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.

what else Alexei–who’d stolen another’s place

behind his

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4:34 pm P33.

Chapter 36

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her wish. Lucas spoke, his voice

cake safe, did she fully address the uninvited

guest. “Get

out recklessly. “Do you even know who he is? Alexei, the guy from

calm.

the sidelines, chuckled softly. His

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

and you still let her slip away.

out. He kept his hand outstretched to Natasha, pleading. “Natasha,

on the past. I’ll take you anywhere for your birthday.

eyes were red–rimmed, his pride shattered. A spoiled heir like Lucas had

humble.

to

Lucas.”

get a rise out of him or that she was genuinely choosing to be with him–he dreaded

more.

him the right to

said, “Did he threaten you? Don’t be afraid. The Turners aren’t invincible.

as he reached for Natasha. Her expression was

precise. “Our end had nothing to do with Alexei. Wake up, Lucas. It’s over. You have no right to control

While Alexei, enjoying the spectacle, added, “Mr. Wright, don’t slander me. Natasha and I are

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