Married To My Billionaire Stepbrother

Chapter 178: Because You Are Aiden Handrix

Natalie walked further inside, ignoring the annoying people along the way. Not a single person was approachable enough for her to ask about her grandfather’s whereabouts.

She stopped a resort staff member who was helping with the party arrangements and guests. "Where is Mr. Albert Ford?" Natalie asked.

"Mr. and Mrs. Ford are in the guest rooms. Mr. Ford is getting ready, and they’ll be out soon," the lady replied politely. "Please have a seat. All the family members will be here shortly."

Natalie went to sit at an empty circular table, while Ryan and John followed closely, sticking to her like glue, maintaining the distance not more than three steps away from her.

John’s hawk-like gaze swept across the guests, missing nothing. After the drug incident, he trusted no one around Natalie and was prepared to act if anyone dared to try something again. His anger from that night had yet to subside.

Ryan mumbled, "Relax. We’re both here with her."

"You can’t relax among wolves in sheep’s clothing," John replied. "It’s easy to handle the people we deal with directly. But here, these people are far more dangerous. You can’t tackle them head-on without proof."

Ryan understood his concern and nodded in agreement.

Jay, who was busy greeting relatives and friends, spotted Natalie. Excusing himself, he walked over to her.

"Natalie," he called, his voice laced with a warning.

She turned to look at him, her gaze indifferent.

Jay stood facing her. His expressions anything but gentle. "Make sure not to cause any trouble today. Father isn’t well, and I don’t want our family embarrassed in front of everyone."

She stared at him, her heart feeling numb. This man hadn’t even bothered to ask how she was and he wasn’t even aware of what she’d been through the night she was drugged. To him, she was always the troublemaker.

Did he ever think of me as his daughter, at least once?

beloved younger daughter. I’m certain she’s cooking up some plan to embarrass our

’our family’, but as long as Albert was

"You always blame Briena for your mistakes, just because she tolerates you. When will you grow up? She may be younger,

interrupted, her expression icy, though

gritted his

him, "so please excuse me." She turned and walked

could only frown angrily as he watched

both almost tempted to smack him, but they held back out

Natalie, are you alright?"

pulled out for her. "I was just wondering if my mother was truly as smart as everyone

and John remained silent, unsure of

was hurting, but more than that, she was disappointed in

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location designated for the meeting. Outside the city, midway along the road, a fleet

of Justin’s vehicle, while others flanked it from the rear, positioning his car securely in the center. It looked like the powerful convoy of a dignitary heading to a

area outside the city—a factory that was deserted and ominous in the dark. The convoy stopped in the open grounds of the factory, which was

and took their positions, but Justin remained seated inside his sleek

like Justin’s side, the

sat calmly, glancing at a photo on his phone—Natalie, dressed

inwardly. When will she dress up just for me, to

here,"

slipping his phone back into his suit pocket. Straightening his jacket, he stepped out of the car with a calm confidence. Despite all the imposing men around him, Justin stood out distinctly—a man with an aura of power that could

across from Justin’s entourage opened, and a man in a

into dead silence as

tall, with the same build and aura of authority, making him appear like a xerox copy of their boss. They couldn’t help but exchange shocked glances between