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.

sleepy, she would act out of the character. Last time she was acting

at his tie gently, pulling his face closer, only to kiss him. Justin was surprised, but at the

move to wrap around his neck, pulling him into a deeper kiss. Having no other option, he shifted entirely onto

tongue sought him desperately, demanding more, and Justin kissed her with equal passion. The kiss lingered,

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

her heavy breathing, her gaze remained

caressed her cheek and whispered against her parted lips, "Don’t tempt me when you are not ready to bear the

in Justin’s gaze and tone, quickly averting

over her swollen red lips. "You skipped lunch because of

inhaled deeply to calm

stepped out of the room. Once he reached his study, Noah, who had been waiting for him, informed him, "Mr. Harper, our people have found leads on Aiden Shaw

"Where are they?"

Dark Shadows," Noah reported. "It seems the enemies sent another group to harm Ms. Natalie and her mother, and Aiden Shaw

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

so. There’s no

people help them," Justin ordered, "and arrange for me

"Yes, Mr. Harper."

lunch was ready. Natalie and Justin sat together for a quiet meal. Natalie noticed that Justin seemed preoccupied, though he didn’t

everything alright?" she

might have to leave for somewhere, and I’ll be

the serious expression on his face, she asked,

have to make a visit," he replied, offering no further

for answers and instead

not allowed to go out

Her expression immediately soured.

out for the time being. It’s not safe," he added. "If you want, you can allow trusted office staff to

and obey, understanding he was doing this for her own

doctor will visit you. Follow their instructions,"

Don’t worry about me," she

together, Justin received a message from Noah. His expression changed

do

Shaw has been shot and is seriously injured," Noah

moment, probably shocked to hear it and said, "We’re

drawing room, her gaze fixed on him as if she had already sensed something was

said, his expression unusually serious. He

mind couldn’t shake the feeling that

distant sound of a chopper reached her ears. She looked outside through the tall glass walls of the drawing room,

the helipad. Natalie