Married To My Billionaire Stepbrother novel Chapter 39

Chapter 39: Natalie’s Home

The black SUV came to a stop in front of the residential building gate in the High Avenue area. The residences here weren’t overly expensive, but they weren’t cheap either.

Natalie had purchased a home for herself a few months ago, having earned enough as a director at Browns. However, she had never had the chance to move in, not wanting to upset her grandfather, who was thrilled to have her back and preferred her to stay with him.

The security guard allowed the car to enter the premises. As soon as Natalie stepped out, a truck arrived, filled with the items she had already ordered to furnish her new home. Spending that boring time in the hospital while selecting things for her home paid off.

"John, I might need your help today," Natalie said, now becoming accustomed to John’s presence. Given her still paining ankle, having him help was not a bad idea when anyways he was going to be around to keep watch on her.

"Of course, Miss Natalie. Just let me know what you need," John replied.

"That’s all the stuff I ordered for my home. You’ll need to help me guide them."

He nodded, and Natalie began instructing the workers while she headed upstairs to her apartment via the elevator.

The moment she entered her new home, she sighed, ’I design homes for others, but my own is nothing more than an empty shell.’

It wasn’t a large apartment, but it had a cozy layout—a living room, two bedrooms, a kitchen, a deck, and some additional useful space.

Within an hour, the once-empty apartment was transformed into a lively, cozy space, thanks to the workers’ efforts in cleaning and arranging the furniture. The essentials were all in place, giving the home a welcoming feel.

After the workers left, Natalie slumped onto the sofa, exhausted. "Thank you so much, John. I should treat you to a meal," she offered.

"There’s no need, Miss Natalie. I’m here to help and protect you," John responded politely.

"No need to be so humble with me, John. Save that for your arrogant boss, Justin Harper," she said with a hint of sarcasm.

John remained silent, knowing better than to engage. No one ever dared to badmouth his boss, but this woman seemed to be an exception. She never missed a chance to curse Justin, and surprisingly, Justin didn’t seem to mind.

Suddenly, John received a notification on his phone. Without a word, he hurried over to the TV and turned it on, not bothering to ask for Natalie’s permission.

"What are you so eager to watch on TV?" Natalie asked, watching John as he flipped through the channels. "Don’t tell me your boss is finally doing a face reveal so the whole world can see that the mysteriously infamous Justin Harper is nothing special—just an arrogant, annoyingly self-centered, and narcissistic son of a wealthy family."

John couldn’t fathom how his boss had managed to offend this woman so deeply when he clearly seemed to care about her. He still remembered the chilling coldness that emanated from Justin when he informed him that Natalie had been attacked, even over the phone.

John finally found the channel where Briena was talking to the reporters. Natalie raised an eyebrow. "These reporters are fast, and my sister can’t wait to dig her own grave."

She grabbed two packets of wafers from the snack basket temporarily placed on the center table and tossed one to John. "Have a seat. Let’s enjoy my sister’s latest acting performance."

John caught the packet and pulled up a chair from the dining table. He sat down but didn’t open the wafer pack.

Natalie frowned at him. "Eating a snack isn’t going to make one of your abs disappear." Then she muttered under her breath, "Fit people and their tantrums. Such disrespect toward a tasty snack."

John awkwardly cleared his throat, unsure whether to feel flattered that she called him fit or offended by the word ’tantrum’. He decided to open the pack anyway and indulge in a cheat day.

’If she ever sees how much Mr. Harper hates junk food, she might launch into another tirade against him. On that day, I’ll definitely take a sick leave rather than witness their arguing.’

"Ms. Briena, please tell us why your sister slapped you," another reporter asked. _{freēwebnovel.com}

In response, Briena remained silent, her demeanor portraying her as the victim.

"What is Mr. Ford’s reaction now to Ms. Natalie’s wedding?" someone else asked.

Briena forced a smile. "Everything is fine now. My grandpa is happy and doing well after meeting Natalie’s husband. He offered them his blessings."

Whispers rippled through the group of reporters. One of them asked, "But didn’t she claim something like she doesn’t even know her husband?"

"I’m not sure why she said that, but as long as she’s happy, we don’t mind whatever happened before." Briena sounded genuinely happy for her sister.

Natalie crushed the wafer in her fingers. "Nice attempt at diverting everyone’s attention from the slapping incident to my ’mysterious husband’ while simultaneously making me look guilty for slapping her."

"Then, aren’t you going to clear your name, Ms. Natalie?" John asked.

"Do you think I am a saint?" Natalie replied, her voice laced with sarcasm. "I gave her one chance to handle this smartly, and clean up the mess she has created, without forcing me to expose her true colors, but she didn’t take it."

She picked up her cellphone and started typing, her focus sharp. "Also, the efforts you have put into following me and recording everything about me, I can’t let them be wasted."

John awkwardly cleared his throat, feeling a twinge of guilt. "I was just doing my job."

"That’s why you’re still alive," she quipped, finishing her typing. "Done." Then she murmured under her breath, "Sorry, Grandpa, but that granddaughter of yours deserves to go to hell."