Married To My Billionaire Stepbrother

Chapter 384: My Career Is Ruined

It was Natalie’s first day at the Harper Group as the new CEO—the Global CEO who would be overseeing the entire Ford Group across the world. It was the highest position, one that commanded respect from everyone in the business world.

As she was getting ready to leave home, she asked, feeling a little nervous about her role, "Justin, you’re coming with me on my first day, right?"

Justin walked over and gently caressed her cheek. "It’s a special day for you, and everyone in the company should focus solely on you, without any distractions. If I come with you, they’ll recognize me as Justin Harper and might think I should be the one leading. They won’t give you the importance you deserve. The first day is when you set your image—and you need to show authority over everyone. Just being James Harper’s daughter or Aiden Handrix’s wife isn’t enough. Understood?"

She nodded. "I still feel like I snatched away what belonged to you."

"It never did," he replied calmly. "If your father had known about your existence earlier, everything would’ve belonged to you long ago. I was just a substitute—holding things together until you showed up."

Natalie hugged him. "I feel like I’ve never really done anything for you. I’m always the one receiving. I wish I could do something for you."

"You can," he said.

She lifted her head and looked at him, hoping he’d finally ask something—something real. "What?"

"You can continue to satisfy me every night. Only you can do that," he said, a mischievous smile on his lips.

She chuckled softly. "Alright."

"You shouldn’t be late on your first day," Justin added, slipping out of his playful mood.

Natalie hummed and asked, "Now that everyone knows you’re Aiden Handrix, how long are you going to keep working from home? As far as I know, NextEra already built one of its head offices here in Imperial City."

Justin nodded. "It won’t be long."

"By the way, where is the main head office of NextEra?" she asked.

"In the Eastern country," he replied.

"How did you end up there?" Natalie asked, shocked. "Of all the places in the world, you had to start your business from there?"

"Maybe my roots belonged there, so I was led by destiny," he answered.

"I’ve heard it’s a dangerous country—full of mafias," she said worriedly. "When I was in Xyros, I heard the most dangerous mafia family came from an Eastern country. They rule over the underworld. Even the Castellos don’t mess with them."

"Would you be scared if I told you... the family I said I belonged to is the one you’re talking about?" Justin asked.

Her eyes widened. "You mean...?"

He nodded. "And I’m going back there soon. But I’ll make sure you’re protected here, even when I’m away."

"You don’t have to worry about me," she said softly. "Just take care of yourself and return to me unharmed. Who knows... I might just show up there and be your strength. I’m not scared of mafias."

"You’re already my strength," he murmured, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. "Now go. We’ll talk more when you’re back."

She hummed in response and left. As usual, John and Ryan followed her as her bodyguards.

When Natalie reached the Harper Group’s head office, reporters were already swarming outside.

distraction for them to chase,

usual hotel,"

calmly and stepped out of

back by security, called out to her. "Ms. Natalie, please answer our

want to be late," she replied with

them instantly checked their phones—finding a piece of explosive news—and immediately rushed toward the

from the precious fame you’ve always craved. You should thank me for letting you experience it so soon.Her expression then turned serious. The biggest mistake

evening clearly—when Briena had planned to drug Justin and make him sleep with that disgusting woman, Lily. Justin was the smartest of all; he’d never fall for such a

Justin had been an ordinary person? What if he had fallen into that

her fists. Briena Ford, that

grand reception area of the Harper Group’s head office, the entire staff—from the higher-ups to the lower-level

a sharp suit stepped forward. "Ms. Natalie, I’m Silvas Grant, the head of this branch. On behalf of all the employees, I welcome you as our new

much for the

but powerful speech as

top floor—an entire level dedicated solely to the CEO’s office. As she stepped out, she couldn’t help but think, Being the wealthiest business

of flower bouquets, sent by prominent figures and businesspeople from across the

late twenties approached Natalie. "Ms. Natalie, I’m

wore a white shirt and a pencil skirt, paired with black heels. Her hair was tucked neatly at the back of her head

you, Avery," Natalie

guide you to your office." Avery led the way toward a grand door with its own personal reception area outside. Natalie

had

Natalie Harper

CEO –

name—Natalie Harper—filled Natalie with unexpected emotion. For the longest time, she had been a woman without a last name. After the truth came out that she wasn’t really a Ford, she hadn’t used her mother’s last name, Shaw, either. To assert her identity, she went simply by Natalie, until Justin declared himself as Aiden Handrix and called her

a title tied to her husband—a name that, while

was truly hers. Harper. A name

was not a

glass wall, a white leather sofa paired with a crystal center table,

the chair behind her desk. Outside, Ryan and John stood guard, continuing their duty as

Avery began briefing her on the day’s

all the board members in an hour. Then we have a press conference, which Mr. James Harper will accompany you

packed agenda,

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was staying, Clara arrived to console her

very angry, and it’s better if you stay here for a while," Clara said. "Once she calms down, I’ll figure something out. For now, you can’t even show

Briena cried, "It’s

you soon. If she’s disturbed our peace,

Briena staying in

quickly, and they

as they reached the parking

in here?" Ana said

the situation. Seeing no escape, she said, "Briena, stay calm and act normal. If you look guilty, they’ll exploit it even more. Act like you did exactly what

dark-tinted sunglasses that covered most of her face. She nodded at

why are you hiding here? Are you ashamed of the role

are your thoughts on your role in the movie? What made you take on