Their Villain, The Mogul's Beloved

Chapter 14

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“Natasha, you’re insane! You actually burned down your grandma’s house.” Madeline’s voice was on the verge of breaking.

They had expected Natasha to get angry, maybe even fight for the house, but they never imagined she’d be ruthless enough to torch the only memento her grandma left her.

When she got the call from the fire department that morning, she could hardly believe her ears.

“That was the place where your grandparents fell in love! How could you be so heartless? You said it meant everything to you, and you’d take care of it forever. And now look what you’ve done!” Madeline shouted.

Officially, it was labeled an accident, but they all knew–Natasha did it on purpose.

It couldn’t be a coincidence. She’d just beaten up Olivia last night, and today the house went up in flames.

Because they were going to give the house to Olivia, and since she couldn’t have it, she decided to destroy it.

For the first time, Madeline realized just how extreme her youngest daughter could be.

Natasha chuckled. “So, you all knew exactly how much it meant to me? And yet you still chose to go against Grandma’s wishes.”

“We had our reasons.” Madeline faltered.

“I don’t care about your reasons.” Natasha raised her voice. “To me, burning it down is still better than gifting it to a murderer.”

“Natasha! Watch your words!” Madeline shrieked, heartbroken. “Your grandma’s death was an accident–why can’t you accept that? Olivia is also your grandma’s granddaughter. Why would she ever harm Grandma? Don’t let jealousy cloud your judgment.”

Natasha didn’t want to argue. She had no proof, and they wouldn’t believe her anyway.

Madeline kept ranting. “Do you even realize arson is a crime? That house meant so much to Olivia, and you beat her up so badly she ended up in the ER last night…”

“Umhmm,” Natasha cut her off. “Then call the cops.”

Silence reigned. Then, furious and helpless, Madeline added, “You know damn well we won’t call the cops. Natasha, what’s gotten into you? You are not the daughter I knew.”

Natasha had indeed called their bluff. If the house had already been transferred to Olivia, things might’ve been different.

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Chapter 14

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Madeline’d never be petty enough to report her own daughter for burning down a worthless house during a memorial

be humiliating. The Clark family couldn’t afford that kind of shame. This whole

again. From now on, Natasha won’t be the

think.”

mother–daughter talk ended

Natasha sat frozen for a few seconds before turning to

threat to me,

because you were forced, but because you were into my looks?” Alexei had a knack for

has anyone ever told you you’re completely

“Well, now you did.”

So this place won’t exactly be

revealing family drama in front of strangers

smartest move.”

“All alone–perfect

her eyes. “I’d haunt you after I

ghost. If you’re offering, Miss Clark, I wouldn’t mind a

romance.”

“You’re seriously twisted.”

to know

the banter, Alexei ended

who looked fierce but only gave him a harmless, kitten–like kick before storming off to her room

That was just asking them to push their

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Chapter 14

*****

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Natasha and her patient were sound asleep in her tiny apartment with the curtains tightly drawn, the outside

settled yet, and in just one night, Natasha dropped another

years of dealing with her antics had built up some resilience; otherwise, Andrew might’ve needed even

sweet, adorable little girl from back then had turned into such a headache. Even during her silent, withdrawn phase, she was easier to handle than this rebellious, defiant

to make life hard for Olivia? But weren’t we just trying to atone for her