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.

to chase, and they’re still here. Seems like they haven’t

her usual

calmly and stepped out of the

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

to be late," she replied with a polite smile. "You might want to check your phones," she added, then walked

phones—finding a piece of explosive news—and immediately rushed toward the hotel where Briena

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

disgusting woman, Lily. Justin was the smartest of all; he’d never fall for such a cheap trick.

Justin had been an ordinary person? What if

Ford, that day you

the Harper Group’s head office, the entire

branch. On behalf of all the employees, I welcome you as our new leader." He

you so much for the warm welcome. I look forward to working with all of you and taking the Harper Group forward

speech as

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

was decorated with dozens of flower bouquets, sent by prominent figures and businesspeople from across the

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

a pencil skirt, paired with black heels. Her hair was tucked neatly at the back of her head in a sleek hairstyle, giving

you, Avery," Natalie

door with its own personal reception area outside.

door had

Natalie Harper

– Harper

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

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

name that was truly hers. Harper. A name that reflected her bloodline, her

was not

eyes—a sleek work desk positioned before a tall glass wall, a white leather sofa paired with a

Outside, Ryan and John stood guard, continuing their

began briefing her on

board members in an hour. Then we have

walked her through the packed agenda, slowly realizing—her life was about to get hella

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hotel where Briena was

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 up at the Ford Group to

"It’s all

Don’t worry—I’ll take revenge for you soon. If she’s

Ana rushed in. "There’s news spreading about Briena staying in this hotel. Reporters will be

Clara said quickly, and they began to prepare

the parking lot, reporters

did they even get in

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

covered most of her face. She nodded at

here? Are you ashamed of the role you

in the movie? What made you take on such