Married To My Billionaire Stepbrother - Chapter 335

Chapter 335: Boldly Dangerous
James didn’t answer Howard but instead looked at the queen. “Your Majesty, though Justin couldn’t make it, I believe it’s fine if one representative from the Harper family and Harper Group made it here in your honor. Perhaps next year, it will be Justin instead of me.”

The queen smiled at him. “Of course, Mr. Harper. I am glad you made it here despite your busy schedule. I look forward to meeting your son in the future. I am sure he is as amazing as his father.”

James simply offered a light smile to the queen, a gesture of respect.

Natalie smiled inwardly at how blatantly James ignored Howard while remaining respectful to the queen. He had made it clear that, aside from the queen, he did not value the rest of the family.

She noticed something, ‘Oh, he smiled as well. That’s a surprise.’

Howard chimed in, “We do look forward to meeting your son, Mr. Harper. No one has ever seen him, which makes it even more exciting.”

In response, James simply sipped his coffee. Seeing James remain non-responsive, Howard turned to the queen. “Dear sister, I am planning to let Charlotte handle our company’s project in the Imperial City, which we have in collaboration with the Harper Group.”

The queen hummed. “That seems like a good idea.”

Howard was pleased to hear this and turned to James. “Mr. Harper, when Charlotte comes to the Imperial City, let her learn business from your son. It would be very helpful for her.”

James set his coffee mug on the table and replied without even looking at Howard. “Though he is my son, I have no control over his decisions or the people he chooses to interact with. But if you want your daughter to meet Justin, perhaps you should try making it happen on your side. I can’t ask him to meet anyone. We work entirely separately and never meddle in each other’s matters. If you have any business with me, feel free to talk to me about it.”

With this, James made it very clear that no one should ask him about his son.

Howard’s expression soured, but he controlled himself and forced a smile. “That’s good. You have given him complete freedom—no wonder he is so courageous and is said to be the most capable businessman of his generation across the world.”

James simply hummed in response.

The queen eased the atmosphere further. “Good to see the younger generation is more courageous and ambitious than us.”

Natalie couldn’t help but smile. This man is just boldly dangerous. He spares no one. Also, this is how he managed to keep Justin hidden from others. I’m sure no one wants to mess with him.

Charlotte, who had been quiet all this while and feeling down after seeing how her grandfather couldn’t get anything from James Harper, turned to Natalie. “Natalie, I heard you are married.”

Natalie simply hummed.

“I also heard it wasn’t a normal marriage,” Charlotte added, a light smirk on her lips. “So how’s your married life?”

“It’s good,” Natalie answered.

“May I ask who you married? I’m curious.”

“You do seem very curious about my husband,” Natalie said calmly. “He is a good man.”

“A good man? But I heard he’s a gigo….oops, sorry…I mean he is just an ordinary man, trying to live off his wife’s wealth,” Charlotte said, her smirk widening.

“Charlotte, she is our guest,” the queen interrupted her.

The girl acted innocent. “Grandma, I was just curious. Natalie seems like a good girl, and it would be unfortunate if her husband isn’t good enough.”

Before the queen could say more, Natalie spoke up. “It’s alright, Your Majesty. She’s just worried about me.”

The queen looked at Natalie, who offered her an assuring smile.

Natalie then turned back to Charlotte. “What’s wrong with living off one’s wife?” Her demeanor remained calm and composed, as if she were ready to talk business. “Just like a granddaughter can live off her royal grandmother’s glory,” she then glanced at Howard, “just like a brother can live off his sister’s achievements,” she looked back at Charlotte, “why can’t a husband live off his successful wife? Why such discrimination against poor husbands?”

Natalie turned to James Harper. “What do you think, Mr. Harper?”

“There should not be such discrimination,” the man answered, siding with Natalie.

With just one reply, Natalie called out Charlotte and Howard, shutting them down entirely. Both of their faces fell terribly.

Charlotte didn’t want to give up and said, “Natalie, you are indeed too smart with words—just like how smart you are to have powerful people around you to help you. Look at Mr. James Harper himself, accompanying you. You are here because of him, or…”

“Correction, Charlotte,” Natalie interrupted her. “I am here based on my own capabilities, invited to create a perfume. Both of my identities were invited.”

“Natalie is right, Charlotte,” the queen said. “You should not insult her when she is our guest.”

“Grandma, I just…”

“Charlotte,” Howard called her, “listen to your grandmother.”

The girl nodded and kept quiet.

As they finished breakfast, James said, “Your Majesty, I must take my leave now.”

“Yes,” the queen replied. “Thank you for accepting the invitation and meeting me before you return to your country.”

“Always, Your Majesty,” the man replied and stood up.

Natalie stood up as well. So he is returning—that’s why he came to see the queen before he left.

James turned to Natalie, meeting her gaze. “Your bodyguards will take you back.”

The moment their eyes met, Natalie felt a chill. She was still not used to his cold and intimidating gaze.

She nodded quietly, and James turned to leave.

“I will see off Mr. Harper,” Howard said and walked away with James.

The queen’s assistant approached her and whispered something in her ear. The queen’s expression changed, but she remained calm and said, “Natalie, I have to leave for a while. Will you be fine here on your own?”

“Don’t worry about me, Your Majesty,” she replied.

“Grandma, I will take care of our guest, don’t worry,” Charlotte assured her.

The queen walked away, leaving the two young women alone at the breakfast table.