Their Villain, The Mogul's Beloved novel Chapter 36

Chapter 36

“Come blow out the candles.” Alexei waved a hand, ignoring Lucas completely, repeating the words. only to Natasha behind him.

Alexei’s dismissive attitude, without even a glance his way, treated Lucas like nothing more than a lowly insect. It grated on him.

Worse, he felt Natasha slip from behind him, actually walking toward Alexei. She even complained, “Why’d you light them without me? The wax will drip into the cake.”

Alexei chuckled, pulling her close by the waist, guiding her to the table. Standing, he loomed over her, as if tucking her wholly into his embrace.

I’ll eat the dirty bits,” Alexei murmured. Then he urged softly, “Make a wish first.”

Natasha was used to his casual closeness. They acted like an intimate couple, shutting out the uninvited guest. Lucas flushed red, fury blazing in his eyes. “Natasha,” he shouted.

Alexei, who’d been watching Natasha softly, snapped his gaze at Lucas. Those hazel eyes, filled with ethal intent, pinned him in place. Lucas felt like prey cornered by a beast.

Under Alexei’s imposing aura, Natasha calmly made her wish. Opening her eyes, she puffed her cheeks and blew out the candles. The rich scent of the cake brought genuine delight to her.

For Lucas, every silent second was agony. Alexei stood behind her, like a fierce guardian protecting his treasure, forbidding any approach. Lucas could only watch their closeness and intimacy.

In this helpless observation, Lucas noticed details he’d forced himself to ignore. Alexei wore slightly worn men’s slippers.

A man as notoriously fastidious as Alexei wouldn’t wear someone else’s old shoes unless they were his own–he must have been here a while.

And Alexei’s clothes were comfy loungewear. No one would change into clothes like this in a stranger’s house. Plus, Natasha’s place has never had men’s clothes stocked.

Two place settings were laid out on the table. Before he arrived, they were likely about to share a late meal.

And Natasha’s favorite marshmallow pillow was gone from the couch, replaced by a man’s suit jacket.

Every detail pierced Lucas’s heart like a blade. During the time he and Natasha had been locked in their quarrel, Alexei had slithered in to take advantage.

Lucas dreaded imagining what else Alexei–who’d stolen another’s place with no shame–might

have done behind his back.

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Chapter 36

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At long last, she finished blowing out the candles and making her wish. Lucas spoke, his voice hoarse and trembling. “Natasha. Come here.”

Natasha stood straight. Only now, with the cake safe, did she fully address the uninvited out.” Her tone was indifferent.

guest. “Get

Stung, Lucas lashed out recklessly. “Do you even know who he is? Alexei, the guy from the Turner family. He’ll get you hurt!”

“And?” Natasha remained unnervingly calm. “You’re trespassing, Mr. Wright.”

Alexei, watching from the sidelines, chuckled softly. His finger tapped the table–he was amused.

“Mr. Wright?” Lucas recoiled as if struck, staring at her. “We’ve known each other twenty years, and you call me Mr. Wright?”

“Twenty years, and you still let her slip away. Pathetic.” Alexei’s crisp voice dripped with mockery.

Lucas refused to look at him, afraid he’d lash out. He kept his hand outstretched to Natasha, pleading. “Natasha, come with me. Let’s get out of here. Stop trying to provoke me with someone else.

“I won’t ask what happened. I won’t dwell on the past. I’ll take you anywhere for your birthday. No Olivia. No one else. I won’t be late again. Let’s start over, please?”

Lucas’s eyes were red–rimmed, his pride shattered. A spoiled heir like Lucas had never been this

humble.

But Natasha was unyielding. “I’d never tried to provoke you. That’s childish. Stop deluding yourself

Lucas.”

Lucas couldn’t bring himself to believe it. Of the two possibilities–that Natasha was using Alexei to get a rise out of him or that she was genuinely choosing to be with him–he dreaded the latter far

more.

“Why? How long have they even known each other? What gives him the right to stand beside Natasha like he belongs there?‘ Lucas thought.

Lucas said, “Did he threaten you? Don’t be afraid. The Turners aren’t invincible. Come with me.”

Smack! A sharp slap cracked across Lucas’s face as he reached for Natasha. Her expression was glacial. “I didn’t want to do that, for old times‘ sake. You left me no choice.”

Her words were precise. “Our end had nothing to do with Alexei. Wake up, Lucas. It’s over. You have no right to control me.”

Lucas stood frozen, stunned. While Alexei, enjoying the spectacle, added, “Mr. Wright, don’t slander me. Natasha and I are mutually willing.

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Chapter 36

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