm facade slipping for just a moment as his eyes flashed with anger.

Mia, ever defiant, didn’t back down. "Are you angry because I said my best friend is out of your reach, or because I called your precious ’love’ a slut?"

Steve’s eyes darkened with anger, but before he could respond, the emcee’s voice and a loud cheer pulled their attention back to the stage.

"Five hundred million for Ms. Briena! That’s a new record, even beating Mr. Davis’s bid. Mr. Ivan Brown, you sure love your fiancée! We can all see it!"

The crowd erupted into applause, cheering for Ivan and Briena.

Ivan remained calm and composed in his place, seemingly enjoying the attention and praise and it was all thanks to Briena. He could see the men around him felt envious of him for having a beautiful and capable woman like Briena with him.

first and then stepped back so your friend Ivan could swoop in and be the star of the night, didn’t

glare met hers. "Would you rather

her voice low but fierce. She glanced at Natalie, thinking,

to be with Mr. and Mrs.

basking in the attention, blushed slightly at being called "Mrs. Brown," her shy smile perfectly timed for the

emcee, sensing the energy, continued. "Anyone willing to bid higher? This is the last chance to claim the honor of the first dance

lack of response making it painfully clear that no one wanted to

family image by bidding already, and didn’t have to bet on Natalie, for the compulsion

given his recent interest in Natalie Ford. Thank God he chose not to come tonight. I want him to have nothing to do with

unmoved by the awkward

see if anyone else is interested in bidding more on Ms Briena, our

"One billion."

tall, imposing man in an expensive suit entered the event hall, commanding attention

this man who is bidding this high for

the newcomer, her curiosity mirroring the crowd’s. She didn’t recognize him, and neither did anyone

at the same time she was thankful that he bid on Briena, so he and Ivan could continued

Mia—heirs to the wealthiest families—were equally perplexed. None of them had seen this man before, which made his sudden appearance all the more puzzling. Where had he come from, and how could he so casually throw around such a

gaze fixed squarely on the center of the

Clara and Sephina exchanged proud glances. The fact that another wealthy bidder had

is amazing, isn’t she, Mother?"

extraordinary," Sephina added, clearly taking credit for Briena’s allure. "I’ve