Their Villain, The Mogul's Beloved

Alexei pinched Natasha’s cheek with a half–smile. “I don’t have that many marriage prospects”

‘So, it’s because I’m his chosen partner? That didn’t seem so bad, she thought. ‘Relationships built on mutual benefit and duty felt more stable than those relying on emotions.

Natasha lowered her lashes and nestled against him. She savored his warmth. Just let me be weak for a little while, she thought.

Natasha was still dazed when Alexei carried her to the bathroom. He kept holding her, one arm around her waist, the other touching her rain–soaked hair. “What? Want me to do it for you?” he

teased.

Finally, Natasha pushed him away. She just stared at him with wet hazel eyes, saying nothing.

“Fine. I owe you,” Alexei sighed. He pinched her cheek again and turned to leave. Moments later, he returned with clean clothes. His knowledge of her room came from her month–long recovery

there.

Seeing the underwear under the nightgown finally snapped Natasha back to reality. Her cheeks burned. “Why did you grab these?”

Alexei looked away, his tone deliberately flippant. “Prefer wearing nothing? I don’t mind.” He said it casually, but the blush on his ears betrayed his unease.

Natasha poked his chest, easily pushing him out. “Get out.”

Outside, Alexei’s demeanor shifted instantly. The gentle, teasing mask he wore for Natasha vanished, replaced by his usual coldness.

He made a call. “Is the Clark family pursuing the Eastside Tech Park project? Pull them. Give it to their arch–rival, Hawthorne Tech.”

A teasing voice replied, “The Clarks pissed you off? Rumor is they’re banking on this project to pivot. Thomas chased it for years”

Poor at managing the household, unworthy of any important role,” Alexei stated coldly. “Also, keep them occupied. They’re too idle Idle enough to bully the woman he cared about.

care–these people keep slinging all sorts of thh at her. This time is nothing more than a small

their actions deserved death a hundred times over

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Chapter 33

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couldn’t find Natasha. Her phone was off. Sitting in his car in a bad mood, he got

the screen flash, annoyance flared in him for the first time. Lucas didn’t want to answer, but she persisted

picked up, rubbing his temples. “Olivia, what is

“Roderick, it’s thundering. I’m scared. Where

sensation overwhelmed him. He finally understood Natasha’s stress all

one with him, Thomas frowned. “Natasha

when I arrived,” said

a long time. I thought she’d at least come back

cozying up to another woman?” Thomas had no defense,

yet they find excuses to ignore her pain. And me, I am also an

finally said. “Go check on

outside Olivia’s

Natasha, say sorry, and wish her a

crossed his mind, the door opened. Olivia rushed into his arms like a frightened puppy. “Roderick! I miss

to the bedside.

got mad at me again. How can

I’m gone, Natasha will

couldn’t tell her Roderick was gone forever. The man who loved

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Chapter 33