"You all heard right," Justin said, addressing the stunned crowd. "I am that adopted boy and that kind businessman is Jas Harper. I am Justin Harper, Jas Harper’s adopted son. But from today onwards, I am giving up that identity. I will live as Aiden Handrix—the CEO of NextEra Corp—which I have always wished to do. That also an I am giving up on being the global CEO of the Harper group."
The hall fell silent at his clear, powerful declaration.
The Fords and Browns were once again thrown into complete shock, unable to process what had just been revealed.
If any last shred of hope had remained clinging to the illusion of Justin Harper, it had now been completely destroyed.
There was no Justin Harper anymore.
Justin stepped aside from the dais, and Jas Harper took his place.
"You all must be surprised, but that’s the truth," Jas stated, composed yet proud. "The truth is—I have always been proud of my son, Justin, for being so incredible. Though he is now going to assu his true identity, Aiden Handrix—for , he will always be family. He will always be a Harper. My son."
Justin returned to Natalie’s side. She reached for his hand and offered him a warm, supportive smile.
Finally, Justin could do what he had always wanted—live on his own terms, without carrying the burden of gratitude, without needing to wear a na that was not originally his.
He was Aiden Handrix. And now, the world knew.
"You all must be wondering now who would be the new Global CEO of the Harper Group," Jas said, his words silencing the entire hall.
"With the unanimous decision from the Harper Group board mbers, I announce Natalie Harper as the new Global CEO of the Harper Group."
For most, it didn’t co as a shock—after all, she was Jas’ daughter.
But for a few certain people... they were just a breath away from having heart attacks.
Natalie—once an ordinary CEO of a rising company—had beco the wife of the richest CEO, the princess of a kingdom, and now, the Global CEO of one of the largest business empires across the globe.
How did things end up this way?
Why was her life so good?
The Fords and the Browns didn’t even know how to breathe anymore.
All they could see in front of them were the biggest losses they had ever faced in their lives.
Their enemy—Natalie—was now sitting at the top of the pyramid they had all desperately tried to climb.
That day, after dinner, when Jas and Justin had a long talk in the study, it was about this very matter.
Jas didn’t mind if Justin continued to handle the Harper Group and served as the Global CEO while also running his own company.
But Justin didn’t want that. He had made his intentions clear—he wished to revoke the adoption and live as Aiden Handrix.
Jas had always known that once Justin began building his own company and repaid what he believed he owed, he would want to go his own way. Yet, Jas still considered him the rightful candidate to lead the Harper Group.
Eventually, both father and son ca to the sa conclusion—that Natalie would be the one.
Not just because she was Jas’ biological daughter, but because she had proven her capabilities ti and again. With her title as a princess as well, none of the board directors opposed Jas’ decision.
When Jas spoke to Caryn about it, she didn’t object either. She knew her daughter was capable—and this also resolved the complexities surrounding her marriage with Justin.
Natalie was reluctant when Justin first told her. She thought she wasn’t ready to shoulder such a massive responsibility.
But Julia and Justin both reassured her. Justin, especially, assured her that since he was already familiar with everything in the Harper Group, he would always be there to help her whenever she needed him.
With everyone’s support and belief in her, Natalie finally decided to accept the role.
Now, standing behind the dais, Jas looked at Natalie, silently encouraging her to take the stage.
She turned to Justin, who gave her a warm smile. "All the best."
As Jas and Natalie crossed paths, he said quietly, "You can do it."
She thanked him and stepped forward to address everyone.
Natalie began with a touch of humor. "As you already know , I still want to introduce myself—this ti, with my rightful identity. I am Natalie Harper, daughter of Jas and Caryn Harper—and the most fortunate woman in the world, Mrs. Natalie Aiden Handrix."
A few chuckles rippled through the hall.
"As I stand here today, I feel like after going through so hellish tests and trials throughout my life, the deities have finally decided to open heaven’s treasury and bless with good karma—turning my life into sothing of a real fairy tale.
If the end was ant to be like this... then I truly don’t mind all those tests and trials. I have an amazing family, their love and support. What more could anyone want?"
Guests started to look at the Fords for the way they had treated Natalie, never considering her their family. Even though she was not their true daughter, one should not be inhuman.
Now they compared how Jas Harper adopted a son and turned him into a fine man, then why couldn’t ford show so rcy to a young girl? Instead they tried to fra her into sothing all the ti.
"As the new global CEO of Harper group, I promise to fulfil my responsibilities and take Harper group to the new heights. I won’t fail my father and my husband’s expectations they have of ," Natalie declared.
The entire hall echoed with the claps at her words. She was now soone they all had to deal with while having a business with Harper group.
The event continued with guests coming to Natalie and Justin to introduce themselves and to be their good side. Jas chose to be with Caryn, only entertaining the guest once in a while. Julia mate so of her old friends and had happy talk with them.
Briana ca to Natalie, along with Ivan and Irene. Though it was bitter truth to swallow, she had to co to her. "Congratulations, Natalie."
Natalie just glanced at her, but didn’t thank her. Neither did she look at others.
"I hope you won’t hold grudges against the business we have and handle it professionally," Briena said, "Now we both are CEOs of the companies, we would be eting each other often. Don’t you thin Ivan?"
Ivan simply humd, his gaze stuck on Natalie’s beautiful face.
Natalie looked her finally and said, "One thing you should know about really well, that I love holding grudges."
Briena’s face changed its color. Before she could say anymore, Natalie walked away. Briena wanted to go after her, but then John, who was always by her side throughout the party, stopped Briena and offered a warning gaze.
Briena and Ivan were reminded of how John had broken his jaw and quietly stayed in their paces, not willing to be humiliated in front of entire world.
"Ivan, she is going to co after us. I am sure she won’t spare our companies," Briena said.
Ivan had no doubt in it, but at the sa ti, sohow he found himself not caring about anything.
"I am tired. I am leaving," Ivan said and left, leaving Briena alone.
Briena gritted her teeth, ’I am sure he is regretting letting her go. He lost a golden goose. But you can’t treat this way, Ivan Brown. You would co crawling back to .’
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