Married To My Billionaire Stepbrother - Chapter 132

Chapter 132: Manipulation 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.  Once they were seated at their reserved table in the beautiful open-air restaurant with a stunning view of the city, Briena spoke up.

“I think the man with her might be the one who spent two billion on her at that dance event.

He’s so powerful that no information about him could be found, and even now, his identity is being completely concealed.

What do you think, Ivan?” Ivan, clearly displeased, only gave a noncommittal hum.

“My grandma offered the best contract to Victor Reid, but he turned it down and remained with Natalie’s company.

We’re still wondering how she even knew Victor, let alone managed to earn his loyalty.

Did you know he’s agreed to promote a perfume created by some new company?

If she knew him that well, did she ever ask Victor to promote products from your company?” Ivan shook his head.

“She never even mentioned his name.” “So either she knew him already but kept it from you, or she got close to him through that rich man from the charity gala-the one she must be meeting now.

Someone wealthy like him could easily hire actors like Victor Reid,” Briena continued.

“I wonder if the investors she brought in for your company back then-did she convince them with her project plan, or did she use some…

inappropriate means?

Maybe she did all that just to help you, to make you fall for her, and ensure your company’s survival.” Briena’s words began to cut deep into Ivan’s heart, stirring doubts.

Could it be true?

Had he never truly known Natalie?

“Imagine,” Briena pressed on, “two years ago, you and your father couldn’t do anything to save the company, and suddenly, Natalie-who had no business experience-came up with a plan that saved everything.

Even if she did it to help you, as a woman, she shouldn’t have used her body for such things.

After all, she’s the daughter of the Ford family.” She sighed dramatically.

“I don’t know if I should feel sorry for my sister or scold her.

But it’s pointless talking to her; she always ends up insulting me.” “Don’t talk to her,” Ivan said through gritted teeth, his anger simmering.

“Let her do whatever she wants.

We have nothing to do with a woman like her.

Stay away from her.” Briena was over the moon to hear Ivan’s words.

Without hesitation, she stood up and moved to sit beside him, abandoning her seat across the table.

Gently, she took his hand in hers and began coaxing him.

“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.

“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.’