Their Villain The Mogul's Beloved novel Chapter 23

[Heh, you’re damn right about that.]

[The Green Farm really lives up to its name; this flavor is absolutely amazing!]

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[Honestly, it’s all thanks to that scumbag from yesterday. Shoutout to 1601 for the blessing.]

[I hereby declare that starting today, I’m the official love guardian for the world’s most perfect, drop–dead–gorgeous couple in 1601! No trash men allowed near them!]

[Love guardian +1]

Love guardian +2]

Love guardian +3]

*****

Before Natasha even knew what hit her, the whole complex had Alexei permanently branded as her hubby.

She just found it odd–today, her neighbors seemed unusually friendly.

n just one morning, she received snacks, desserts, and all kinds of local specialties from several families.

With the group chat flooded with messages, she didn’t bother scrolling through them. Instead, she

cratched her head in confusion and turned to Alexei. “So… should we return the favor?”

Alexei, who knew exactly what was going on, watched her unwrapping surprise gifts like a little hamster and said calmly, “Nah, just neighborly exchanges. Feel free to enjoy them.”

Natasha sighed. “Dude, you’re blending into this neighborhood better than I am.”

Seriously, listen to him–‘neighborly exchanges.‘ Did he even remember whose house this was? Whose neighbors were these?

As a guest crashing here, this squatter’s acting more like the landlord than me!‘ she said to herself.

Alexei chuckled, pinching her puffed cheek. “Got a problem with that? Who cooks? Who cleans? Who does laundry? Face it, Natasha. You can’t do without me.”

Natasha glared and swatted his hand away. “Hands off! Keep your distance!”

She wanted to say she’d managed just fine all these years without him.

But her animal instincts told her that things between them were getting a bit dangerous.

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As someone with high defenses, she never imagined she could get so comfortable with a dangerous stranger in such a short time.

And Alexei’s behavior was confusing too.

From how he interacted with Shawn and the others, she could vaguely sense that he acted differently around her.

Something was quietly unfolding.

“Alexei, when are you leaving?” she asked.

Alexei’s smile instantly dropped, his gaze darkening as he stared at her. “Can’t wait for me to leave? What, just because your ex came around a few times, you’re already itching to make space for him?”

Natasha gave him a weird look. “Are you being sarcastic?”

“I’m calling you out for having terrible taste in men.”

“When did I say it was because of him?”

Alexei stared at her with a poker face.

Natasha took a deep breath. “Let’s keep things separate. I was just asking about your plans; it has nothing to do with Lucas. I’m not the type to go back to my ex.

“The moment I broke up with him, it was really over.” Not seeing him was also to avoid any lingering attachments.

Natasha valued even the smallest gestures of kindness from others, but when she hardened her heart, she could be ruthlessly cold.

Disappointment didn’t pile up overnight; the failed proposal was just the final straw. She had loved Lucas deeply, but his score in her book had long since hit zero.

She wasn’t about to retake a failed exam.

Natasha looked at Alexei seriously. “You’re like the prince of the Turner family. You can’t possibly stay holed up in my tiny apartment forever. I’ve got my own mess to deal with, too,

“Don’t you think things between us are a little weird right now?” She was blunt, but somehow, Alexei’s mood suddenly brightened.

“Natasha, you got some ulterior motives for me?” he asked.

Natasha rolled her eyes,

“I allow you to have a little crush on me.”

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Chapter 23

“Seriously, go get your brain checked.”

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The two of them could never have a serious conversation for more than two minutes.

Hard to imagine they were both known for being cold and quiet outside.

“Mrs. Turner, you’re being dishonest. Telling me to leave while seducing me like this.”

Natasha followed his gaze and realized her pajamas had slipped while sitting down, revealing most of her curves.

She was sitting on the carpet between the coffee table and the sofa, while Alexei lounged on the

couch.

From his position, it was all on display…

Quickly covering her chest, she belatedly glared at him in shock. “What nonsense are you spouting?”

With that distracting view now gone, Alexei leaned back on the sofa and shrugged. “You still don’t know? The whole neighborhood’s talking about us being the perfect couple. They say we’re a match made in heaven.”

Five minutes later, a sharp scream followed by a loud smack landed on Alexei’s chest.

“What rumors have you been spreading about me?” Natasha fumed.

“Just doing a little good deed, as you can see.”

Overnight, Natasha went from a freshly single woman to a married woman. She felt like the world was crumbling.

“You’ll just walk away when this is over. What about me?” She was beyond frustrated.

Since the topic had come up, Alexei didn’t hide his intentions.

“The best way to kill a rumor is to make it true,” he said.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

Alexei leaned in closer. “Marry me. Miss Clark, I need a wife, and I think you’re perfect.”

“Why?”

He smiled without answering.

“And what makes you think I’d say yes?”

“Cuz you need me too. The foster daughter of the Clark family kicked you out, stole your parents,

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siblings, status, and even your grandma’s heirlooms. Don’t you hate her?”

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They sat at opposite ends of the couch, the faint flirtatious vibe from earlier gone, now more like two players in a high–stakes game.

“Then you should know my history with her. I owe her.”

Alexei shrugged it off. “Only the blind and dumb would think a 6–year–old could take an adult’s life. You can’t tell me you’ve never doubted that story. And even if you’re that naive, the one in the hospital right now shouldn’t be Olivia.

“Can’t make up your mind?” His sharp gaze seemed to pierce through her. “Cuz you know—verbal and physical fights are just child’s play. If you declare war, you’re not just up against Olivia anymore, but the entire Clark family backing her.

“Strip away her support, crush her pride, and the Clark family won’t walk away unscathed.”

He stared into her dimmed eyes. “Miss Clark, you’re too soft. The one who’s too emotional always ends up losing the most.”

The playful, gentle Alexei was gone. Now, pressing forward with cold precision, he finally resembled the ruthless, untouchable heir the rumors painted him to be.

“Family’s just a label. If they don’t give you 100%, their love ain’t worth crap.

“Miss Clark, the chance is right in front of you. Everything you couldn’t do while being held back- just nod, and it’s yours.” His voice was a whisper, like a devil’s temptation.

Before Natasha turned six, the Clark family adored her. After? Their love was half–hearted, their cruelty incomplete. Even now, though she’d given up on them, that lingering affection kept her from striking back.

But Alexei clawed his way up through blood–his own family’s. He was numb to emotions, expecting nothing from so–called “kin.”

To him, her mercy was her biggest weakness.

The Clark family was just a chain holding her down.

“You keep saying you’ll help, but not what it’ll cost me,” Natasha countered calmly.

She admitted her flaws, but wouldn’t be led blindly.

Alexei was too dangerous. She knew that.

ALE

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Chapter 24

Chapter 24