<h4>Chapter 169: Another n</h4>


    The next morning, Natalie and Justin started their day as usual. Both prepared the breakfast and enjoyed it together while they discussed Natalie’s next ns rted to herpany.


    As Justin had decided to give her time, he kept his intentions of pursuing her low. Once they finished everything, Justin was ready to leave.


    "I have to leave early today," Justin informed getting hisptop bag after putting on the shoes.


    Natalie nodded, her eyes lingering on him.


    Dressed perfectly, exuding effortless charm, Justin was undoubtedly the most handsome man she had ever seen.


    "I’ll head out in about half an hour," she replied. "If you can, stop by to visit Grandpa during lunch."


    Justin gave a small nod but arched a brow, as if waiting for something. "That’s it?"


    Natalie blinked, puzzled. Before she could respond, Justin stepped closer, his tall frame towering over her. His gaze, intense and focused, locked onto hers.


    Her heart began to race, and she suddenly realized what he was waiting for.


    Justin leaned in, his face just inches from hers, his voice low and deliberate. "Today, I’ll take the lead. But from now on, you need to remember what to do."


    Natalie’s breath hitched. Just this small proximity sent a shiver through her, and she found herself frozen in ce, caught in his maic gaze.


    He tilted his head, drawing even closer, and the world around her seemed to disappear. The air between them grew charged, and her pulse quickened as he slowly closed the tiny gap between them.


    But before their lips could meet, the main door opened after the subtle sound of door unlocking.


    A loud gasp from the neer shattered the stillness.


    Natalie jumped back, her heart hammering in her chest, while Justin’s expression shifted into a frown of annoyance. He turned toward the source of the interruption.


    Standing at the doorway was Mia, wide-eyed and visibly shocked, as if she’d stumbled upon something she wasn’t supposed to see. She hadn’t expected to walk in on this scene the moment she entered her friend’s home.


    Justin’s gaze turned cold as he looked back at Natalie. "You should remove the doorbell outside and just ster the passcode on the lock so everyone can enter the home unannounced."


    "See you tonight," Justin said and left, leaving the dangerous silence behind.


    As the door clicked shut behind him, Mia exhaled dramatically, breaking the oppressive silence. "I swear, for a second, it felt like he wanted to kill me."


    Natalie calmed herself as she had the same feeling at the way Justin looked at Mia, but she was d he said nothing to her friend and left.


    Mia stepped closer, her sharp eyes studying Natalie’s flushed face. "Your face is all red," Mia teased with a mischievous grin. "Looks like I interrupted something important. No wonder he looked like he wanted to murder me."


    Trying to regain herposure, Natalie turned toward the dining table and poured herself a ss of water. She sipped slowly, her heart still racing from the memory of how close Justin had been—and what he’d almost done.


    Mia chuckled. "Last time you said nothing was going on between you two. But from what I saw just now, that’s not exactly the case. Hmm? What’s really going on, Mrs. Handrix? Having a little extramarital fun?"


    "Shut up," Natalie muttered, handing her friend a ss of water. "You could’ve informed beforeing here."


    Mia grinned as she epted the ss. "If I’d known what I was walking into, I would’ve knocked—or texted, at least. I’m just used to showing up like I always did. But it seems like I’ll have to change my ways." She took a sip, her eyes gleaming with amusement. "Or who knows I would be lying somewhere dead thanks to Mr Harper."


    "Don’t be ridiculous," Natalie said with a sigh, walking toward the bedroom to get ready. "Anyway, you’re here, so I assume there’s something important you need to tell me."


    Mia followed closely behind. "Yes, actually. It’s about <i>NextEra.</i> I managed to demand a meeting with their CEO and now I’m waiting on a response."


    Natalie stopped mid-step and turned to face her friend. "Seriously?"


    Mia nodded with a smirk. "Let’s see what happens. Maybe we’ll finally get a glimpse of the mysterious man who spent two billion on you."


    As they entered the bedroom, Mia shifted gears. "What are your ns about the perfumepetition?"


    "To destroy my sweet sister," Natalie replied, straightening a few things on her dresser. "Also, once our perfume isunched, be ready for new allegations. Keep yourpany’s legal team ready."


    Mia didn’t feel surprised at it. "Don’t worry. I am ready to smack Fords hard this time."


    Natalie hummed and heard Mia again, "I have some other important things to discuss. It’s about Victor."


    Natalie felt surprised, "What about him?"


    "We will discuss on the way," Mia assured.


    ----


    <strong>At the Ford Residence.</strong>


    "Mother, I wanted to talk about you and Father’s wedding anniversary," ra said as the family gathered for breakfast, though Albert remained in the hospital.


    "What about it?" Sephina asked, sipping her tea.


    "Since Father isn’t well, we canceled therge celebration. But I was thinking we could still have a small party at home with only close rtives and friends," ra suggested. "It might lift his spirits to leave the hospital for a bit and be surrounded by family."


    Sephina considered the idea, tapping her spoon lightly against her saucer.


    "That way," Briena chimed in, "Ivan could also get to know more of our family. It’ll help him settle in with everyone." She turned to Jay. "What do you think, Father?"


    Jay nodded. "It sounds like a good n." He nced at Sephina. "Mother?"


    Sephina hesitated for a moment but gave a slight nod. "Alright."


    ra smiled, seizing the moment. "I’ll start making the preparations right away."


    Before leaving the conversation, ra added cautiously, "Also... I was thinking, should we invite Natalie and her husband?"


    Sephina’s expression turned cold, and her sharp re made ra flinch.


    "Mother," ra pressed carefully, "if we don’t invite them, Father will be upset. Natalie is still his beloved granddaughter. It’s an important day—we wouldn’t want to upset him."


    Sephina remained silent, focusing on her te. ra cast a pleading nce at Briena, silently urging her to intervene.


    "Grandma, let theme," Briena suggested softly. "It’ll give Natalie a chance to get used to seeing me and Ivan together. That way, she won’t act out of jealousy." her tone changed, "And her arrogant husband? He’ll see what kind of wealthy family he’s tied to now. When he sees our home and the people we surround ourselves with, maybe he’ll learn his ce and stop acting so superior."


    Sephina mulled over Briena’s words, then gave a short hum of approval. "Fine. I just don’t want any drama."


    "Don’t worry, Mother," ra assured her with a sweet but deceptive smile.


    When breakfast ended and Sephina left for the office with Jay, ra and Briena exchanged smug nces, satisfied with the direction their n was taking.


    "It seems everything is falling into ce," Briena said with a wicked grin.


    ra’s eyes glinted with malice. "It’s time to put that idiot Lily to good use. Have Ana send Lily some expensive clothes, makeup, and jewelry," ra instructed. "Make her look presentable enough to lure Natalie’s husband."


    "Yes, Mother." Briena smirked, having her own n in mind, ’Once Lily traps him, I will be the one taking control of him. Tsk, poor Natalie, is going to lose her husband as well.’