Married To My Billionaire Stepbrother novel Chapter 132

Chapter 132: Manipulation

Briena noticed how Ivan’s gaze lingered on Natalie, even after she had walked away. Bitterness surged through her. ’That bitch, she’s trying to seduce Ivan again.’

Briena turned to Ivan. "Seems like she really is on the wrong path, just as my grandma predicted. She’s seducing rich men to get investment for her company."

Her words snapped him out of his trance. He clenched his fists. ’So all of this is just to attract rich men? She never put in this kind of effort for me...’

Briena noticed the effect her words had on Ivan and gently took his hands, caressing them softly to comfort him. "Don’t feel bad, alright? She probably has no other choice."

Ivan looked at Briena, once again seeing the stark contrast between her and Natalie. Natalie seemed like an entirely new person—someone he barely recognized—while Briena was warm and gentle, always understanding.

"I’m really worried about her," Briena said. "How about we go check if she’s in any trouble?" She suggested, though her real intention was to catch Natalie red-handed in front of Ivan if she was doing something inappropriate. If not, at least she would find out who Natalie was meeting dressed like this.

Ivan nodded, curiosity piqued. He also wanted to know who Natalie had come to see.

They headed in the direction of the private rooms of the restaurant and soon crossed paths with the general manager, who had earlier escorted Natalie.

Briena greeted him, and the general manager instantly recognized her since she was a famous pianist. "Ms. Briena, Mr. Ivan," he acknowledged with a polite nod. "How may I assist you?"

"My sister, Natalie—I just saw you take her somewhere. I have something important to tell her. Could you take me to her?" Briena asked, flashing a charming smile.

The general manager, however, remained courteous but firm. "I’m sorry, Ms. Briena, but no one is allowed to disturb our VVIP guest, no matter who it is. I cannot take you there."

"VVIP?" Briena repeated, confused. "My sister isn’t one. So who is the other guest?"

"I’m afraid I can’t disclose that information either," he said professionally. "But I’d be happy to personally escort you to your reserved table. Please let me know where your reservation is."

As the general manager of such a prestigious hotel, he clearly had authority here. Briena and Ivan realized there was no point in arguing and decided to not insist.

"Maybe we will get to see her when she leaves," Briena told Ivan.

"I know you must feel terrible after seeing so many sides of her that we never knew existed," she said softly, her voice gentle and sweet. "But isn’t it better that you found out before it was too late? Imagine if she hadn’t already been married and you two had ended up together. Even after marriage, if she continued to seduce rich men... How hurt would you have been?"

Ivan glanced down at her hand, which was now caressing his. Her touch and her words felt comforting. He lifted his gaze to meet hers and heard her continue. _{freewebnσvel.cøm}

"You don’t deserve to be deceived and hurt, Ivan. You deserve better. You deserve to be loved and respected."

Ivan stared at her wordlessly, his wounded heart seeking solace in her presence. "I’m glad to have you, Briena. I made the right choice by choosing you."

"Likewise," she replied with a warm smile. "Shall we start now? I’m starving."

Ivan couldn’t help but smile at her innocent expression and nodded in agreement.

Briena smirked lightly. ’Good that bitch showed up here today. Now Ivan can truly hate her.’