Their Villain, The Mogul's Beloved novel Chapter 28

When Ryan got the news last night that Matthew had been beaten up, hospitalized, and even photographed in a compromising position, he was thrilled.

With Matthew out of the picture, wouldn’t I, the only grandson left, rise to the top?” Ryan thought.

To win points with Zayden, Ryan swallowed his disgust and ran back and forth helping the cousin he had never gotten along with, putting on a show of brotherly harmony.

He even stepped up to speak out, insisting he would get justice for Matthew.

Although Matthew gritted his teeth and claimed it was just an accident, anyone could tell there was nore to the story.

So Ryan was determined to drag every last skeleton out of his closet.

Zayden had actually been pleased and even criticized Ramona for trying to smooth things over.

But after one phone call, his face changed instantly. He returned to the hospital room, slapped Matthew across the face, and scolded him for stirring up trouble and dragging the family down with him.

Finally, Ryan didn’t get any kindness either for pushing the family to cause trouble. He was seething inside.

Ramona had been a little surprised at first, but she reacted quickly. She put on an act like she already knew exactly who Matthew had crossed and had only tried to stop Zayden’s retaliation.

The truth was, she hadn’t even made her move yet. Natasha had helped her, and there was no way she’d let Natasha get dragged into trouble.

Unexpectedly, Natasha clearly had her own confidence to stand on. Then Ramona smoothly switched her story, using the situation to her advantage without hesitation.

Seeing her calm, assured demeanor, Ryan couldn’t help but suspect Ramona had some powerful backer.

Now Ryan even wondered if what happened to Matthew was actually a trap she had set. He wondered, ‘With Matthew gone, will I be next?‘

Word was, the drinking buddies who were sent to the hospital with Matthew last night had all received warnings today about their families facing bankruptcy.

And the atmosphere in the nearby rooms was heavy, like someone had died.

Ryan’s ambitions instantly fizzled, his emotions all over the place.

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Natasha had no idea there was more to Ramona’s situation, but if she had, she would’ve been more than happy to add a few bricks to Ramona’s road to power.

That morning, Natasha got another call from Andrew. “Natasha! What did you do this time?

“What did Matthew ever do to you? You put him in the hospital and still won’t let it go?”

Because Matthew fawned over Olivia, he naturally behaved impeccably in front of Natasha’s adoptive parents.

From the Clark family’s perspective, Matthew still seemed more dependable than Natasha.

So when Olivia said Natasha had sent someone to the hospital again, Andrew’s blood pressure shot up. “You’re coming with me to the Hill family today to apologize in person.”

The Clark and Hill families did business together, and the Hills were an old, established family–fai more deep–rooted than the Clarks, who had only been rich for less than three generations.

Andrew thought, ‘Natasha not only failed to bring the family any glory like Olivia did, she constantly made enemies. Having her is truly a curse.‘

Olivia poured Andrew a cup of coffee and comforted him gently. “Don’t be angry, Dad. I know Matthew pretty well. As long as Natasha is willing to apologize sincerely, the Hills won’t hold it against her.”

As for what it will actually take to make Matthew forgive her–that isn’t something I can control, Olivia thought, her smile sweet.

Andrew gave her a gratified look. “Hear that? If you could be half as sensible as your sister, I’d live years longer.”

Natasha thought, ‘It seems they still don’t know the punishment Matthew received from his own family, Olivia’s complaint has been far too hasty.

Natasha let out a cold laugh. “Since you know he’s in the hospital, aren’t you going to ask if I’m hurt? Do you even know why I hit him?”

“What else could it be?” Andrew shot back instinctively. “He’s close to your sister and you can’t stand him. I heard you ran into each other at a bar? And there were several men involved? You need to stay away from those shady places.”

Natasha countered, “Olivia told you that? Whatever she says, you just believe it?”

“Don’t drag your sister into this. She’s always speaking up for you,” Andrew said.

Natasha didn’t even bother arguing. She sneered. “Then let me tell you–Matthew brought a few of

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Chapter 28

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his drinking buddies and tried to force me to drink with them. That’s why he got beaten up.

“Mr. Clark, when your own daughter gets treated like some bar hostess, maybe it’s because you have no power. You’re slipping.”

“Natasha!” Andrew barked, then hesitated. “Are you serious?”

Olivia had only said they’d had a conflict, that Matthew was badly hurt, and that the Hill family was

furious.

Since Natasha had a history of sending people to the ER, Andrew had filled in the details himself.

But now it turned out Matthew had acted all friendly to his face and insulted his daughter behind his back.

Andrew didn’t suspect Olivia of stirring the pot–he just thought she didn’t have the full story and had caused a misunderstanding.

Frowning, Andrew said, “If that’s true, even if the Hill family comes after us, we’re still in the right.”

Then, remembering Natasha’s earlier comment about being hurt, he suddenly looked uneasy. “You’re sure you’re okay? He didn’t take advantage of you, did he?”

“Well, look at that–Mr. Clark finally remembered to care about your daughter. If you accused me less often, maybe I’d live a few years longer.” Natasha threw his words right back at him.

Andrew took a deep breath. “I’m being serious–are you hurt? If you are, we’re going to the Hill family for justice no matter what.”

“Relax. I’m fine. It’s not time for you to visit my grave yet,” Natasha replied.

Andrew pinched the bridge of his nose. “Can you watch your mouth? Why would you jinx yourself like that?”

Natasha gave a cold, thin smile.

When Olivia saw their conversation growing calmer, her eyes darkened slightly. She mouthed two words toward Andrew-“grave visit.”

Andrew suddenly remembered another reason for his call and cleared his throat. “Natasha, we’ll be going to the cemetery to pay our respects to Emilia. You didn’t forget, right? Be here early the day

after tomorrow.”

As usual, the family would gather at the house first, prepare offerings, and then go to the cemetery together.

Natasha’s voice tightened. “I know.” Then she hung up.

Andrew listened to the dial tone for a moment, dazed.

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