Chapter 183: Justin’s Arrival

On the way to the Fords...

Justin sat in his car in silence, his mind consumed by what his lookalike had told him.

And the last part stuck with him even more:

He thought back to the man’s initial reaction.

The questions swirling in his mind made his head pound.

"Noah, get me the details of everything I’ve done up until now, especially in the past five years. I want records of where I was, what I did, and who I met—all with concrete proof. Don’t just give me written records; I want videos, pictures, anything you can find."

"Yes, Mr. Harper," Noah replied, handing him a fresh shirt from the emergency bag always kept in Justin’s car. "You’ll need to change, sir."

Justin looked down and noticed his shirt’s top buttons were missing, remnants of his earlier encounter. He proceeded to change, knowing he needed to look his best at the Fords’ event.

Just then, his phone buzzed with a message from Natalie.

Justin continued changing shirts and asked, "How much longer until we arrive?"

"Ten minutes at most, Mr. Harper," the driver replied. "The venue isn’t far."

Justin ignored Natalie’s message, sensing the trouble brewing around her.

he thought, feeling at least one positive thing came out of all this confusion.

Being Natalie’s real husband was the only reason that he found the thought of being Aiden Handrix was bearable.

They arrived at the Ford estate. As Justin stepped out of the car, he turned to Noah. "No need to follow me."

Noah nodded, watching as Justin made his way inside. The staff directed him toward the garden, where the celebration was underway.

Justin spotted a commotion and saw Natalie slap a woman, warning everyone not to insult her husband. He stopped in his tracks, momentarily taken aback. He’d heard that she once nearly strangled Briena for insulting him, but witnessing her protective side in person tugged at his heart.

He had always been powerful, the one everyone feared, never needing anyone to stand up for him. But seeing her defend him, he didn’t mind forgetting who he truly was and simply wished to be her husband.

he thought, his gaze locked on Natalie.

He strode towards her, having eyes only for her. ’If these people knew who she is truly married to, they would get on their knees in front of me right at this moment, but it’s not the time yet. Soon, it will happen. They all will regret hurting my woman.’

He stood in front of Natalie, as if he could not wait to reach her already. The way she looked at him, he could see through her. She portrayed the strong and fierce woman just a moment before, but as she looked at him, she looked like a young woman experiencing her first love.

Suddenly he had the urge to protect her, to keep her away from this world.

After greeting Albert, Eldric turned to Justin. "Young man, are you Natalie’s husband?"

Sensing this man was Albert’s friend, Justin nodded politely. "Yes, I am her husband."

Albert and Natalie tensed, hoping Eldric wouldn’t bring up the Heart Stone.

"Of course he’s my grandson-in-law, Eldric," Albert intervened quickly. "Now, let’s not bombard him with questions—let’s cut the cake. It’s getting late."

Understanding the unspoken message, Eldric backed off, realizing Albert wanted to move things along.

They cut the cake and celebrated the wedding anniversary. With the gifts already presented, everyone enjoyed the evening with food, drinks, and dancing.

Finally, Natalie had a moment to speak privately with Justin as they sat at a circular table. "I sent you a message that..."

"I couldn’t leave you alone to handle the trouble," Justin replied without hesitation.

Natalie felt a warmth inside, touched by his words, and found herself momentarily at a loss.

"What would you have done if they asked how you got the jade?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

"I’d tell them the truth," Justin replied confidently.

"But then they’d want to know who you are to afford such wealth."

"There’s only one answer they need to know."

"What’s that?" Natalie asked, genuinely curious.

"I’m my wife’s husband," Justin replied simply. "That’s all they need to know."

"And that you live off of her?" she raised an eyebrow, teasing.

"That’s true as well," Justin replied with a smirk. "I live in your home, eat your meals... and sometimes enjoy for dessert."

Natalie’s face turned bright red. "You’re truly shameless."

Justin leaned closer, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "You haven’t seen the full extent of my shamelessness yet, my dear wife. Want to experience it tonight?"

She gulped at his closeness and the suggestive tone of his words, edging back slightly. "We’re in public. Behave," she muttered, picking up a glass to drink some water.

"You still haven’t learned your lesson about drinking anything without checking," Justin remarked.

"With you here, I don’t need to be careful," she replied without thinking.

Justin raised an eyebrow, and only then did Natalie realize what she had just implied.

"Seems like someone is craving my touch again," he teased, smirking. "Did you enjoy it that much?"

Natalie choked on her water, caught off guard.

Justin quickly picked up a napkin, patting her back gently and dabbing the water from around her mouth. In the process, he leaned in closer and murmured, "Take it easy. I’ll give you everything you want, including myself."

"Shameless," she whispered, still flustered.

He smiled. "Just for you."

From a distance, Ivan observed the exchange, jealousy churning inside him.

Irene and Briena were watching them too.

"Is that lily ready?" Irene asked.

Briena nodded. "Just have to separate him from Natalie first."