Married To My Billionaire Stepbrother

Chapter 146: Missing Me?

After finishing her work, Natalie went to visit Albert in the hospital.

"You look tired," Albert commented, observing her from his bed.

Natalie hummed in response and placed the fresh flowers she had brought into the vase by the window.

"I saw the news and everything that’s going on," Albert said, bringing up the matter as he sensed it was the reason for Natalie’s quiet demeanor.

She paused, not turning to face him as she adjusted the flowers. "Grandpa, this time my decisions and actions might hurt the Ford family."

"I know. But I won’t blame you," Albert replied calmly.

Natalie turned to look at him. "Won’t you be upset if Grandma gets hurt when the truth comes out?"

"You’ve stayed quiet all these years—that was the best you could do. But if they keep harming you, I can’t stop you from retaliating," Albert said softly. "I know you’ve remained silent all this time because of me, but I can’t be selfish and ask you to keep forgiving them. I might not have much time left, but you have a long life ahead of you, and I want you to live it with dignity and pride. Whatever happens to our family will be a result of their own actions."

Natalie set the vase aside and went to sit by the old man’s side, holding his hand as she sat on the edge of the bed. "Thank you for understanding me, Grandpa."

He patted her hand with his free one, offering reassurance. "Before I go, I want to see you live a happy life. You’re destined to be with a man like Justin Harper, and I won’t let you be tainted when you’re innocent. Whatever you decide to do, I won’t stand in your way."

Natalie didn’t know how to respond to the part about Justin. Her grandfather clearly believed they would end up together, but she wasn’t certain what the future held.

"When you’re discharged, I’ll take you home with me," she said, trying to change the subject.

Albert nodded, his eyes moist though he smiled gently.

Later, Natalie returned home, where she was met with a sense of loneliness. Justin wasn’t going to return anytime soon, and she wondered if she had grown so used to his presence that she missed him now. She cooked dinner for two, even though the other person wouldn’t be coming.

When the call was

be having it soon,"

and hung up the call without waiting

me dinner? Well, it’s rare for me

can wash your hands over there, then come

When he sat down at the table, he was greeted by a spread of delicious-looking dishes.

inviting me,"

you like it," she replied politely

Mr. Harper refuses to

glanced up at him. "Does he

eat your cooking," John explained. "Mr. Harper doesn’t like outside food, so

is a good cook," Natalie agreed, then asked, "Can

and Natalie continued, "Do you have any

used to. I had a

"Where is she now?"

longer with

"Oh, I’m sorry."

"It’s alright."

"What happened to her?"

a while before finally answering. "She was killed right in front of me, and I was

words. "I’m sorry... It seems

continued. "She was two years younger than me. We were orphans. I always did my best to protect her, like any brother would. But the place we lived in wasn’t much better than a

as he continued with no remorse

them the most brutal deaths I could, making them pay for every tear,