Chapter 77: A Protective Husband

Everyone in the room froze, stunned by what the man had addresses Natalie as.

His commanding presence, the intimidating aura he exuded, along with that tall and handsome appearance of his with those devilishly sharp features, left them speechless and staring at him.

Albert’s heart swelled with delight, seeing Justin protect Natalie like a true husband should. His protective and unwavering attitude, made Albert realize just how much he cared for her.

Natalie, too, looked at Justin in surprise, disbelief written across her face.

He had called her his wife. But more than that, she was overwhelmed by the fact that, for the first time, someone had stood by her side, shielding her from harm.

Justin released Jay’s hand with a warning, his voice cold and firm. "This will be the last time you do something like this."

Jay rubbed his wrist, wincing from the pressure Justin had applied, as if he’d wanted to crush it completely.

Justin turned to Natalie, his gaze softening slightly when he saw the tears brimming in her eyes. He gently wiped them away and said, "You’re fearless, like a tigress when you face the world. But why do you allow yourself to be so helpless in front of your family and let them hurt you?"

Natalie didn’t know how to respond. Whatever this man was doing, touched her deeply in a way she hadn’t expected.

Justin continued, his voice still firm but filled with a strange warmth. "Do whatever you want with others, but you’re not allowed to let yourself be hurt. Even if you killed someone, you’d better come out of it unharmed—or I’ll be the one to punish you."

What? Everyone almost screamed in their minds at what this man was talking about. Kill someone? Was it that normal for him to allow his own wife to do so?

Natalie simply hummed, knowing that someone like Justin Harper could easily say such words—after all, power speaks for itself.

"You’re her husband?" Sephina finally stepped forward, scrutinizing the man before her.

Justin met her gaze without flinching. "I don’t find it necessary to repeat the obvious."

Justin has seen even before how this woman had treated Natalie and made a mental note that he didn’t have to be polite with her either. Moreover, Natalie didn’t truly have blood ties with them, so he didn’t have to consider them as her family. They were simply nobodies.

"And this is how you talk to your wife’s family the first time you meet them?" Sephina’s voice rose with indignation.

"Considering this is her family, I’m being as polite as I can be," Justin replied, his gaze darkening. "If it had been anyone else raising a hand to her, they’d likely be crippled by now."

Jay’s anger flared. "You—are you threatening me?"

Justin didn’t miss a beat. "You seem smart enough to understand what I’m saying," he responded coolly, his entire demeanor radiating the confidence of someone who felt he owned the world.

"You might be her husband, but I’m her father," Jay retorted, his voice hardening. "The reason she came into this world. So I can teach her a lesson when she’s wrong."

Justin wished to slap this arrogance out of this man by telling him that he could only bring the trash like Briena in this world, but he held back.

"She can be wrong, but she can’t be harmed." Justin tone cold and his gaze turned menacing, "Lay a finger on her, and I’ll make you pay more than you could ever afford."

Sephina turned sharply toward Albert, her voice filled with disdain. "Do you see what kind of man your precious granddaughter has brought into our family? A man with no real status or name, acting no better than a thug, threatening his own in-laws!"

John, standing just outside the room, shook his head helplessly.

"He’s simply protecting his wife," Albert countered calmly. "What else would a man do if someone’s trying to hurt his wife? I’m proud she has a husband who can stand by her."

"Can’t you see she’s in the wrong?" Sephina retorted, her voice sharp.

"I don’t see where she’s wrong," Albert replied. "And even if she is, raising a hand to a grown woman—especially one who’s married—is unacceptable. I never saw you raise your voice at Briena, let alone your hand."

"That’s because Briena never makes mistakes! She’s always the victim of schemes orchestrated by . She even caused Briena’s accident, almost costing her Piano career." Sephina’s anger flared as she turned to Justin. "You have no idea how despicable your wife really is. If you knew—"

"Then she suits me perfectly," Justin interrupted coldly. "Because only a despicable wretch like her is a match for me. As long as she’s safe, the rest of the world can go to hell. She’s free to be as despicable as she pleases."

His words left Sephina and the others speechless once more Justin turned to Natalie, his tone softening, but displeased at the same time. "If you caused that accident, why do I still see your sister playing the piano? If you meant to harm her, you should have succeeded. From now on, you’re not allowed to fail in anything you plan, even if it mean you want to kill someone. Otherwise, I’ll have to handle it myself—and I doubt you’d want me to take matters in my hands."

Still hurt by her father’s accusations, Natalie shook her head softly. "Ignore them," she whispered, not wanting things to escalate further in front of her grandpa.

"As you wish," Justin replied, like a dutiful husband.

The two looked in perfect harmony, as if they existed for each other and others were simply invisible.

Justin looked at Albert, as he held Natalie’s hands. "Mr Ford, I am taking her away."

Albert nodded. "Take care of her." He knew Natalie was hurt and needed to be taken away from the suffocating presence of her family.

As Justin and Natalie turned to leave, Sephina called after them, her voice sharp. "Who are you? What gives you the courage to act like this in front of us, the Fords?"

Without turning back, Justin replied coolly, "I bet you would not want to know," and left with Natalie, holding her hand protectively.