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.

temple. "I created a distraction for them to chase, and

at her usual hotel,"

ordered calmly and stepped out

back by security, called out to her.

day in the office, and I don’t want to be late," she replied with a polite smile. "You might want to check your

piece of explosive news—and immediately rushed toward the hotel where Briena was

as she stepped into the office building. My dear Briena, you can’t hide from the precious fame you’ve always craved. You should thank me for letting you

planned to drug Justin and make him sleep with that disgusting woman, Lily. Justin

an ordinary person? What if he

that day

the Harper Group’s head office, the entire staff—from the

stepped forward. "Ms. Natalie, I’m Silvas Grant, the head of this branch. On behalf

accepted it with a smile and passed it to Joan, her assistant. She looked around and spoke confidently, "Thank you so much

short but powerful speech as she

to the CEO’s office. As she stepped out, she couldn’t help but think, Being

with dozens of flower bouquets, sent by prominent figures and businesspeople from

in her late twenties approached Natalie. "Ms. Natalie, I’m Avery, your personal assistant.

tucked neatly at the back of her head in a sleek hairstyle, giving her an elegant

you, Avery,"

me guide you to your office." Avery led the way toward a grand door with its own personal reception area outside. Natalie immediately understood—this was where

had a distinguished

Natalie Harper

CEO –

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

to her husband—a name that, while precious, didn’t speak

name that was truly hers. Harper.

was not

her grand, luxurious office. A sophisticated décor in gray and white greeted her eyes—a sleek work desk positioned before a tall glass wall, a white leather sofa paired with a crystal center table, a few expensive

the chair behind her desk. Outside, Ryan and

her

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

Avery walked her through the packed agenda, slowly realizing—her life

----

where Briena was staying, Clara arrived to console her

grandma is very angry, and it’s better if you stay here for a while," Clara said. "Once she calms down, I’ll

cried, "It’s all

for you soon. If she’s disturbed our peace, I won’t let her

about Briena staying in this hotel. Reporters will be here any

to leave," Clara said quickly, and they began to

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

covered most of her face. She nodded at her

you hiding here? Are you ashamed of

in the movie? What made you take on such bold scenes in