Married To My Billionaire Stepbrother

Chapter 197: Am I Being So Cruel?

Briena returned home after spending time with Ivan, where the Ford family was eagerly waiting for her.

"My dear daughter," Clara said warmly as Briena walked in.

With a triumphant smile, Briena hurried over to her mother, who pulled her into a hug. "I am so proud of you. From the moment you were born, I knew you were destined to make our family proud."

"Thank you, Mom," Briena replied, her voice filled with pride.

Her father, Jay, approached and embraced her in a warm, fatherly hug. "You truly are the pride of this family."

"Thank you, Dad."

Briena then looked toward her grandmother, Sephina, her expression softening apologetically. "I’m sorry, Grandma, for leaving without telling you, but..."

"As long as everything turned out well, that’s what matters," Sephina said, patting her head gently. "I’m proud of you. You always justify my faith in you. I knew you were the true phoenix of this family, the one who would bring us pride and success."

"Thank you, Grandma."

Sephina nodded and asked, "Did you read the contract before signing?"

Briena was momentarily taken aback but replied, "It was the same version they gave us to review with the legal team." She felt confident, reasoning that such a reputable company would have no reason to deceive her. "And they’ve already transferred half of my agreed fee."

"Already?" Clara asked, as Briena showed her the confirmation on her phone.

Clara’s eyes widened, and she gasped. "If that’s only half, then the full amount... You’re going to be one of the wealthiest celebrities."

I’ll be

with them?" Sephina

actors cast in different roles and begin script readings..." Briena continued, "They’re eager to start filming since this is their biggest

you," Clara assured her. "Focus entirely on this movie. Any other engagements can

----

At Natalie’s home.

on some clothes, his slightly damp

the sight—he looked effortlessly enticing, his casual clothes and unruly hair adding

this man could

but

gaze. "If you’re not planning to have me for dinner, we’d better start. Otherwise, we might

back to reality, clearing her throat as she began uncovering the dishes and serving them. Justin,

refraining from further teasing, letting her enjoy the meal in

Natalie moved toward the sink to wash the dishes, but Justin stopped her. "You don’t have to do that. I’ve hired a caretaker for these things. No need to tire yourself out with...

has an outcome," Natalie muttered with a small frown as she set the dishes in

"Maybe you’d prefer to do something more productive...

still have work to do. That movie project—we need to go over some things since you’re the investor." She quickly made her way out

the living room, where she handed him a file and sat on the sofa next to him. He accepted it and began flipping through

me reviewing the... erotic content right now?" Justin asked with a smirk, glancing up from the pages. "I’m not sure about your sister, but this might get you into trouble with me.

taking it back from him. "Why did you go straight to that part? There’s plenty

guy like me can only spot the bad parts," he countered, grinning. "The only good thing I

keep her composure. "How

much," he

’nothing at