Married To My Billionaire Stepbrother

Chapter 261: Arrival Of A Friend

Holding her firmly in his arms, Justin continued to kiss her, making her feel comfortable in his embrace. Natalie struggled briefly, but slowly she began to melt, her mind focusing solely on the kiss.

After a long while, when they finally stopped, Natalie was left breathless, panting heavily as she let her face rest in the crook of his neck, her eyes closed.

Justin gently caressed her hair with one hand, while the other remained wrapped around her, holding her steady. "Anger isn’t good for your recovery. You need to stay calm and talk things through," he said softly.

Natalie stayed silent, her breathing slowly evening out, until she heard his voice again. "Are you calm now? Shall we talk?"

"Hmm," she responded quietly. By now, she understood why he had kissed her and couldn’t help but feel like she was being coaxed like a child.

Justin began to explain. "There are people trying to harm you. That’s why I don’t want you staying out for too long until we’ve identified them and their purpose."

Natalie reacted, raising her head to look at him. "Trying to harm me?"

He hummed, meeting her gaze. "And they’re dangerous people, not random thugs."

"Why would someone want to harm me?" she asked, her brows furrowed. "Is it my family again?"

"The people hired are from Dark Shadows. You must have heard about them when you were in Xyros," Justin replied.

Natalie nodded thoughtfully and said, "The Fords aren’t bold enough to hire them. Their actions are limited to cheap tricks—like sending me to dangerous places and hoping I die there on my own."

Justin hummed, feeling bad for her past. The Fords had sent her to a place like Xyros when she was so young and naive. If not for Caryn Ford asking the Castelo family to protect her daughter, and if not for Vincent, what might have happened to her?

At that time, Justin wasn’t even aware of her existence—the woman he would one day fall for had been in such a dangerous situation.

"You have to stay home and can’t go out unless I approve that things are safe," Justin said firmly. Before she could protest, he added, "And it’s just for a few days, until I find out who they are. After that, you’ll be free to go wherever you want."

Natalie nodded reluctantly. "But I need to prepare for the next round."

by then I’ll make the arrangements for you to go, once I’m sure everything

can go?" she asked

hummed in agreement. "Just need some time

finally smiled lightly. "Thank

that she had enough security personnel around her, with Ryan and John instructed to stay with

of Aiden Shaw, Justin also made sure his people were protecting

-----

was another round of the competition, broadcast live just like the

out of five participants, three advanced

points, while Briena came in

couldn’t stop sulking. "Mom, that bitch scored the highest! What if she wins the

was unfazed. "Just wait until tomorrow. She’ll see her past being repeated in front of her

time?" Briena asked, her eyes

with a sinister smile. "Your grandma already has

----

same schedule. She returned home after the competition, had lunch with Justin, and then went to Mia’s

Natalie entered Mia’s office, she noticed someone familiar

making the woman turn

similar in age to them, wore casually stylish clothes. Her long auburn wavy hair framed a small, beautiful

smile. She walked over to Natalie

hugging her back, showing her happiness

school. After graduating, they had gone their separate ways and hadn’t

Cathy," Natalie said as they finally

set my career—just like any child from a middle-class family would do," Cathy replied leaving an exasperated sigh. "But now I’ve returned, and I want to work

she stood up. The three of them moved to the

Cathy commented, pride shining in her