Chapter 16
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“Natasha, you’re insane! You actually burned down your grandma’s house.” Madeline’s voice was on the verge of breaking.
They had expected Natasha to get angry, maybe even fight for the house, but they never imagined she’d be ruthless enough to torch the only memento her grandma left her.
When she got the call from the fire department that morning, she could hardly believe her ears.
“That was the place where your grandparents fell in love! How could you be so heartless? You said it meant everything to you, and you’d take care of it forever. And now look what you’ve done!” Madeline shouted.
Officially, it was labeled an accident, but they all knew–Natasha did it on purpose.
It couldn’t be a coincidence, She’d just beaten up Olivia last night, and today the house went up in
flames.
Because they were going to give the house to Olivia, and since she couldn’t have it, she decided to destroy it.
For the first time, Madeline realized just how extreme her youngest daughter could be.
Natasha chuckled. “So, you all knew exactly how much it meant to me? And yet you still chose to go against Grandma’s wishes.”
“We had our reasons.” Madeline faltered.
“I don’t care about your reasons.” Natasha raised her voice. “To me, burning it down is still better than gifting it to a murderer.”
“Natasha! Watch your words!” Madeline shrieked, heartbroken. “Your grandma’s death was an accident–why can’t you accept that? Olivia is also your grandma’s granddaughter. Why would she ever harm Grandma? Don’t let jealousy cloud your judgment.”
Natasha didn’t want to argue. She had no proof, and they wouldn’t believe her anyway.
Madeline kept ranting, “Do you even realize arson is a crime? That house meant so much to Olivia, and you beat her up so badly she ended up in the ER last night…”
“Well then,” Natasha cut her off. “Call the cops.”
Silence reigned. Then, furious and helpless, Madeline added, “You know damn well we won’t call the cops. Natasha, what’s gotten into you? You are not the daughter I knew.”
Natasha had indeed called their bluff. If the house had already been transferred to Olivia, things might’ve been different.
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8:19 pm
Chapter 16
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But since it was still under Madeline’s name, Madeline’d never be petty enough to report her own daughter for burning down a worthless house during a memorial visit.
The scandal would be humiliating. The Clark family couldn’t afford that kind of shame. This whole thing would have to be swept under the rug.
Natasha’s voice was laced with ice. “Perfect, then let’s start over and get to know me again. From now on, Natasha won’t be the one you can emotionally blackmail anymore. Don’t provoke me. I can be way more vicious than you think.”
The mother–daughter talk ended on a sour note.
Putting down her phone, Natasha sat frozen for a few seconds before turning to Alexei, who had dropped his smile and was staring at her intently.
“See? Arson isn’t a threat to me, so scram already,” she said.
“So you saved me not because you were forced, but because you were into my looks?” Alexei had a knack for missing the point.
The tense atmosphere lightened, leaving Natasha momentarily speechless. “Seriously, has anyone ever told you you’re completely full of yourself?”
“Well, now you did.”
“Like
you heard, I might have some… unwelcome visitors soon. So this place won’t exactly be quiet,” Natasha replied, indicating he should leave.
Alexei changed the subject. “You know, revealing family drama in front of strangers isn’t the
smartest move.”
With that, he lowered his voice. “All alone–perfect for murder and body disposal.”
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