Married To My Billionaire Stepbrother

Chapter 158: Punishment

Late into the night, inside Justin’s private suite.

Justin sat on the sofa in the drawing room, one hand resting on the armrest, a one leg folded over the other. His expression was serious, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the armrest. His dark gaze remained fixed on the man kneeling before him with his head head lowered like a sinner.

Noah stood to the side, his expression neutral, though his eyes betrayed the worry he felt for the man on the floor.

A man in a black suit—Ryan, another of Justin’s well-built, formidable bodyguards—entered the suite. He silently handed a file to Noah and took his place to one side. Ryan’s gaze briefly flickered to the kneeling man, but he kept his face impassive. Inside, however, he shared Noah’s concern.

Noah opened the file and began reading aloud to the stern-faced Justin. whose gaze on the man kneeling on the floor did not stir.

"We’ve identified the drug given to Ms. Natalie," Noah began. "It’s odorless and tasteless. The victim has no way of knowing their drink was spiked until they start feeling the effects. It can cause severe physical harm and can ruin mental health if not treated right..."

Noah continued, and when he stopped, Justin spoke to the man kneeling in front of him.

"Do you have anything to say in your defense?" Justin’s voice was cold and menacing.

John kept his head lowered. "I deserve to be punished. I will head to receive my punishment right away."

In their world, mistakes were unforgivable, and one had to own them. John was trained to be a bodyguard, entrusted with the duty of protecting those assigned to him—but he had failed. There were no excuses, only victory or defeat, with nothing in between.

"You know what to do," Justin said coolly. "You may leave."

John rose silently, bowed to Justin, and exited without a word.

Both Noah and Ryan clenched their fists. They wanted to stop John, but they were powerless to intervene.

up. "Mr. Harper, the drug

is permitted," Justin interrupted, his voice cold and unyielding. Noah swallowed the

could do nothing but watch him go. If he protested, he would face the same

peacefully. He turned off the lights, slid under the blanket,

see her safe. He couldn’t bear the thought of what he might have done if she had been

-----

day, late in the morning, Natalie stirred

it hurts..." she groaned, holding her head as she struggled to open

woman’s voice... what did you do to

seated on the couch and in the middle of a meeting,

morning," he greeted

Justin by her bedside, struggling to comprehend where she was. Her thoughts were

she murmured, her voice hoarse and her expression confused. "When did you

and sat at the edge of the bed. "Drink some water," he said gently. "Take your

the cool water soothing her dry throat. Once she finished, Justin set the glass aside and

hands, pressing her temples to ease the headache. She searched her mind for clarity, and then

her face from her palms, she saw Justin wrapping up a phone call,

gaze on him, Justin looked back. "Seems like you’ve

being drugged, and then John brought me to a suite and locked me inside.

brow, waiting for her to

added. "He seemed to offer his suite...

we booked another,"