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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burned, Natasha would never let the last emerald bracelet

a sigh of relief. Their misunderstanding can be resolved over time, but

returned late from a business dinner. Shawn was about to drive him to his nearest property when Alexei redirected

apartment.

thought wryly, ‘Mr. Turner’s gotten used to being kept, huh? Choosing this tiny girl’s place over

obeyed instantly and headed to Natasha’s apartment. ‘Since Mr. Turner met Miss Clark, his temper’s softened. A blessing

enough, once downstairs, Shawn was dismissed. As Alexei walked upstairs alone, Shawn silently prayed for

upstairs was opposite his expectation. Alexei unlocked the door with his fingerprint. The apartment was dark, lit only by streetlight. A small

wasn’t incapacitated. Alcohol, however, stripped away restraint. Normally,

he shut the door and walked straight to the couch. He gathered the soft form into his arms, settling her sideways on his lap–an intimacy far beyond their

off to sleep. She jolted awake as someone lifted her. Her

grip. A body thick

hadn’t recognized the voice, she would’ve thought some bold intruder

Let me go.” 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

already brimming with raw strength, and when drunk,

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Chapter 40

positively bullish.

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nuzzling against her neck. With a flick of her hand to wave away

“Had a visitor? Got bullied in

do you know?” Natasha was

glass, and the lingering unpleasant scent–details in darkness

his senses.

on the couch when upset. The confined space gave her security. Letting her know he’d observed her habits would only make her more

about it?” He rested his head against her

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

the birthday party and the planned engagement announcement, Alexei’s eyes flew open in the dark. Drunkenness

things too late. And Lucas? This was his formal