Married To My Billionaire Stepbrother

Chapter 358: Stubborn Couple

After attending the funeral, James once again went to see Caryn. After all, if he had come all the way from Bayford to the Imperial City, how could he possibly return without seeing her?

This time, the security guard didn’t even bother asking who the guest was and immediately allowed the familiar luxury car through the villa gates.

Eric, already informed about James’s arrival, stood ready to welcome him. James offered him a light nod and walked straight upstairs, adjusting his fresh mask.

Eric didn’t even get a chance to walk ahead and inform Caryn first.

Meanwhile, in the car, the driver was grumbling again about why they had to repeat the same sterilization process before coming there.

"Who exactly lives here?" the driver asked Lucas once more, clearly frustrated.

"Maybe... our lady," Lucas replied casually.

The driver blinked in shock, his mind racing. This can’t be... James Harper never liked any woman.

"Shut your mouth," Lucas warned sharply. "And keep your curiosity in check. Or the next thing you’ll know, you’re no longer Mr. Harper’s driver."

Inside the house, James opened the door quietly and saw Caryn sitting in her chair, enjoying the mild sunlight streaming through the window. A book was in her hand, and reading glasses perched on her small nose as she was deeply engrossed in reading.

"Don’t disturb me, Eric," she said, not even glancing up to see who had entered.

Standing by the door with his both hands tucked in the pant’s pockets, James silently took in the sight. It was a view he used to cherish—watching her lost in a book. She had always loved reading. There wasn’t a book she hadn’t read.

When she didn’t hear a response from Eric, Caryn finally turned her head toward the door.

Her breath caught in her throat, and whatever she had been about to say instantly died on her lips when her eyes met his.

"You look entirely fine even after kissing me," James commented, a smirk playing on his lips. "Seems like even after all these years, you’re still too used to me to catch any infections from me."

"Have some shame, you old man," Caryn spat back, glaring at him. "And get your facts straight. You were the one who kissed me. I didn’t—"

"What does it matter when it was both of our mouths doing the deed with the same passion?" he remarked shamelessly.

If anyone—who had only ever seen James as cold and aloof—witnessed him now, they would be shocked out of their minds to see him flirting like this, even at his age.

Caryn slammed her book shut, her gaze sharp and angry. "You forced that on me. If I could, I wouldn’t even want to see you, let alone let you touch me!"

But James remained unaffected, strolling casually toward her.

Caryn immediately sensed his wicked intentions and was about to rise from her chair, but before she could, a gentle yet firm push on her shoulder pressed her back down, and his strong arms rested on either side of the chair’s armrests, leaning in close—forcing her to face him.

"James, you better behave, or—"

"Or what?" he interrupted, his eyes darkening. "Run away from me like you did in the past over some stupid misunderstanding?"

wasn’t a misunderstanding—" she

yourself that clearly," he countered, his voice

away, refusing to meet

flatly. "One thing’s for sure—this time, you’re not going anywhere. Whether you like it or not, I’m taking you and

tired to keep arguing. She knew she wasn’t the only stubborn one in

his voice softened,

can use that time to tell Natalie about us—and figure things out. But when I’m back, all I want to see is you,

breath to calm herself before replying, "I’m going to Belvorn. I have important matters

allowed, "but don’t

James. I’ve

stubborn—because no one was there to stop you," he said smoothly. "But don’t

back to him. "And you think you’re any

I were someone like Jay

of that name, Caryn had

casually. "Once I’m back,

Caryn mumbled, trying to sound indifferent. "Now move back. You’re

chin and placed a light peck on her lips, even though

risk your weak immunity. I can wait till you get better,"

shoved his hand away. "Now

like in the past — filled

when the door clicked shut behind him did her calm expression shift

Belvorn can keep me away from him, she thought

and watched James’s car leave the

moments, Eric

for me to leave for Belvorn,"

for the arrangements," Eric

questioning look. She hadn’t even instructed

shrugged. "Mr. Harper arranged for one of his private jets for you. Saved us the trouble

we so poor now that we

don’t use it, you’re not allowed to go

his dog?" Caryn snapped, glaring at

things are going, I’m sure you two will own me together

leave!" she shouted, frustrated. "That scoundrel is

smile lingered on his lips, amused by how

-----

At Ford Mansion

evening, and Sephina hadn’t left her room.

clash with that old man? Why is she being so emotional now that he’s gone?" Briena asked. "She should be celebrating — now that no

be good to her husband until Caryn showed up," Clara replied with a smirk. "Let

hands on Ford Group. Who knows, she might even hand over all her shares to

Mom," Briena sneered. "But I still wonder what was in that brown envelope Natalie brought here. I want to

Jay arrived downstairs after checking