Married To My Billionaire Stepbrother - Chapter 324

Chapter 324: Who Is Your Mother?
After meeting the guests, the Queen made her way toward the perfume-making candidates.

Natalie watched as the Queen approached. The previous night, she had only seen her from a distance, but today, she was going to see her up close.

The closer the Queen came, the more Natalie noticed the striking resemblance between her and her mother. For the first time, she was meeting her grandmother—another person with whom she shared a blood tie.

Meanwhile, Charlotte had already informed her grandfather about Natalie’s comment regarding the possibility of a new princess appearing. She and Howard, who were watching the Queen walk toward Natalie, held their breaths in suspense.

“Grandpa, she’s not going to tell Grandma about her, is she?” Charlotte asked in a low, anxious voice.

“Don’t worry. Just her saying anything won’t prove a thing,” Howard reassured her, arrogance evident in his tone. “To prove it, she’d have to run a DNA test. And don’t forget—your grandpa holds the power here. Everything runs according to my will.”

Charlotte finally felt relieved.

On the other hand, as the Queen greeted each participant one by one, she finally reached Natalie, who bowed respectfully.

Like with the others, the Queen’s assistant introduced her. “Your Majesty, this is Ms. Natalie from the Imperial City.”

The Queen smiled warmly, just as she had with the others. “Glad to have you here.”

“It’s my honor to be here, Your Majesty,” Natalie replied politely.

The Queen moved on to greet the next participant but couldn’t help glancing back at Natalie once more. Their eyes met, and both exchanged a small smile before the Queen finally turned away.

After meeting everyone, the Queen took her seat.

The arrangements for the perfume-making session were ready. The Queen and all the esteemed guests were eager to see what unique creations these top perfumers had prepared in her honor.

All the participants took their places at their designated tables. As they began crafting their perfumes, every gaze in the hall was fixed on them.

James Harper watched Natalie, who was engrossed in her work—focused, steady, confident, and skillful. As he observed her, memories from the past, ones he had long buried in his heart, began to surface. Watching Natalie create perfume reminded him of Caryn.

James, so many times, I told you not to enter my lab for the next few days until I allow you to, a familiar voice echoed in his mind, accompanied by flashing images.

I’m sorry. Caryn, but I just couldn’t wait to see what has you so occupied. It’s been a while since you’ve been busy, and I can’t help but miss you, his own voice responded—young, teasing, playful.

Stop being cheesy and stay there, beyond that boundary. I’m almost done.

“What is it?”

A surprise for you, she replied, handing him a box. I created this perfume especially for you. Try it.

Oh, it’s unique. I like it.

That’s because I made something compatible with your own unique scent.

Is that why you kept sniffing me so often these past few days? I was starting to wonder if you had been possessed by the ghost of a dog. Good to know you are still a normal human.

Stop teasing me…

The voices and images began to fade, dissolving into the depths of his mind.

James’ gaze remained fixed on Natalie, his thoughts unreadable.

After a while, everyone finished making their perfumes and carefully packed them into small bottles. Each perfume was identified by a number assigned to the perfumer, but the creator’s identity was kept secret. Only the participants and organizers knew which number corresponded to whom, ensuring that the judging remained impartial and based solely on the perfume itself.

Along with the Queen, the VVIP guests had the opportunity to test the perfumes as well, though the judging was meant to be solely for the Queen’s preference.

One by one, the Queen smelled each perfume. Each new scent seemed better than the last, making the decision increasingly difficult. But then—one perfume caught her attention, and she froze in place.

After so many years—so many decades—she was experiencing this particular scent once again. A fragrance she had long forgotten. Yet she was certain—this was the same scent. The one only she and her daughter had ever known.

It brought back an overwhelming flood of memories—sweet, cherished moments spent with her only daughter.

Her eyes turned moist as she wondered who had created this perfume. She scanned the perfumers, trying to guess, but no one stood out. Swallowing her emotions, she composed herself.

After testing all the perfumes, there was no doubt in her mind—she had made her decision.

The Queen’s assistant announced the winning number.

“…The Queen’s most preferred perfume is number eight.”

A brief pause followed as the assistant opened an envelope to reveal the creator’s name.

“…And the perfumer behind number eight is Ms. Natalie from the Imperial City.”

Applause filled the hall as everyone congratulated Natalie—while certain individuals fumed in silence.

“Ms. Natalie, please step forward and accept your reward,” the assistant announced.

Natalie walked toward the Queen, who greeted her with a warm smile, her gaze filled with deep emotions.

She could not help but ask, “Ms. Natalie, may I know what inspired you to create this perfume?”

Natalie offered a light nod and said, “Honestly, my mother was the one who taught me how to make this perfume. I’m not sure what inspired her to create it, but I always felt that this perfume signifies motherly affection. When I met you today, I felt that same warmth from you, and I believe this perfume was truly meant for you.”

“Mother’s affection,” the Queen repeated softly. “This is indeed ‘Mother’s Affection.'”

She remembered—this was the very name given to the same perfume long ago, when she and her daughter Carmen had created it together. It as a secret between them.

“May I know who your mother is?” the Queen asked, her mind filled with the unknown expectations, but she had to control herself from showing any of her emotions.

“Caryn Shaw,” Natalie answered. “She was the one who taught me how to create perfumes when I was young.”

“She has indeed taught you well,” the Queen replied with a gentle smile. “One day, I would love to meet her.”

“She would be delighted to hear that,” Natalie responded.

The Queen studied Natalie for a few moments before saying, “Would you like to have tea with me later? Perhaps we can talk more about perfumes then.”

“Of course, Your Majesty. It would be my pleasure,” Natalie replied politely.

“I will have my assistant inform you of the time.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Meanwhile, Charlotte grew increasingly anxious. “Grandpa, what are they talking about?” she whispered.

Howard didn’t answer. His fists clenched tightly as he thought, I need to get rid of this girl soon.