Chapter 346: Mysterious Husband

Natalie tried to speak. "You two..."

"We knew each other even before I got to know you, Natalie," the Queen said. "But that’s a long story. For now, you are the center of attention this evening, so enjoy it."

Natalie glanced at Justin, who simply looked back at her, his expression unreadable. But in her mind, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of complaint—why had he hidden this from her?

Just then, Howard approached them.

"Your Majesty," Howard addressed the Queen, "may I speak with you for a moment?"

The Queen hummed in acknowledgment and turned to Natalie. "Take care of our guest," she said, referring to Justin.

Natalie nodded, and the Queen walked away with Howard.

"Sister, you didn’t inform me about tonight’s event beforehand," Howard began.

"I wanted it to be a surprise for everyone. Even Natalie wasn’t aware of it," the Queen replied calmly.

"Sister, back then, we found Carmen’s body. Are you sure this girl is Carmen’s daughter when Carmen is no longer with us?" Howard asked.

"I am certain of it," the Queen said, turning to Howard, her gaze meeting his directly. "And Carmen is alive. Back then, I don’t know who played such a dirty trick on me, but I won’t be deceived again. I have found my daughter, and I will bring her back soon."

Howard was momentarily taken aback. Though her tone remained calm, there was an unmistakable warning in her eyes. Regaining his composure, he said, "We should really find out who was behind it and ensure they are punished."

"I think the same," the Queen replied.

"I promise you, I will bring the culprit to you soon. Leave it to me," Howard said.

"I look forward to it," the Queen responded.

Howard thought as he continued his conversation with the Queen.

-----

Meanwhile, Natalie and Justin were talking.

"So, Mr. Harper, you already knew about the Queen’s plan for the evening, and that’s why you made me dress up like this," Natalie said. But it was more of a conclusion than a question.

"My wife is a princess, so she should be the most dazzling one wherever she goes," Justin replied as he stepped closer, leaning his face toward hers. "Did you not like it?"

Natalie remained rooted in place, meeting his gaze closely. "Mind your actions, Mr. Harper. I am the princess here, and I need to maintain an image."

"Who can object to you being close to your husband?"

"As long as everyone knows you are my husband, no one would object, but..." she shrugged and stepped back, "my husband prefers to remain mysterious, so I’ll help him keep up the act."

"Do you want everyone to know?" he asked as he leaned back.

"I would love to, but once they find out you’re Justin Harper, no one will leave you alone. I don’t want them taking my husband’s time when it belongs to me," she added.

He raised a brow. "Greedy, aren’t we?"

"Do you really want to show yourself and let the entire world know the identity of James Harper’s mysterious son?" she teased.

The corner of his lips curved into a light smirk. "Who said I’ll be introducing myself as Justin Harper?"

She looked at him in surprise. "Then?"

"I am here as your husband, so I shall use the name that’s on our wedding certificate," he replied.

Natalie pondered for a moment before asking, "During today’s breakfast, when the Queen spoke to your father about you, she acted as though she didn’t know who Justin Harper was. Was that planned, or does she truly not know you?"

"She doesn’t know I am Justin Harper," he confirmed.

"Wait. Now tell me—when did you first meet the Queen, and what name did you use?"

"I’ve known her for almost three years," Justin replied.

"But at that time, you weren’t Aiden Hendrix."

"She didn’t need to know my name," Justin said, maintaining his air of mystery. "But now that you’re in the picture as her granddaughter, she should know my name."

"She didn’t know your name, yet you’re still close to her to the extent of knowing her plans. How did you manage that?" Natalie asked, her mind was whirlwind of questions, making her wonder which one to ask first.

"I just happened to help her with some troublesome matters a few years and, and she’s simply grateful to me," Justin answered.

Natalie sighed. "I don’t know what other surprises you have in store for me."

He chuckled softly and assured her, "Once this is all sorted out, I’ll introduce you to my real world very soon."

"Alright. I’ll hold you to that," she said.

While Natalie and Justin were talking, many gazes in the hall followed them, curious about the man the princess was speaking with. Seeing the Queen engage with him as well, the guests could guess he was no ordinary man—but no one knew who he was.

Among those watching, several envious eyes were fixed in their direction—Charlotte, Briena, and their friends.

Charlotte thought bitterly, biting her lip in frustration. She couldn’t help but stare at Justin. He was undoubtedly the most handsome man she had ever seen. And if the Queen knew him, he was definitely someone important.

Briena, too, was envious. Natalie and Justin looked perfect together. Even after Ivan left her, she still managed to find such an attractive man.

"Who’s that man she’s talking to?" Rina and the others asked.

"I don’t know," Charlotte replied, her annoyance evident.

Briena, however, spoke up. "He’s Natalie’s husband. A good-for-nothing man. Just a good-looking gigolo."

"What?" they all exclaimed in unison.

"Gigolo?" Rina asked, her voice hushed in disbelief.

"Lower your voice," Charlotte warned. Saying such things aloud in a royal gathering was dangerous.

"Are you sure?" Rina whispered to Briena.

Briena nodded. "My family and I have met him a few times whenever Natalie brought him along. She never tells anyone what he does, nor does she deny the rumor that he’s a gigolo. Instead, she flaunts how handsome her husband is—even if he’s just a gigolo."

"Disgusting," Rina muttered. "How can a princess’ husband be such a man? She must not have told the Queen, or else Her Majesty wouldn’t be talking to him."

Hearing this, a glint of mischief flashed in Charlotte’s eyes. Her lips curled into a smirk.

"All of you, don’t say a word about this to anyone," she instructed.

"But we should let everyone know—"

"Just do as I say. I know what to do," Charlotte said firmly, leaving no room for argument. The others exchanged glances before nodding in agreement.