Their Villain, The Mogul's Beloved

hapter 39

20 vouchers

When Natasha first moved out at eighteen, Madeline had secretly visited her place. To save money, Natasha shared an apartment near the university with a friend.

It was crowded and noisy–right by a commercial street. But Madeline was angry at Natasha’s defiance, hoping hardship would force her home. Though it hurt, she stayed out of it.

Natasha, stubborn as ever, never asked for help. By the time Madeline reconsidered, Olivia said Natasha had moved.

Madeline assumed she’d accepted their money for a better place. Subsequent meetings were either at the Clark mansion or elsewhere.

This was Madeline’s first visit to Natasha’s new home in years. Her first impression upon arriving at Natasha’s place was how tiny the house was.

Accustomed to sprawling estates, the compact space felt stifling for Madeline. Margot’s accusation of favoritism echoed uncomfortably. The smallest property gifted to Olivia dwarfed this

apartment.

Alexei was out. Natasha let Madeline in and poured her a cup of water. The quiet tension between them was thick.

Madeline took a breath. “This place is too cramped. Thomas will arrange a new apartment for you.”

“No need for that. I can’t accept it.” Natasha’s refusal was flat.

Madeline fumed. “Why not? You’re our daughter. A house is nothing—we’d look bad if we shortchanged you.”

Natasha scoffed. “I’m afraid you’ll demand it back someday.”

left the Clarks, they’d claimed everything she took was theirs. They cut her money and

gloomy afternoon. Standing before the grand gates, a single suitcase beside her, she’d endured the humiliation of

had accused her of ingratitude and spite. Andrew, usually composed, had trembled

“We’ve cleaned up your messes for 18 years. What more do you want? Ungrateful! You

go. And never come back. But if you have

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4:35 pm PD

Chapter 39

EX 20 vouchers

them. Clutching

didn’t beg to be born. And the law obligates

$170k-$300k monthly. I got $300. If you’re fine with people laughing at how little you spent on your daughter, let’s tally

had been incredulous. “We restricted you because you wasted money. And we gave

got them,” Natasha’s voice

didn’t believe her. “Fine. Have it your way. Step out that gate, and not a single

the scandal of demanding her repayment, and Andrew hadn’t truly wanted the money. The Clarks

said, turning away, “if claiming my basic rights

received was her legal due, far less than the Clark standard. She owed them nothing. If necessary, she’d

less before eighteen meant aking more

point on, she never once

wages, stretching one bread for two

Madeline scorned was hers, earned by her bare hands. No one could reclaim

Madeline shift uncomfortably, and she touched