Their Villain, The Mogul's Beloved

At that moment, Olivia asked if Natasha still remembered Emilia.

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What came to Natasha’s mind first was the last look before her death–a glance that, for a brief second, almost felt like the smile in the painting.

Olivia’s sharp fingernail traced lightly across Natasha’s stiff cheek without leaving a mark.

She said coldly, “Why are you still alive? The Clark family only needs one daughter. Back when you weren’t around, everything was just fine.”

Olivia’s voice was low, like a release of resentment, yet also like a vow. She said, “Natasha, anyone in this world can live well–except you.”

Downstairs, the two had gone too long to get the gift, and the Clarks kept glancing toward the

staircase.

Madeline looked hesitant, asking, “Natasha has a bad temper. You don’t think they’re fighting, do you?”

Andrew stayed seated, fairly composed. “Not today. She won’t make a scene. Relax.”

The most impatient one, Noel, spoke with annoyance. “I’ll go check.” He was about to head upstairs.

Thomas stopped him. “If something really is going on, you’ll only make it worse. I’ll go.”

Letting those two firecrackers be in the same room was risky enough–Thomas feared they’d blow the roof off. Neither of them was ever any trouble–free.

By the time Thomas reached the second floor, he heard Olivia’s urgent, pained voice coming from a room. “Please! Don’t!”

Then came the sound of something hitting the floor.

Thomas froze for a second before quickly rushing toward the noise. The others downstairs heard it too and hurried after him.

Inside the room, Thomas opened the door to see Natasha standing across from Olivia.

On the floor lay a dagger–a army knife encrusted with small diamonds that Thomas had once given Natasha.

Back then, Natasha had been especially into fighting and self–defense, After the whole kidnapping mix–up, Thomas, though often annoyed with her, still thought it was a good idea for a girl to have some way to protect herself.

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Chapter 30

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hurt someone, the Clarks could handle

Natasha.

celebrate—Thomas had secretly given her

ever since and never

clutched a painting with a slash through it,

over, stepping across the knife, and steadied the tilting

the rest of the family had arrived, all staring at the

I know you hate that Mom and Dad gave Grandma’s house to me. But

you.

problem, take it out on me–why destroy my mom’s painting? She was so good to you when she was alive. Can’t you

Olivia’s sobs made her sound even more convincing. Anyone would think Natasha

hold back. She hit Natasha,

“I didn’t do

scoffed. “If it wasn’t

scratch, ruining draft after draft. So many times I’d come out for a drink while gaming late at night and see her light still on,

planned to bring for her today. You’ve already caused her

her chest, raising her

when Natasha was little, Emilia had doted on

face her in the afterlife

Thomas both looked at Natasha

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Chapter 30

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of course they would trust the sweet, obedient older daughter

lived with for years.

matter what arguments they had, had always been careful when it

she’d ruin her own mother’s portrait

to get something to give to Emilia, Natasha hadn’t thought recording

if there were,

her, just like the day she woke up and they

had to give in to Olivia, respect her–because she