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.

dreaded imagining what else Alexei–who’d stolen another’s place with

done behind

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4:34 pm P33.

Chapter 36

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finished blowing out the candles and making her wish. Lucas spoke, his voice hoarse and trembling. “Natasha.

straight. Only now, with the cake safe, did she fully address the uninvited out.” Her

guest. “Get

is? Alexei, the guy from the Turner family.

remained unnervingly calm. “You’re

watching from the sidelines, chuckled softly. His finger tapped the table–he was

“We’ve

and you still let her slip away. Pathetic.” Alexei’s crisp

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

take you anywhere for your birthday. No Olivia. No one else. I won’t

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

humble.

to provoke you. That’s childish. Stop deluding

Lucas.”

couldn’t bring himself to believe it. Of the two possibilities–that Natasha was using Alexei to get a rise out of

more.

other? What gives him the right to stand beside Natasha

be

Her expression was glacial. “I didn’t want

do with Alexei. Wake up, Lucas.

frozen, stunned. While Alexei, enjoying the spectacle, added, “Mr.

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