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—"

clearly,"

to meet his gaze. "I

I don’t care what you think," he replied flatly. "One thing’s for sure—this time, you’re

tired to keep arguing. She knew she

his voice softened, calm but

for some important business. You can use that time to tell Natalie about us—and figure

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

can go," he allowed, "but don’t

life, James. I’ve never liked

to stop you," he said smoothly. "But don’t worry. Now that

turned her sharp gaze back to him.

am — and that’s what makes me perfect for you," James replied, smirking. "If I were someone like Jay Ford, you would’ve dumped me somewhere and never even

Caryn had nothing to say. She knew

continued casually. "Once I’m back, I’ll bring her here

to sound indifferent. "Now move

placed a light peck on her lips,

risk your weak immunity. I

immediately shoved his hand

so helpless in front of him — like in the past — filled James with a dark satisfaction. With a final smirk,

as James left the room. Only when the door clicked shut behind him did her calm expression

Belvorn can keep me away

walked to the window and watched James’s car leave the villa. The moment he was gone, she

Eric

for me to leave for

for the arrangements," Eric said

frowned and gave him a questioning look. She hadn’t even instructed him

for one of his private jets for you. Saved us the trouble of hiring one. We

"Are we so poor now that we need his help? I own a company

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

his dog?" Caryn snapped, glaring at

things are going, I’m sure you

she shouted, frustrated. "That scoundrel is turning

smile lingered on his lips, amused by

-----

At Ford Mansion

was evening, and Sephina hadn’t left her room. She hadn’t even

Briena asked. "She should

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

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

what was

then, Jay arrived downstairs after checking on