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.

all sorts

actions deserved death a hundred times over

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4:34 pm PS

Chapter 33

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was off. Sitting in his car in a bad mood, he got

flash, annoyance flared in him for the first

he picked up, rubbing his temples. “Olivia,

sobs came through. “Roderick, it’s

overwhelmed him. He finally understood Natasha’s stress all those years. A life weighed them down.

Clarks. Seeing no one with him, Thomas frowned.

when

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

see her boyfriend cozying up

sneered inwardly, ‘See? Everyone knows what hurts, yet they find excuses to ignore her pain. And me, I am

said. “Go check

laugh and climbed the stairs heavily. Standing outside Olivia’s door, the image of Natasha alone in the rainy cemetery filled his

Natasha, say sorry, and wish her a happy birthday,

as the thought crossed his mind, the door opened. Olivia rushed into his arms like a frightened puppy. “Roderick! I miss you so much.” As if bound by something, Lucas

to the bedside. “Roderick,

marks on her neck, looking troubled. “Natasha got mad at me again. How can I make up with her? Let’s get

move out. If I’m gone, Natasha will come home.” She sounded utterly sincere, all for

Roderick was gone forever. The man who

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4:34 pm P

Chapter 33

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