Married To My Billionaire Stepbrother

Chapter 229: It’s Stollen

The next day, a grand perfume launch event was held in the event hall of one of the city’s most luxurious hotels. Mia was busy overseeing the final preparations, her energy reflecting the importance of the occasion. The perfume was the debut product of her newly founded cosmetics company, and invitations had been sent to influential figures from various walks of life.

Each guest had their own reasons for attending. For some, it was the allure of Mia’s Wilson family background. Others were drawn by the involvement of Victor and Silvia as the brand ambassadors. Recent controversies surrounding the perfume launch and Natalie Ford’s involvement only added to the intrigue.

But the most compelling reason was the connection to NextEra, the major investor in Mia’s company. Many guests hoped to capitalize on the opportunity to network with someone from NextEra, with the faint hope that the elusive CEO might make an appearance—though such chances were slim.

Natalie arrived just before the event was about to begin. Without delay, she headed straight to Mia, who was busy instructing staff. Natalie’s entrance turned heads. She was dressed sharply in a stylish white shirt and trousers, topped with a bottle-green jacket and complemented by chic sneakers. Her outfit radiated effortless confidence.

"Mia," Natalie called with a smile, approaching her.

"Oh, look! My VIP guest has finally arrived," Mia teased playfully as she turned toward Natalie.

"You’re early," Mia said with mock sarcasm. "A little more delay and you’d have missed the whole event."

"You should be grateful I made it here at all," Natalie quipped in response.

"Let me guess, your husband didn’t want you to leave?" Mia chuckled, her tone mischievous.

"You could say that," Natalie replied, her mind drifting back to the scene from an hour ago when Justin had been adamantly against her attending the event.

"You’re still not fully recovered, and going to an event will only exhaust you...Although I’m allowing you to go, make sure not to stand for too long—or I’ll have Ryan follow you with a chair in his hands... And forget the heels. I’ve already arranged comfortable sneakers that match your outfit.... And don’t forget to come straight home after the event and rest..."

Justin’s nagging voice was still echoing in Natalie’s ears.

Her thoughts were interrupted when Mia’s parents arrived, their presence lighting up the room.

"Mom! Dad!" Mia cheered, hurrying to greet them.

The middle-aged couple, Mr. and Mrs. Wilson, smiled warmly at their daughter. "That’s quite the grand arrangement for your company’s first event," her mother commented proudly, glancing at her husband, who nodded in agreement.

"Well, you should know your daughter managed to bring in NextEra as an investor," Mia bragged with a playful grin.

Her parents exchanged knowing looks. Having NextEra involved in any company was a significant achievement that commanded admiration. They were clearly proud.

with a kind smile. "How have you been,

so long." She greeted Mr. Wilson

never objected to their friendship. In fact, they treated Natalie with warmth and respect, much like a

parents. "Mrs. Hitler isn’t here?" she teased, referring to her grandmother with a mischievous

feeling well," Mia’s mother explained. "But she did ask us to pass on her regards. She’s happy for

"there’s someone else here you might want

view. Her eyes widened, and she nearly ran toward

caught her effortlessly, steadying her. "Be careful," he said softly, his voice carrying a gentle warning. "It wouldn’t look good if the CEO of

him in a

tall, with perfectly styled blond hair, sharp and refined features, and an air of nobility

Mia finally let go of him, he patted her head fondly. "You’ve finally achieved what you’ve been fighting for. I’m

Mia said, beaming

her with a warm smile. "How have you been,

Natalie replied politely. "It’s good to

exchanged a few words before Mia

to whisper something to her brother. Morris looked surprised, his eyes darting between Mia

parents if the need

sighed lightly, shaking his head,

turned to

care of you both," Morris replied with

a crowd of guests eagerly

to capture the gathering of well-known figures under one roof. With Natalie Ford’s presence, the reporters

all poised and confident. Mia addressed the audience, explaining

to Natalie, his voice low as he whispered, "Where did that

look at him, replying in an

"Would it hurt to give

before showing up at

to doing things my way," he retorted. "I didn’t know you’d change so much after getting a

she replied, her tone sharp as she gritted her teeth. "Now stop talking and focus on

Natalie, meanwhile, maintained her professional composure, refusing to let the