Married To My Billionaire Stepbrother - Chapter 327

Chapter 327: Start Of Bidding
Others, as much as they admired James and the beautiful young woman by his side, they could not help but wonder as well. It was the first time they were seeing James with any woman other than his mother Julia. All of them were suddenly interested and curious about Natalie.

They made a silent note- This young woman must be someone really important to James Harper and they should treat her well. But among those, there were always people who would find faults and spread bad rumours.

Though many people wished to talk to James Harper, not everyone dared to approach him. A few of those who did were met with occasional hums in response before he made his way to his seat as the staff led him toward the first row, which was reserved for only the most prominent guests.

James Harper sat in his chair, and Natalie took the seat next to him.

Seeing her seated in the first row, Briena, who was a few rows behind along with Ivan, couldn’t help but grit her teeth. Sitting in the first row was such an honor, and the fact that it belonged to Natalie only elevated her status among the guests.

“Briena, how come your sister knows James Harper?” Rina asked. “Does that mean you know him as well?”

Briena shook her head. “I’m not sure how she got so close to him to be able to be his date tonight.” Her words clearly suggested something dubious.

Irene, Ivan’s sister, who was also accompanying them, commented, “Briena, that rumored rich and powerful backer everyone talks about—is that James Harper? Is he her sugar daddy?”

“I’m not sure,” Briena acted innocent, but her words implied something else. “They said it was the CEO of NextEra. I don’t know what to believe anymore.”

“Damn, that bitch has such powerful people wrapped around her,” Rina said. “No wonder she acts all cocky.”

“Isn’t that man like her father’s age? How can she be with him?” Irene frowned. “Now I find it a blessing that my brother didn’t marry her. Married a gigolo, and now both husband and wife are enjoying money from her rich sugar daddies. Disgusting.”

Ivan, who was listening, had his expression stiffen. He didn’t know what to believe anymore, as there seemed to be no other logical reason for Natalie to be with James Harper.

That day in Natalie’s office, besides her husband, there had been Victor and a silver-haired man as well, and they had all claimed to be close to Natalie. Now, she was with the richest businessman—who was old enough to be her father. Everything about her no longer seemed like just a rumor.

Briena turned to Ivan, hiding her victorious smile and instead putting on a worried expression. “Ivan, are you alright?”

Ivan simply hummed in response, but Irene spoke up. “How can my brother be alright after seeing that woman’s true colors and how she betrayed him over and over again?”

“Irene, please stop,” Briena interrupted her. “Your words will only hurt Ivan even more. Let’s just drop it.” She looked back at Ivan. “Let’s not talk about Natalie, alright? You have me. I will always be with you and take care of you.”

Ivan looked at her innocent face and couldn’t help but feel moved. Natalie had betrayed him, but Briena was different. She truly loved him.

He held her hand back and said, “Thank you.”

“I hope you’re happy with me and that you don’t regret it,” Briena said, keeping her sweet but slightly sad expression.

“I don’t,” he assured her. “Tell me whatever you want from this auction, and I will get it for you.”

“I don’t want anything. I’m happy as long as you’re with me,” she replied, her eyes filled with emotion.

It was the first time he had heard such heartfelt words—words that Natalie had never said to him. He gently caressed Briena’s cheek, showing his affection.

“Look at these two, so much in love and making us all jealous,” Rina commented.

“They’re perfect for each other,” Irene said, smiling at her brother, to which he nodded.

“You two, stop teasing us,” Briena said shyly. She felt over the moon seeing this and finally believed that Ivan had started to fall for her.

Soon, the Queen arrived. Everyone stood up to greet her and then took their assigned places.

The auctioneer came onto the stage and announced the start of the charity event. The first few items were not of much importance and were auctioned off just to warm up the crowd. Soon, more valuable items started to be presented and went on sale as bids were made.

Since it was for charity, Natalie decided to contribute as well. She was waiting for something to catch her attention.

Soon, a beautiful painting was presented, said to have been created by one of the oldest artists. It caught everyone’s attention, just like Natalie’s. It was the kind of artwork that the elderly in the family—those who appreciated old-time art—would love.

Once, Justin told me his grandma is fond of such art. Maybe I can give it to her, Natalie concluded.

The bidding started at 1.5 million straight.

As Natalie wanted it, she placed a bid. “1.7 million.”

Briena, who had been quiet until now as she hadn’t fancied any item, placed a bid as well. “2 million.”

Ivan and Irene looked at her in surprise, only to hear her say, “My grandma loves this kind of art. I want to give it to her. You all know, despite not being her blood, she never abandoned me, which shows how much she loves me. So, I should show my love and appreciation toward her as well, right?”

Ivan nodded, feeling touched by Briena’s thoughtfulness, while Irene said, “No wonder she loves you so much, Briena. You’re truly so caring and considerate.”

Natalie didn’t have to guess what was going on and didn’t even bother to look at the owner of that voice. She could tell, once again her so called ex-sister was not up to any good.