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?"

a

ask yourself that clearly," he countered,

turned her face away, refusing to meet his gaze.

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

eyes in frustration, too tired to keep arguing. She knew she wasn’t the only stubborn

his voice softened,

us—and figure things out. But when I’m

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

go," he allowed, "but don’t even think about staying there

get to dictate my life, James. I’ve never liked anyone trying

stubborn—because no one was there to stop you," he said smoothly. "But don’t worry. Now that I’m here, I’ll make sure to

her sharp gaze back to him. "And you think

— and that’s what makes me perfect for you," James replied, smirking. "If I were someone like Jay Ford, you would’ve

mention of that name, Caryn had nothing to

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

to sound indifferent. "Now move

her chin and placed a light peck

your weak immunity. I can wait till you

his hand away.

of him — like in the past — filled James with a dark satisfaction. With a final smirk, he straightened. "See

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

going to Belvorn can keep me away from him, she thought

window and watched James’s car leave the villa. The moment he was

Eric

to leave for Belvorn,"

the arrangements," Eric

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

Eric shrugged. "Mr. Harper arranged for one of his private jets for you. Saved us the trouble of hiring one. We can leave whenever

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

you’re not allowed to go anywhere,"

now you’ve become his dog?" Caryn snapped, glaring at

I’m sure you two will own me together

"That scoundrel is turning my people against me now.

walked out, a light smile lingered on his lips, amused by how riled up she was — because

-----

At Ford Mansion

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

didn’t Grandma always 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 one will oppose her, and she has

showed up," Clara replied with

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

was in that brown envelope Natalie brought here. I want to

downstairs after checking