Married To My Billionaire Stepbrother - Chapter 326

Chapter 326: Three Rules
Back in her hotel room, Natalie felt relieved that she had finally gotten the answer.

“The seventeenth of next month? This month is almost over, which means there aren’t many days left. I need to prepare a gift for him. Maybe I’ll find something at tomorrow’s charity event.”

She stood up once more and grabbed her bag. “I need to have a proper dress for tomorrow’s event. Can’t go with ‘The James Harper’ looking all lame.”

She headed to the nearby mall with John and Ryan. She didn’t have much time left in her hands. Meanwhile, she also received a message from James’ assistant Lucas about the time when she had to leave with James.

—-

In the evening, Natalie was ready in a beautiful floor-length evening gown made from a silky, satin-like fabric in a soft, muted blue shade. The one-shoulder design added a sophisticated and asymmetrical touch to her look. The fabric was expertly draped and ruched at the waist, creating a flattering, form-fitting silhouette.

The high thigh slit on one side added a hint of allure while allowing for ease of movement. The overall design exuded glamour and refinement, making it perfect for such an occasion. She paired the dress with strappy white heels, further enhancing the elegant aesthetic.

Standing in front of the mirror, Natalie observed herself. I didn’t put in this much effort for Justin, but I’m being so excessive when it comes to his father. Am I trying to impress my father-in-law? She sighed. With my bad image everywhere, maybe it’s time to behave a little so I won’t embarrass him. He has a reputation to maintain, after all.

There was a knock on the door of her room as she heard John’s voice. “Ms. Natalie, time to leave.”

Natalie picked up the stylish clutch and walked out of the room. When she reached the hotel entrance, a black luxury car stopped in front of her. Ryan opened the door of the back passenger seat for her, and she sat inside.

James Harper was already sitting in the back passenger seat. Though she felt a little nervous being with him in such a small space, she reminded herself that she was his date for this event. Yet, they had never spoken a single word to each other till now.

She calmed herself and decided to speak first. “Good evening, Mr. Harper.”

He simply hummed in response.

Now, Natalie didn’t know what else to talk about, as this man didn’t seem interested in any conversation. Resigning to her fate, she decided to look out of the window and observe the beautiful city at night.

“You do know what event we are going to,” she heard a deep, dignified voice echo next to her. For a moment, she froze and wondered if she was mistaken, but then she turned to look at him and responded. “Yes, I do.”

He didn’t look at her but spoke again. “As you are my companion for the evening, I would like you to follow three rules.”

Natalie looked ahead and asked, “What are they?”

“First, be yourself. No need to act so carefully in front of me. Second, if you bid on something, make sure you win it. Third, do not let anyone mess with you. If they do, make sure to pay them back more than they deserve,” James explained.

Natalie understood and nodded. “I will keep that in mind.”

After that, the rest of the journey passed in silence until they reached the grand venue of the charity event.

——

The majestic venue of the event was grand and decorated beautifully. Media people from all around the world were outside, waiting for the royal family and all the guests to show up and capture them. More than that, they were excited to know and write about which rare items were being auctioned today and who would be claiming them, along with the price paid.

Just like every year, all the rich and famous people from around the world gathered here. The money collected in this charity event was used for charity, helping needy areas around the world.

The queen was yet to arrive, while most of the guests had already made their presence known, allowing the media to take their pictures. Briena arrived with Ivan, posing for the couple’s images. Briena was now recognized as an actress for her upcoming movie with the biggest production house and her huge fan following, though the movie had not yet been released—only its trailers.

Not just the Browns and Fords, but the four richest families in Imperial City and other well-known people were invited as well.

Inside the banquet hall, Ivan’s gaze was searching for someone, but he couldn’t find the person. Briena had noticed it but kept quiet as she smirked. She is not worth inviting to this event, Ivan. You can now see who is more worthy to be by your side.

Charlotte entered the hall, followed by her bodyguards and her friends. All the guests turned to look at the Princess of Belvorn. She truly looked like royalty in that beautiful dress, carrying herself with grace and elegance.

Briena led Ivan to her and introduced him to the princess. “Charlotte, this is my fiancé, Ivan Brown.”

Charlotte offered him a smile while Ivan greeted her politely.

“I don’t see your sister around, Briena?” Charlotte couldn’t help but ask.

“I am not sure, or maybe she was not invited,” Briena replied.

“Oh, I remember. Only those who can contribute to the charity are invited,” Charlotte replied. “As an organizer, I had to keep in mind not to flood this place with non-deserving people since I had to manage more important guests.”

“I understand, Charlotte. It’s totally alright,” Briena replied and looked at Ivan, who stood there unaffected, as if it didn’t matter to him.

“If she was a Ford, I could have considered inviting her, but now she has no credibility,” Charlotte added, to which Briena simply smirked.

Just then, one of Charlotte’s friends said, “Why does that woman look familiar?”

They looked toward the entrance, where an older yet handsome and refined man in a black suit had entered the event hall with a strikingly beautiful woman by his side. Everyone recognized the man as James Harper, someone they all wished to approach. However, at the same time, the young woman walking beside him, her hand gently holding onto his arm, caught their attention.

“Natalie?” Briena mumbled in disbelief. “With James Harper?”

Even Ivan was stunned to see it and couldn’t help but question-

Since when Natalie knew someome like James Harper, the aloof businessman, who was difficult to reach even for himself or any other businessmen? What was going on?