Married To My Billionaire Stepbrother

Chapter 356: Last Wish

Natalie continued to sit in the waiting room, waiting for Albert to wake up so she could finally see him. Yesterday, when he had called her, she had sensed something was off, but she had believed his words when he said he was fine. Now, she deeply regretted not visiting him that very day.

Justin sat quietly by her side, having canceled all his meetings for the day. Natalie hadn’t eaten anything for hours, so he arranged a quick meal for her and gently urged her to eat, even though she clearly wasn’t in the mood.

Hours passed, and it was now noon.

Finally, the nurse approached them. "Mr. Ford is awake. Only two people are allowed to visit at a time."

Sephina, who had been unusually quiet until now, immediately stood up at the news. Natalie wanted to rush to Albert, but knowing that Sephina was his wife, she held herself back—it was only right for her to go first. Jay accompanied Sephina into the room.

Natalie stood outside Albert’s room, anxiously waiting for her turn, her expression a mix of worry and impatience.

"Calm down. You’ll see him soon," Justin whispered softly to her.

She took a deep breath and nodded.

"I’ll get you some water," Justin added gently before walking away.

As soon as he was out of sight, Clara and Briena took their chance to approach Natalie with sneers on their faces.

"Natalie, you’re not even family. What makes you think you can see Father before us?" Clara said sharply, glaring as she noticed Natalie wasn’t about to let them pass.

Natalie wasn’t in the mood to argue and chose to remain silent.

"Natalie, move aside already and don’t crowd us in our own family matters," Briena added in a mocking tone. "Just go back where you belong."

Natalie didn’t say a word, though her fingers clenched tightly, trying

voice broke

and stop annoying my wife," Justin warned icily as he returned. "Or I know how to

ran down Clara and Briena’s spines at his sharp

not even blood-related, and she

eyes locked on Clara’s. "Your husband, Jay, is only acknowledged by the old woman as her son, but that doesn’t make you a Ford. Especially your daughter—who, if you ask me, might not

as she exclaimed, "What nonsense are you talking about? Briena

shot back, his tone full of mockery. "And I can prove that anytime by throwing your past right in front of

swallowed hard, clearly anxious. "You... You two are such a nuisance," she spat and turned to Briena. "Let’s go from here before he spouts

the meaning behind

what was he saying?" she

to his nonsense. He and Natalie only know how to meddle in our lives," Clara muttered

-----

out of the room, though Sephina was

if she should ask

met her gaze and, before she could speak, said, "He’s awake. He’s talking to Mother. You can go in once

in acknowledgment

later, Sephina finally stepped out. Natalie looked at her, but the older woman walked past

the room, Justin following

as she saw Albert lying in bed, frail and pale. His eyes were closed, his breathing shallow, and the soft beeping of the machines attached to him echoed in the

and as if sensing her presence, Albert slowly

her voice

as he weakly said, "My Natalie... I