Married To My Billionaire Stepbrother - Chapter 357

Chapter 357: This Belongs To Your Husband
“There might come a day when Sephina will face betrayal from those she trusts. She’s too arrogant to see things clearly now… But when that day comes, when she’s left with nothing but regret, all I ask you is that- don’t let her die miserably… She will have no one left. She’ll be lonely, having lost everything…”

Natalie’s heart ached at his words. She understood perfectly what Albert meant — and she knew that day would inevitably come.

“I’m not asking you to protect her or help her when trouble comes. Let her face the consequences of her actions. I just want… Don’t let her die pitiful and alone…”

“I understand, Grandpa,” Natalie assured him softly, holding his hand tighter. “I will do what you ask.”

Albert smiled faintly as he added, “She wasn’t always like this… My mistakes, my choices, and so many things turned her into who she is now. She wasn’t a bad woman…”

“I know, Grandpa. You can rest assured,” Natalie whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

Albert hummed again, his breathing shallow. “Now, the only regret I have is not being able to see your children… I wish I could live long enough to see them… but I know I have no time left…”

Natalie’s eyes filled with tears, her vision blurring. She couldn’t say anything — she couldn’t give him false hope, knowing the truth of his condition.

“Promise me… when you have children… bring them to visit my grave once in a while,” Albert said, his voice fading. “That way… I’ll still get to see them…”

Struggling to hold herself together, Natalie nodded, controlling her sobs.

“Now that I’ve seen you… I can rest,” Albert whispered, his eyes closing on their own as exhaustion overtook him.

Natalie held his hand tightly, feeling the warmth still lingering in his frail body, unwilling to let go.

The tears she had been holding back finally rolled down her cheeks, silently falling as she stayed by his side.

That day, Albert had finally taken his last breath. The news of his passing spread everywhere.

The next day, the funeral was held at the Ford Mansion, and everyone who had known Albert Ford came to pay their last respects — including many influential figures from the business world and other sectors.

The Ford family members were busy hosting the guests.

Natalie was there, accompanied by Justin.

Even though Natalie was no longer officially a Ford, everyone showed her sympathy as she had been Albert’s granddaughter for so many years — and everyone knew how much the old man had cherished her.

Although they had all come for Albert, many couldn’t help but glance repeatedly at the man standing beside Natalie — the mysterious CEO of NextEra. But given the occasion, no one dared approach him for conversation.

To everyone’s surprise, another unexpected guest arrived —

James Harper.

He, too, had come to pay his last respects to Albert.

Before leaving, James approached Natalie and Justin. He looked at his son and said firmly, “Take care of her.”

Justin gave a quiet nod in acknowledgment, and James left without another word.

Everyone around watched with interest, taking note of James Harper speaking directly to Natalie’s husband — who nodded seriously to whatever was said. Whispers quickly filled the air, speculating whether James Harper was using this somber occasion to establish a connection with the NextEra CEO.

The funeral was completed with Albert’s cremation at the cemetery, and slowly, all the guests began to leave.

As they were leaving the cemetery, Natalie turned to Justin and asked, “Did you prepare what I asked yesterday?”

Justin hummed in confirmation and handed her a brown envelope. Natalie accepted it with a quiet “thank you,” and then instructed the driver, “Back to the Ford residence.”

They reached the Ford Mansion, where the rest of the family had also just returned.

Natalie stepped out of the car, while Justin remained seated inside, watching quietly.

Natalie walked into the living room, where servants had just served water to the Ford family.

Clara’s eyes narrowed as soon as she saw Natalie entering alone.

“What are you doing here now?” Clara snapped, her tone sharp and full of displeasure. “Father’s gone, and there’s no one left who actually wants you here.”

Natalie ignored Clara’s words and looked directly at the servant.

“Where is Sephina Ford?” she asked firmly.

“Why are you asking about Grandma? She’s already devastated, and your presence will only hurt her,” Briena chimed in sharply. “Just get lost.”

Natalie, unfazed, continued to wait for the servant’s response.

“Mr. Jay has just taken Madam to her room,” the servant answered respectfully.

Without a word, Natalie turned and headed upstairs toward Sephina’s room, where she found Jay just stepping out.

Jay looked at her questioningly, but Natalie ignored him and walked straight into the room.

Sephina was sitting quietly in her chair, her eyes closed. Even from a distance, it was clear how broken she was. For the first time ever, Natalie saw Sephina with tears in her eyes. The woman who had always been arrogant and cold now looked fragile, touched by grief.

Natalie stood in front of her, speaking calmly and composed, “I’m here to return something.”

Sephina opened her eyes and looked at Natalie, confused but too drained to speak.

“These are the shares your husband transferred to my name before he passed away,” Natalie said, placing a brown envelope on the table in front of her. “I’ve transferred them back to your name. They were his, so they belong to you.”

Sephina stared at her, saying nothing.

Natalie continued, “I’m also stepping down from my claim as CEO of Ford Group. With these shares in your possession, you can appoint anyone you wish to that position.”

With that, Natalie turned and walked out of the room.

Sephina sat frozen, staring at the envelope for a long moment before finally picking it up with trembling hands.

Meanwhile, Natalie returned to the car where Justin was waiting. She quietly slid into the seat as the car began to drive away from the Ford Mansion.

Justin looked at her carefully and asked, “Are you alright?”

She hummed softly and leaned her head on his shoulder. “Now that I’ve handed over all the power, what Grandpa feared most will happen soon. But I think it’s better this way… better than waiting until she’s too old and too broken to handle it.”

Justin gently caressed her hand, offering silent support. “You did well,” he said warmly.