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.

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

her usual hotel," Ryan informed

Natalie ordered calmly

called out to

late," she replied with a polite smile. "You might want to check

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

precious fame you’ve always craved. You should thank me for letting you experience

had planned to drug Justin and make him sleep with that disgusting woman, Lily. Justin was the smartest of all; he’d

had been an ordinary person?

Ford, that

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

I’m Silvas Grant, the head of this branch. On

much for the warm welcome. I look forward

employees applauded her short but powerful speech

As she stepped

bouquets, sent by prominent figures and businesspeople

Natalie, I’m Avery, your personal assistant.

She wore a white shirt and a pencil skirt, paired with black heels. Her hair was tucked neatly at the back of her head in a sleek hairstyle, giving her an elegant and highly professional appearance—the kind of

Avery," Natalie

way toward a grand door with its own personal reception area outside. Natalie immediately understood—this was where

door had a distinguished

Natalie Harper

– Harper

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

was still a title tied to her husband—a name that, while precious, didn’t speak

last name that was truly hers. Harper. A

not

a white leather sofa paired with a crystal center table, a few expensive art pieces hung with precision on the walls, and minimalistic but tasteful decor completing the

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

briefing her

Then we have a press conference,

the packed agenda, slowly realizing—her life was

----

was staying,

while," Clara said. "Once she calms down, I’ll figure something out. For now, you can’t

cried, "It’s

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

news spreading about Briena staying in this hotel. Reporters will be

quickly, and

as they reached the parking lot,

in here?" Ana

normal. If you look guilty, they’ll exploit it even more. Act like you did exactly

covered most of her face. She nodded

Are you ashamed

the movie? What made you take on such bold