Chapter 251: Questioning The Old Man

Natalie was on the phone with Ella, who was informing her that Silvia’s contract with her previous company had ended, and she was now ready to sign with their company.

Natalie wasn’t surprised by this outcome. "Offer her the contract we’ve already prepared. If she has any minor demands, just agree to them."

"I also got the news that NovaFrame Studios wants to sign Victor and Silvia as the lead actors in their next movie. I think it’s because of their current popularity from our perfume launch and the statement they gave against Briena. Fans are shipping them together, saying they have great chemistry in real life too."

NovaFrame was the same production house that had signed Briena for one of their movie projects.

Natalie raised an eyebrow, her thoughts briefly lingering. It was good news for her company to have such a big project, but it was so sudden for her to believe quickly.

Since Natalie wasn’t in the office, she and Ella discussed a few more things before ending the call. As she put her phone down, her gaze shifted to the stairs leading to Justin’s study, where he had taken her grandfather earlier to talk without disturbing her call.

"What could they possibly be talking about for so long? It’s been over half an hour," she murmured, standing up from the sofa. She headed toward the staircase but paused at the first step.

Justin’s words echoed in her mind:

’I’m feeling better now. I can manage a few stairs instead of making Grandpa come down,’ she thought to herself, deciding to proceed.

With slow and careful steps, she made her way upstairs. As she reached the study and was about to knock on the door, she froze upon hearing something that caught her attention.

"...After Caryn’s death, Natalie was lonely. Her psychological condition was not good due to the trauma and needed someone to look after her. Other than Caryn, I was the only one she was close to," Albert was explaining it to Justin. "Also, I had started having heart issues during that time and couldn’t focus on the business, so I decided to hand over everything to Sephina."

"Everything? To the extent that she holds all the power and you have no say in whatever she does?" Justin’s voice was calm yet cutting. "Even if she keeps planning to harm Natalie, you’ve always been so lenient with your wife. Why is that? What kind of protection are you giving Natalie by turning yourself so weak, Mr Ford?"

Justin could tell Albert was hiding something, but seeing the old man anxious and nearly reaching for his chest, he decided not to press further. What he needed to understand, he could by just looking at the old man.

It was evident Albert had reasons he wasn’t ready to reveal—reasons why he handed everything to Sephina and became powerless before her. Justin was certain there was more to the story. This old man was hiding many things.

"Why does your wife hate Natalie so much? Even if she hated Caryn Ford, Natalie is still her granddaughter," Justin questioned further.

Albert’s expression grew more troubled, his anxiety visibly rising. Justin was about to push for answers when he noticed shadows near the bottom of the door, visible through the thin gap between the door and the floor. Someone was standing outside, and Justin could easily guess who it was.

"I’m sorry, Mr. Ford, if I troubled you with my questions," Justin said, his tone softening. "I know you love Natalie and have always looked out for her, so I shouldn’t question your intentions like this."

Albert’s tense shoulders seemed to relax at the apology, likely relieved he didn’t have to answer more probing questions. "It’s alright," Albert replied. "I’m glad to see how much you care about her."

"Natalie must be done with her call. We should head downstairs," Justin suggested, glancing at the door.

Just as he finished speaking, as expected the study door opened, and Natalie stepped in. "What are you two talking about for so long?" she asked, her gaze shifting between the two men.

Albert’s heart almost skipped a beat, but Justin replied calmly to Natalie, "I was asking Mr. Ford why your grandmother seems to hate you so much when she already has all the power in the family. But it seems even Mr. Ford has no idea about his wife."

Natalie looked at her grandfather. The old man offered her a gentle smile, but she could see the anxiousness he was trying to suppress behind it.

She turned to Justin. "My grandma is just like that. Don’t trouble grandpa with it." Then she looked back at Albert. "Grandpa, you should rest a little. I’ll take you to the guest room."

Justin felt relieved that she didn’t hear their conversation about Ivan Brown, or he was sure she would be truly hurt to know the truth.

"It’s time for me to return to the hospital now," Albert said. "If your grandma finds out I’ve been away for so long, she’ll nag me endlessly."

"I’ll handle her," Natalie insisted.

Albert chuckled softly. "She’s my wife, not my enemy. Don’t worry." He added, "I’ll be discharged in a few days, and I’m planning to return to the Ford Mansion."

"Grandpa—" Natalie began, but Albert cut her off.

"I’ll visit you often, alright?" Albert said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Natalie hesitated but nodded. Justin had already informed her of Albert’s decision, so there was no point in insisting further.

Once Albert left, Natalie turned to Justin, ready to question him, but before she could say a word, Justin lifted her effortlessly in his arms.

"Justin!" she exclaimed.

"You’ve exceeded your standing and walking quota for the day," he stated coldly as he carried her to the bedroom. Gently placing her on the bed, his gaze turned sharp and full of warning. "Who told you to disobey me and climb the stairs when I explicitly told you to wait for us in the drawing room?"

"I was feeling fine, so..." she trailed off, her voice faltering under his stern gaze.