Married To My Billionaire Stepbrother

Chapter 268: Shocking News

Caryn had been watching the final round of the competition on the TV screen until the very end. Once it was over, her mind fixated on Natalie’s description of her perfume and how she spoke of her husband as the most important person in her life.

Frown lines appeared on Caryn’s forehead as she muttered, "Giving this much importance to a man is nothing but the biggest mistake any woman can make, and my daughter seems to be walking the same path—the path I despise the most."

Eric, who had also been in the room watching the competition, heard her and turned to look at her. "Which man do you regret having? James Harper or Jay Ford?"

Caryn turned sharply to glare at him, her eyes piercing like daggers.

Eric cleared his throat awkwardly. "Well... Jay Ford was never a man in your eyes, so James Harper... maybe?"

She clenched her teeth, her patience clearly thinning. "If you’re that free, get me every bit of information about Natalie’s husband. With age, you’re turning useless, Eric and don’t prove me right on this."

Eric simply hummed and kept quiet. He didn’t know how to tell her who Natalie’s husband really was. Aiden’s twin brother? And how did all of this even happen? How would she react when she found out it was Aiden who orchestrated everything without even letting Caryn know?

As Eric was processing it all, he didn’t realize he himself was still in the dark about the full truth. He only knew Natalie’s husband as Aiden Shaw’s twin. But if Eric knew the man was actually James Harper’s son, he would have probably fainted from shock—especially knowing Caryn’s past with James Harper.

"Eric," Caryn called for him, her voice calmer this time.

"Yes?" the man replied.

"You still don’t know where Aiden has gone?" she asked.

Eric sighed helplessly and shook his head. "Trust me, I truly don’t know."

Caryn drew in a deep breath and closed her eyes. "Eric, I have a really bad feeling about this. Whenever I feel this way, something terrible always happens. Do something and find out where Aiden is."

"I’m already trying, but..." he sighed again, frustration lacing his voice, "He’s blocked all my ways of reaching him."

Caryn clenched her fists, the veins on her frail hands visible beneath the thin layer of skin. "Once he’s back... I’m going to disown him for real this time."

Eric could only hum in response, his own expression turning deeply worried.

—---

The black luxury car entered the gates of the grand villa. Natalie had fallen asleep in Justin’s arms. The driver opened the door, and without waking her up, Justin carried her straight into the villa.

Reaching the bedroom, he gently placed her on the bed. He removed her sandals and covered her with the sheets. Sitting at the edge of the bed, he adjusted the pillow under her head and carefully brushed her messy hair away from her face.

Smiling lightly as he looked at her peaceful expression, he thought, ’She drains all her energy facing her enemies and then comes home like this.’ Leaning down, he gently pecked her forehead.

Just as he was about to move back, a hand tugged at his tie, stopping him in place. Surprised, he looked down at the hand gripping his tie and then at the face of the culprit. Natalie’s sleepy eyes were now open, gazing at him.

Justin raised a brow, only to notice her eyes drifting toward his lips.

the character. Last time she was acting cute

was

to feel her hands move to wrap around his neck, pulling him into a

kiss lingered, long and intense. When they finally pulled

how to breathe in between?" he teased, his gaze lingering on

back at him. Despite her heavy breathing, her gaze remained fixed

and whispered against her parted lips,

in Justin’s gaze and

his thumb over her swollen red lips. "You skipped lunch because of the competition. Rest here until lunch is

from the bed. She inhaled deeply to

been waiting for him, informed him, "Mr. Harper, our people have found leads on Aiden

"Where are they?"

"It seems the enemies sent another group to harm Ms. Natalie and her mother, and Aiden Shaw intends to deal with them before they get

reckless move," Justin frowned. "But it seems he’s lost his patience and wants to know who’s behind all

so. There’s no other explanation," Noah

them," Justin ordered, "and arrange for me to leave there

"Yes, Mr. Harper."

for a quiet meal. Natalie noticed that Justin seemed preoccupied, though he didn’t

alright?" she

hummed in response and added more food to her plate. "I might have to

expression on his face, she asked,

but I have to make a visit," he replied,

him for answers and instead said

You’re not allowed to go

Her expression immediately soured.

It’s not safe," he added. "If you

only nod and obey, understanding he was

doctor will visit you. Follow

about

over and they entered the drawing room together, Justin received a message from Noah. His

Noah’s number. "What do you mean?"

been shot and is seriously injured," Noah

moment, probably shocked to hear it and said,

on the sofa in the drawing room, her gaze fixed on him

his expression

watching him as he walked away. Her mind couldn’t shake the feeling that

ears. She looked outside through the tall glass walls

garden, she could see the helipad. Natalie realized that