Their Villain, The Mogul's Beloved

Chapter 40

Chapter 40

20 vouchers

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.

1/4

5:04 pm D

Chapter 40

20 vouchers

Natasha would never let the

can be resolved over time,

dinner. Shawn was about to drive him to his

apartment.

kept, huh? Choosing this tiny girl’s place over a

Turner met Miss Clark, his temper’s softened. A blessing for

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

The apartment was dark, lit only by streetlight. A small figure was curled on

restraint. Normally, he’d turn on the lights and

gathered the soft form into his arms, settling her sideways on his

when she’d drifted off to sleep. She jolted awake as someone

a powerful grip. A body thick

would’ve thought some

held tighter, stroking

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

was already brimming with raw strength, and when drunk, he

2/4

5:04 pm 50

Chapter 40

positively bullish.

20 vouchers

With a flick of her hand to wave away the smell,

a visitor?

you know?” Natasha

and the lingering unpleasant scent–details in darkness

his senses.

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

it?” He rested his head against her neck, his thumb

gloom weighing on her heart, she didn’t hide

the planned engagement announcement, Alexei’s eyes flew

laugh formed. Alexei knew the Clarks‘ hypocrisy—always patching things too