Chapter 149: The Day Of Engagement

At one of the city’s most luxurious hotels, Briena stood before a grand mirror inside her private suite, getting dressed for her big day.

"You look absolutely stunning, Briena," Lilly praised, her tone filled with admiration. "I’m sure Ivan won’t be able to take his eyes off you anymore."

Briena smiled at her reflection, her confidence unwavering. She had always been proud of her beauty, and today was no different.

She wore an elegant ivory, floor-length mermaid gown with an off-shoulder neckline. The fabric hugged her silhouette perfectly, accentuating her graceful curves before cascading softly to the floor. Her hair was swept into a loose, elegant bun, revealing her slender neck and bare shoulders, further enhancing her allure. Perfectly applied makeup and delicate, expensive jewelry completed her look.

"Ivan will regret ever wasting time with your sister," Lilly sneered. "She’s far from pretty and doesn’t even know how to dress properly."

Briena’s smug smile deepened as she gave herself a final once-over, ensuring everything was flawless.

Just then, Clara entered the room, her expression lighting up with joy as she took in the sight of her daughter.

"You look breathtaking, sweetheart," Clara said warmly, pride gleaming in her eyes.

Briena glanced at her mother through the mirror, catching the happiness radiating from her. After a moment, she turned toward Clara and gave a subtle nod.

"Leave us," Briena instructed, and Lilly quickly excused herself, along with the other attendants.

Alone with her mother, Briena’s demeanor shifted to something more serious. "Mom, is everything ready according to plan?"

Clara’s lips curled into a knowing smirk. "Don’t worry, darling. Everything is under control."

Briena’s eyes narrowed slightly. "Is she here already? Are you sure she’ll come?"

Clara gave a confident nod. "Oh, she’ll come. For your grandpa’s sake, she won’t be able to stay away. Now, you just focus on Ivan and enjoy your day. Leave her to me."

Briena smiled, her confidence bolstered by her mother’s reassurance. Everything was falling perfectly into place.

----

The event hall buzzed with excitement as the city’s most esteemed guests filled the space. Clara and Jay were busy greeting everyone, while Sephina engaged in conversations with important figures. Albert, on the other hand, chatted with friends, but his attention kept drifting toward the entrance, anxiously awaiting Natalie’s arrival.

Outside, a sleek black car pulled up to the hotel entrance. John stepped out from the driver’s seat and made his way to the passenger side, opening the door with precision.

A stunning woman stepped out, dressed in a silver-gray, fitted dress that ended just below her knees, elegantly showcasing her slender legs. She wore delicate stilettos that matched her outfit perfectly. Her hair was styled in a loose braid that rested over her shoulder, with soft strands framing her face gracefully. Minimal makeup accentuated her natural beauty, and under the lights, her skin seemed to glow. A touch of delicate jewelry adorned her ears and wrist, completing her refined look.

She looked breathtaking.

John, dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, handed the car keys to the valet before returning to her side, ready to fulfill his role as her bodyguard.

"Nobody’s going to hurt me here, John," Natalie said, her tone gentle but firm. "You don’t need to follow me into this dull, annoying party. Take the chance to relax."

"Mr. Harper’s orders were strict," John replied dutifully. "I’m not to leave your side for a moment—even if it means mingling with the maniacs."

Natalie sighed but didn’t argue further, making her way toward the entrance. ’Justin trust my family’s ability of hurting me, more than even I do.’

Her appearance immediately caught the attention of everyone at the entrance. Reporters, busy capturing photos of every arriving guest, turned their lenses toward her.

"Who is that beautiful woman?" they murmured among themselves, their cameras flashing in her direction.

Natalie frowned slightly, irritated by the unwanted attention. She had no desire to wear the dress, and if it had been up to her, she would have come wrapped in a burlap sack just to avoid this ordeal.

But Justin, despite being away, had sent the dress to her—along with the shoes and accessories—and asked her to wear it. She could still hear his words in the note that came with it:

He hadn’t forced her to wear it, but rejecting the gesture hadn’t felt like an option either. And so, here she was, dressed exactly as he wished.

But he was not here to see her.

As Natalie walked briskly toward the venue, her phone buzzed with a new message. She didn’t stop for the reporters clamoring to snap her photo, ignoring the flashing cameras as she glanced down at the screen. It was a message from Justin.

A small smile played on her lips. Of course, Justin would know. He always kept tabs on her, so it wasn’t exactly a surprise.

She typed back in reply.

For a moment, she hesitated, her fingers hovering over the screen. She wanted to ask when he would be returning, but she decided against it, slipping the phone back into her clutch. With her head held high, she walked ahead, ignoring the murmured guesses and stares directed at her that clearly told they were seeing one beautiful woman.

The moment she stepped into the grand hall, all eyes turned toward her. The room seemed to still as the guests stared, their gazes filled with admiration, surprise, and curiosity. Behind her, John followed closely, adding to the air of authority she carried, like a royal princess making her entrance.

John’s sharp eyes scanned the crowd, his jaw tight. He didn’t like the way people looked at Natalie. These were the same guests who had likely mocked or whispered about her behind her back—and now, they stared as though mesmerized by her rare beauty.

John thought grimly.