Chapter 334: He Is My Adopted Son

The next morning, Natalie was ready to leave for the palace, as the queen had invited her for breakfast. The moment she stepped out of the hotel, the same car from the previous night stopped in front of her—the car that belonged to James Harper.

James’ assistant, Lucas, stepped out of the car and said, "Ms. Natalie, you are going to the palace with Mr. Harper."

Natalie was surprised to hear this. Once again, James Harper was here for her.

"Mr. Harper is going to visit the queen as well," Lucas added, noticing her surprise.

Natalie nodded and sat in the car as Lucas opened the door for her.

James Harper was already sitting inside.

"Good morning, Mr. Harper," she greeted him after making herself comfortable.

James hummed in response and continued looking through the file he was holding.

Natalie didn’t disturb him, instead preferring to look out the window and observe the city in the daylight.

After a while, she heard James Harper ask, "What’s your plan after this?"

Natalie turned to look at him and asked, "About what exactly?"

"Your plans with Justin. Have you two decided on something other than just living together?" James asked.

Natalie wondered if she should tell James that they were already married, but then, James Harper hadn’t asked her who her rumored husband was. Or had he already guessed? But if he had, wouldn’t he question why his son, if married, hadn’t told his own father? How and why had it all happened? Didn’t this man have any questions?

"Justin and I are going to be together as a family," Natalie said. "To be frank, we are very much in love with each other."

There was silence on James’ side before he spoke flatly. "Justin is not my biological son. I adopted him."

It came as a shock to Natalie, and she screamed in her mind, "Adopted?" she asked again.

"Yes," he replied and kept quiet, not revealing his intentions for telling her this truth.

She grappled with so many questions but said anyway, "Justin is an excellent man. I’m sure the Harper family must feel fortunate to have a son like him, even though he is adopted."

"Are you fine with him not having real parents?" James asked again.

"I should be the last one to complain about that," Natalie replied. "I’m no better than an orphan who lived without any parental love. My mother is there, but I don’t feel like calling her my mother. And my father... well, he must be an alien for my mother to not even let me know about him."

As she spoke, she glanced at the man next to her, but he remained the same—his expression unchanged.

Natalie got back to reality and continued, "If one day, Justin has to leave the Harper family just because he is adopted, I know that even if he leaves with nothing, he can build his own empire and become successful. I will always be there to support him. I will never leave him for any reason."

Natalie observed James once more, trying to gauge whether she had answered whatever he was trying to imply, but he remained just as unreadable.

But then, her thoughts wandered to Justin.

Just then, she heard James speak again. "Justin might not tell you about this because we made a pact in the past—he was never allowed to mention this truth to anyone. That was the condition he had to promise me in exchange for a new life I had given him. And if he ever wishes to reveal it, he must have my approval."

she concluded, glancing at James Harper again.

"May I know why Mr. Harper is telling me this?" she asked.

"No reason," he replied flatly and fell silent once more.

Natalie frowned internally and said, "Did Mr. Harper think I would leave his son after learning this?"

"I don’t think you’re that superficial," he replied.

she thought.

"So, does that mean you finally accept me as your family, Mr. Harper?" she asked.

"You can say that," the man replied.

Natalie felt happy inside but controlled herself.

as They reached the palace after a while. James and Natalie were led to visit the queen, who was waiting for them.

Breakfast had been arranged in the garden, the queen’s favorite place. Both of them greeted her.

"Good morning, Your Majesty."

She greeted them back with a light smile and gestured for them to take a seat at the breakfast table.

"So, Natalie, what shall I address you as—Dew or Natalie?" the queen asked in a teasing tone.

"Whatever you feel is right, Your Majesty. Anything is fine with me," Natalie answered.

Just then, someone else arrived—Charlotte and Howard.

Both of them greeted the queen and James. "We heard we have the esteemed guest, Mr. Harper, here, so I thought we should come and greet him," Howard said. "I hope we are not disturbing you."

"Of course not," the queen replied. "Have a seat."

Charlotte immediately sat next to the queen. "Grandma, it’s always good to have breakfast with you."

The queen smiled at her. "Sure. Enjoy your meal."

On the other hand, Natalie raised a brow, her mind wondering why these two were here and why they seemed especially interested in meeting James Harper.

"Mr. Harper, I remember we sent an invitation to your son as well. But it seems he was too busy to make an appearance," Howard commented.

Natalie’s mind immediately worked.

she thought, then glanced at Charlotte.