Their Villain, The Mogul's Beloved

Chapter 36

“Come blow out the candles.” Alexei waved a hand, ignoring Lucas completely, repeating the words. only to Natasha behind him.

Alexei’s dismissive attitude, without even a glance his way, treated Lucas like nothing more than a lowly insect. It grated on him.

Worse, he felt Natasha slip from behind him, actually walking toward Alexei. She even complained, “Why’d you light them without me? The wax will drip into the cake.”

Alexei chuckled, pulling her close by the waist, guiding her to the table. Standing, he loomed over her, as if tucking her wholly into his embrace.

I’ll eat the dirty bits,” Alexei murmured. Then he urged softly, “Make a wish first.”

Natasha was used to his casual closeness. They acted like an intimate couple, shutting out the uninvited guest. Lucas flushed red, fury blazing in his eyes. “Natasha,” he shouted.

Alexei, who’d been watching Natasha softly, snapped his gaze at Lucas. Those hazel eyes, filled with ethal intent, pinned him in place. Lucas felt like prey cornered by a beast.

Under Alexei’s imposing aura, Natasha calmly made her wish. Opening her eyes, she puffed her cheeks and blew out the candles. The rich scent of the cake brought genuine delight to her.

For Lucas, every silent second was agony. Alexei stood behind her, like a fierce guardian protecting his treasure, forbidding any approach. Lucas could only watch their closeness and intimacy.

In this helpless observation, Lucas noticed details he’d forced himself to ignore. Alexei wore slightly worn men’s slippers.

A man as notoriously fastidious as Alexei wouldn’t wear someone else’s old shoes unless they were his own–he must have been here a while.

And Alexei’s clothes were comfy loungewear. No one would change into clothes like this in a stranger’s house. Plus, Natasha’s place has never had men’s clothes stocked.

Two place settings were laid out on the table. Before he arrived, they were likely about to share a late meal.

And Natasha’s favorite marshmallow pillow was gone from the couch, replaced by a man’s suit jacket.

Every detail pierced Lucas’s heart like a blade. During the time he and Natasha had been locked in their quarrel, Alexei had slithered in to take advantage.

Alexei–who’d stolen another’s place

done behind his

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Chapter 36

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her wish. Lucas spoke,

with the cake safe, did she fully address the uninvited out.” Her tone

guest. “Get

know who he is? Alexei, the guy from the Turner

unnervingly calm.

watching from the sidelines, chuckled softly. His

if struck, staring at her. “We’ve known each other twenty years,

let her slip away. Pathetic.” Alexei’s crisp

hand outstretched to Natasha, pleading. “Natasha, come with me. Let’s get out of here. Stop trying to

won’t ask what happened. I won’t dwell on the past. I’ll take you anywhere for your birthday. No Olivia. No one else. I won’t be late again. Let’s

A spoiled heir like Lucas

humble.

unyielding. “I’d never tried to provoke you. That’s

Lucas.”

possibilities–that Natasha was using Alexei to get a rise out of him or that she was genuinely choosing to

more.

each other? What gives him the right to stand beside Natasha like he belongs

said, “Did he threaten you? Don’t be afraid.

reached for Natasha. Her expression was glacial. “I didn’t want to do that, for old times‘ sake. You

to do with Alexei.

added, “Mr. Wright, don’t slander me. Natasha and I are mutually

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