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.

mother turned to Natalie with a

"It’s good to see you after so long." She greeted Mr. Wilson as well,

friendship. In fact, they treated Natalie with warmth and respect, much like a second daughter,

isn’t here?" she teased, referring to her grandmother with

she did ask us to pass on her

someone else here you might

in curiosity, only to see a man stepping into view. Her eyes widened, and

caught her effortlessly, steadying her. "Be careful," he said softly, his voice carrying a gentle warning. "It wouldn’t

in a tight hug. "I just want to hug

Morris was tall, with perfectly styled blond hair, sharp and refined features, and an air of nobility about him.

he patted her head fondly. "You’ve finally achieved

Mia said,

he greeted her with a warm smile. "How have you

replied politely. "It’s good to see you

of them exchanged a few words before Mia turned

parents nodded in understanding, while Mia leaned closer to whisper something to her brother. Morris looked surprised, his eyes darting between Mia and

look after our parents if the need arises," Mia added with

shaking his head,

women left, Mia’s mother turned to her son,

of you both," Morris replied with a faint smile. "Now, let’s have a

Wilson family moved to the main part of the hall, where a crowd of guests eagerly surrounded them, all

eager to capture the gathering of well-known figures under one roof. With Natalie Ford’s presence, the reporters were particularly excited—her name alone guaranteed a potential scoop. They waited

alongside Victor and Silvia, all poised and confident. Mia addressed the audience, explaining the theme of

low as he whispered, "Where did

at him, replying in an equally quiet tone, "At least not to a

frowned. "Would it hurt to

that before showing up at my home uninvited," Natalie shot

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

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

meanwhile, maintained her professional composure, refusing to let