Chapter 374: The Harper Family Event

Finally, the day arrived that every person in the business world had been waiting for.

The Harper Group was going to declare their new global CEO. Business figures from across the world were invited, and it was set to be the most important and grandest business event of the year.

The excitement surrounding the event was also because, finally, everyone was going to see the mysterious heir of the Harper Group—Justin Harper.

But there was another person the media and attendees were eager to see: Natalie’s husband and the CEO of NextEra. They were certain they would be able to capture Aiden Handrix in their lenses today.

The grand venue was prepared, showcasing just how significant this event was and how massive the Harper Group truly stood. Media from around the world gathered to capture the key moments—but more than anything, they were desperate to catch their first glimpse of Justin Harper and Aiden Handrix.

The Browns and the Fords were invited as well, even though Natalie, the daughter of James Harper, didn’t have a good relationship with them.

Both families arrived at the same time. While Briena was still Ivan’s fiancée, they should have come together—but both chose to arrive with their own families.

Briena was with Sephina, as Sephina was still a key figure being the chairman of Ford Group. Many important figures would be interacting with her, and Briena hoped that through her, she might be able to reach Justin Harper more easily.

Ivan was with his sister, Irene. He didn’t mind that Briena wasn’t his date for the night, and no one complained—each had their own interests in mind.

Both families had been stunned to receive the invites, having assumed the Harper Group might exclude them because of Natalie.

"Grandma, it seems like Natalie has no say in the matters of the Harper Group," Briena said. "If she did, she would’ve tried her best not to invite us. Seems like she still hasn’t found her footing in the family as the daughter."

Clara, walking behind them with Jay, overheard her and said, "When James Harper has a capable son like Justin Harper, why would he give any importance to the words of a girl who barely knows anything about business? I’m sure James Harper values his son far more than his newly found daughter."

"True, Mom. Tonight, we’ll also get to see what kind of dynamics Justin Harper has with his new half-sister. I’m sure no son likes his father bringing in another woman and daughter to challenge his authority," Briena added.

Sephina, who had been listening quietly, said, "Don’t just assume everything on your own. First watch, observe, and then make your move. Don’t make a fool out of yourself now—you’re the CEO of Ford Group."

"Yes, Grandma."

Meanwhile, on the Browns’ side, they shared the same opinion as the Fords—that the Harpers didn’t value Natalie much, as they had invited them despite their past feuds with her.

"Brother, what kind of person do you think Justin Harper is?" Irene asked. "Would he take a liking to me if I get to talk to him?"

"I’m not sure," Ivan replied. These days, he had little interest in anything besides his business—and thoughts of Natalie. He often wondered how his life would’ve been if he still had her with him.

Other than for business, his main reason for attending this event was the hope of seeing Natalie. She was now out of his reach, and gatherings like this were the only chance he had to see her.

"Irene, make sure to behave," Amelia warned. "Don’t follow Briena’s lead and end up looking bad because of something she does."

"I know, Mom. I’m staying away from her tonight," Irene said aloud, though in her mind she thought, All the guests had arrived, now waiting for the Harper family to make their appearance.

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Inside one of the guest rooms at the venue, Caryn was getting ready with the help of the staff James had hired for her.

Once she was ready, James entered the room.

She was sitting in the wheelchair, dressed in a classic and elegant ankle-length gown of soft pastel pink, with a delicate, textured floral pattern throughout the fabric. A modest round neckline and long fitted sleeves offered a graceful and timeless appeal. The dress was tailored to gently hug her waist and flared slightly toward the hem, reaching her delicate ankles over the nude, flat yet classy sandals she wore.

Her slightly gray hair was tied in a beautiful, delicate bun at the back of her neck, adding sophistication and refinement.

James looked at her as if he’d forgotten to blink. Even now, she was the most beautiful woman he could ever find. No one could match her beauty, her fine elegance—combined with her arrogance, pride, and stubbornness.

She was one unique woman, created only once—and only for him.

Caryn felt a little awkward under his gaze. It was the same gaze she had grown used to in the past and had loved, seeing how deeply he was in love with her.

"Aren’t we leaving?" she asked, breaking the unsettling silence.

She was still not used to accepting that same love and those feelings from him, but these days she was at least calm—and rarely got angry.

James hummed and went to her side. She pressed the button on the wheelchair and came out of the room with James.

Julia joined them, and the three made their way to the event hall as the emcee announced their arrival. All the guests welcomed them, their eyes scanning the trio, searching for any signs of a young man around them.

"Mom, I don’t see Natalie with them," Briena said. "Nor any young man."

"Wait and watch," Clara replied. "She’ll probably appear with her husband. Don’t forget—everyone here is dying to meet the CEO of NextEra as well."

Soon, someone arrived, everyone had their eyes glued to the entrance.