Their Villain, The Mogul's Beloved

Chapter 40

Chapter 40

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Natasha’s expression was ashen. “I’ve told you. Lucas and I are over. I won’t marry him.”

Madeline fumed. “Your tantrum won’t change anything–we’ve sent the invitations.”

“Then let your beloved Olivia take my place.” Natasha shot back.

“Stop this nonsense. Olivia and Lucas are close only because of her treatment. And her boyfriend, Roderick, died saving Lucas. Without him, do you think you two could have dated all these years?”

“Perfect. Then Lucas is her compensation.”

“How heartless. I don’t care–you will be at the party tomorrow.”

“No. I’m busy.” Natasha’s refusal was flat. It wasn’t an excuse. Alexei had proposed a way to repay that kiss last night–accompanying him to a Turner family lunch tomorrow.

Madeline’s face darkened. “If you don’t show, what happens to the birthday and engagement party? You’ll disgrace the Clarks.”

“What does the Clark name mean to me? You even planned this party without my input. We’re long settled.” Natasha sneered.

“Settled?” Madeline snapped. “Let me tell you this–it’s never settled. We gave you life. Can you repay that?”

The cruel words flew out. Seeing Natasha’s instantly changed expression, Madeline faltered, with a twinge of regret. She knew how much Natasha hated this “debt of life.”

Watching Natasha’s rigid posture and bloodless face, Madeline turned her head away and spoke sharply, “Your grandmother left me a pair of heirloom emerald bracelets.

“She said one was for Olivia, and the other for you. You don’t even want your grandmother’s keepsakes anymore?”

Madeline knew exactly how to trap Natasha. A bitter smile touched Natasha’s lips. “Last time it was Grandma’s house, now it’s the Suttons‘ bracelets. When those are gone, Mrs. Clark, what will you threaten me with next?”

Ignoring a pang of unease, Madeline stood her ground. “You are my daughter. That bond

cannot be broken.”

Though Natasha gave no clear answer, Madeline left confidently. She knew Natasha so well.

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Chapter 40

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never let the last

sigh of relief. Their misunderstanding can be resolved over time, but the fact that

late from a business dinner. Shawn was about to drive

apartment.

being kept,

Turner met Miss Clark, his temper’s softened. A blessing for everyone. Only a fool would let a

alone, Shawn silently prayed for Natasha. He knew the drunken Alexei was

Alexei unlocked the door with his fingerprint. The apartment was dark, lit only by streetlight. A small figure was curled

away restraint. Normally, he’d turn

and walked straight to the couch. He gathered the soft form into his arms, settling her sideways

on the couch, lost in thought, when she’d drifted off to sleep. She

caught in a powerful grip. A body thick with masculine energy pinned her

she would’ve thought some bold intruder

Natasha struggled. Alexei held tighter, stroking her hair, pinching her soft arm–like

Subconsciously, he’d marked her as “safe“-no cloying perfume, no malicious intent. He felt an

build was already brimming with raw

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Chapter 40

positively bullish.

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struggling, Natasha wrinkled her nose at the man nuzzling against her neck. With a flick of

“Had a visitor? Got

do you know?” Natasha

the lingering unpleasant scent–details in darkness screamed at him. Years in danger

his senses.

on the couch when upset. The confined space gave her security. Letting her know he’d observed her

me about it?” He rested his head against

the gloom weighing on her heart, she didn’t hide her embarrassment from her only

eyes flew

formed. Alexei knew the Clarks‘ hypocrisy—always patching things too late. And Lucas? This