The Imposter Bride by Sallie Woods

Chapter 204

The little girl before him, who looked like an angel straight out of a Renaissance painting, was his daughter, a child he never knew he had, a child he shared with Lena.

Rowell’s eyes glistened with a hint of tears, and his voice raspy. “Are you Lena’s child?”

Natalia lifted her gaze to the imposing older man, and a mix of desolation and guilt washed over her. She felt no affection for this man who had wronged Lena. He was responsible for her mother’s death!

It didn’t matter whether he was an Earl or even the King of England; she wanted nothing to do with him.

Natalia’s silence caught Rowell off guard. His brow furrowed. His daughter was strong–willed, possibly even resentful towards him. He saw Callum approach and nodded his acknowledgment. “I apologize for dragging you into this mess, my friend.”

Before Callum could respond, Natalia retorted, “A mess? Does the noble Count condone violence? Or perhaps you think the woman who died here has dirtied your grounds and tarnished your reputation?”

Her swift retort left Rowell momentarily stunned. The courage and audacity she showed in confronting him were unexpected. Was she not supposed to respect him and call him ‘Father‘?

“You!” Rowell sharply rebuked Natalia, “You are Lena’s child. Your manner of speaking is disrespectful!”

“Disrespectful?” Natalia scoffed. “I have no home. I was abandoned in an orphanage. How should I know about manners?”

Rowell’s demeanor shifted. It was clear she held resentment towards him. Yet her sharp wit was intriguing in its own way. Regardless, for Lena’s sake, Rowell decided not to take offense. He calmly looked at Natalia, and the guilt he felt over Lena’s death was evaporating. “I’ll arrange a paternity test. If you are indeed my child, you will join the McKinney family.”

would teach this audacious‘ girl a thing or two about

need. I am of humble origins. I do not deserve the prestigious McKinney name.” Natalia rebuffed him without

contorted in discomfort. He had not anticipated Natalia’s rejection. Being an Earl’s daughter was a status many women could only dream of. Lena had even given her life to reclaim this heritage for

asking

on the McKinney name?”

story to smear your reputation. Who

The McKinney family’s honor was hers alone. No one would take

flames,

quiet!” Rowell, without warning, struck Alice across the face, causing her

to disrespect him, let alone Alice. Alice turned her wrathful gaze towards Natalia. It was all Natalia’s fault! If not for

her?

will

accusations, remained calm and collected. She initially had no interest in any connection with the McKinney family. However, to clear Lena’s

take

Her eyes were on Rowell and filled with detachment. “But I have

rest?”

for her to be buried

paternity test,” Natalia reiterated. “But

“Alright, we’ll cremate her and give