Married To My Billionaire Stepbrother - Chapter 181

Chapter 181: Precious Gift Chapter 181: Precious Gift At the Ford’s banquet.

“This is one of the ancient jade relics, known as the Heart Stone,” Eldric explained, his voice filled with awe as he stared at the red colour Jade in his hands.

“It has passed through the hands of many royal families and is said to protect a weak heart.

It’s a priceless artifact that no one can easily acquire.

It was guarded for centuries and was recently auctioned, attracting bids from the world’s wealthiest, including the four richest families in our city-none of whom could secure it.

Instead, it was won by a mysterious businessman who paid a fortune, though no one knows his identity.

To even touch it is beyond most of us.

I’m lucky just to be holding it.” Eldric turned to Albert, his gaze warm.

“Your heart is weak.

This is an incredibly thoughtful and valuable gift for you.” Everyone gathered heard his words, and a wave of shock rippled through the room.

Natalie herself was taken aback.

Did he really get this for Grandpa?

But then, another realization struck her.

Now everyone will want to know who my husband really is.

I can’t let Justin’s identity be exposed€¦ Why did he have to go overboard with the gift?

Yet, glancing at her grandfather, she softened.

But it’s good for Grandpa, so€¦ Albert, too, was stunned.

He knew that Justin Harper had the means to purchase such an item, but he shared Natalie’s concern.

Now everyone will start digging into who Natalie’s husband truly is.

Both Natalie and Albert exchanged knowing glances.

Sephina, Clara, Briena, and Jay were all visibly stunned by Eldric’s words.

Each had the same question running through their minds: Is her husband really that rich?

He acted so ordinary, even wearing cheap-looking clothes.

Briena, in particular, was shaken.

That gigolo can’t possibly be rich.

He might be good-looking, but there’s no way he’s wealthy.

I can’t let Natalie marry someone better than Ivan.

She can’t outshine me.

Ivan, too, was taken aback.

He had yet to see Natalie’s husband and wasn’t certain of anything himself.

Did she really marry a rich man and not some poor gigolo?

A wave of jealousy twisted inside him.

“This can’t be right.

Her husband is just some poor man,” Maria declared.

“Briena and the Ford family saw him.

If he were wealthy, they would have recognized him.” Others who disliked Natalie quickly chimed in, backing up Maria’s claim.

“Yes, he’s no rich man-just a gigolo,” one of Briena’s friends sneered.

“If her husband were truly rich, why would she hide it?” “This must be fake jade.

There are so many imitations these days; you can buy them for a few bucks.” “Yes, it’s probably fake,” another agreed.

Eldric glared at them.

“Silence!

If you don’t know anything, keep your mouths shut.

This is the genuine article.

I’m a jade expert-are you questioning my ability to recognize real jade?” No one dared speak, as Eldric was well-known for his temper.

Another of Albert’s friends stepped forward.

“Let me see it, Eldric.” Eldric carefully handed over the stone, and after examining it closely, the man confirmed, “It is indeed authentic,” before turning to Natalie.

“So, who is your husband?

If he can afford this, then he must be an incredibly wealthy man.” “He’s€¦ just my husband,” Natalie replied, swallowing hard and glancing toward her grandfather for support.

Albert, equally caught off guard, struggled to find a way to deflect their questions about Justin.

But before he could respond, Briena leaned over and whispered something to Irene, who looked pleased and turned her attention back to Natalie.

“See?

She’s not revealing anything because she knows he didn’t buy it,” Irene chimed in, her voice edged with suspicion.

“Tell us the truth, Natalie.

Wasn’t it that same mysterious, wealthy man who spent billions to dance with you?” “Or maybe it’s yet another rich man you’ve been involved with recently?” “Come on, don’t be so harsh,” one girl said, feigning sympathy.

“Natalie told that reporter she has only one powerful backer.

It must be that one.” Albert clenched his teeth, ready to scold the group, but Natalie spoke up first.

“Why do you all care how I or my husband acquired it?” she asked, her voice calm and composed.

“As far as I’m concerned, that’s none of your business.

Or are you just looking for a fault in my gift because it’s more precious than yours?” “We just don’t want you giving Mr.

Ford something you obtained in the wrong way,” Irene retorted.

“He is my grandpa, and this is my gift to him.

It has nothing to do with you,” Natalie replied, then looked at Albert, who immediately backed her up.

“Natalie is right,” he said firmly, glaring at Irene.

“This is my gift, and no one has any right to interfere.” Both Albert and Natalie wanted to put an end to the discussion.

Briena and Clara ground their teeth in frustration, while Sephina, who had been quiet, narrowed her eyes at Natalie.

A mysterious businessman purchased this jade.

Does she have a connection with such a powerful person?

Meanwhile, Ryan whispered to John, “These people are unbelievable.

How does Ms.

Natalie tolerate them?” “Now you know why I don’t want to leave her alone with them,” John replied.

“It’s hard to fight the urge to pull out my gun,” Ryan muttered.

“This isn’t our territory where we are free to do as we please.

It’s Imperial City; we need to avoid drawing attention here,” John cautioned in a low voice.

“I know.

But I’m sure one of these days, Boss himself will ask us to get rid of them,” Ryan added.

“I don’t know how he manages to stay so patient with people like this around.” “For Ms.

Natalie’s sake,” John answered.

“We need to practice patience too.

I’ve been working on it, and you’ll get used to it in time.” “I hope so,” Ryan sighed.

“Natalie, why hasn’t your husband arrived yet?” Eldric asked, genuinely curious to see the man who could afford such a jade.

Natalie silently prayed Justin wouldn’t show up now.

“He’s busy with some important work, so he might not make it,” she replied, thinking, I’ll need to send him a message not to come.

Briena’s friend laughed mockingly.

“We all know where your husband is busy at this hour,” Irene sneered as she walked up to Natalie.

“Busy earning money by pleasing his clients.

If he weren’t, he would have made it here by now.

A gigolo€¦” Slap!

A sharp, resounding slap landed across Irene’s face, leaving everyone stunned.