The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus)

But at that time, his mind was set on protecting Kendra, so he didn't think twice before rushing to Natalia's side. He thought the ever-carefree Natalia wouldn't mind. But who would have known that she would take it to heart?

When Kyler mentioned it, Natalia's resolve was further fortified. Her faith in the family was already hanging by a thread. With a firm look, Natalia told Kyler, "I don't need your compensation, Dad. The day I agreed to marry Magnus in place of Kendra in Sapphire Island, I said that my debt to you was paid in full. Calling you 'Dad' now is merely because you once gave me a home. I only ask that you and your family never interfere in my life again."

After saying this, Natalia didn't want to exchange another word with Kyler. She turned around and prepared to leave.

Natalia was walking away before everything could be cleared up; Kyler grew even more desperate. He couldn't control the grown woman his little girl had become, and he shook his head in bitter amusement. Kyler was genuinely afraid that Magnus would hurt Kendra again. He immediately called out to Natalia, "Natalia, can't you help your sister just this once, even if your old man begs you? I promise I'll never ask for your help again after this."

Regardless, he couldn't let anything happen to Kendra. She was his flesh and blood, and he couldn't just stand by and watch her get hurt.

"So what? To save Kendra, are you willing to use up the last bit of father-daughter affection between us?" With her back to Kyler and tears brimming in her eyes, Natalia bit her lip and said these words. Her heart grew cold.

She didn't want to sever ties with the man she regarded as her father. But seeing his stark difference in treatment towards Kendra and herself, Natalia felt as if her heart was being ruthlessly gouged out, and the pain was making it hard for her to breathe.

Why was it that Kendra not only had the affection of her mother Addison, but also her father's undying protection, while Natalia, who was also Kyler's daughter, wasn't even worth a single question? Why did Kyler, who shared the same blood as her, favor Kendra so much?

"Natalia..." Kyler was taken aback. He didn't expect the obedient and gentle daughter of his past to say such words.

Watching Natalia's petite figure walk away, Kyler couldn't help but feel his eyes well up with tears.

After weighing the pros and cons, he still looked at Natalia pleadingly. It was a while before he spoke again, "If you are determined to be so stubborn, then I have no other choice."

He raised Natalia for more than ten years, never expecting any return. Now, seeing Natalia being pushed to this point by his family, he didn't dare to expect any return.

He finally made a choice. Among his two daughters, he still chose Kendra. Hearing Kyler's words, Natalia couldn't hold back her tears any longer. She choked back her sobs and said, "Just leave. I'll try to get Magnus not to bother Kendra. Whether or not he listens to me, I don't know."

After saying this, Natalia didn't stay where Kyler was for another second. She immediately walked upstairs.

Once she got back to her room, Natalia called Magnus. Upon hearing that Kendra had safely left Andersen Corporation, she hung up the phone, collapsed on her bed, and cried her heart out. It turned out that Kyler's previous hesitation and guilt were all lies. He and Addison both hopelessly favoured Kendra.

In the eyes of the Clarkson family, Natalia was nothing more than a pawn.

At Andersen Corporation, Magnus, who had just received a call from Natalia, could tell something was wrong from her voice. He quickly delegated a few tasks to Paul before preparing to leave for Maplewood Manor.

However, as his assistant pushed his wheelchair out of the elevator, they were intercepted by Lucius, who had just had a great time tormenting Kendra. With a smirk, he blocked Magnus' way and said, "Magnus, you look pretty worn out. Has life been treating you badly?"

Magnus' resilience annoyed Lucius. He had tried countless times to get rid of Magnus, but somehow, Magnus always managed to survive.

Lucius wasn't worried though. He believed that Magnus wouldn't be able to escape his fate forever. After all, Morgan was getting old, and he wouldn't be able to protect Magnus for much longer. One day, the presidency of Andersen Corporation would be Lucius', as would the companies that Magnus had established overseas. Lucius was sure he would eventually leave Magnus penniless, begging on the streets. "Heh," Magnus chuckled coldly at Lucius' provocation. "Thanks to you, Lucius, I'm doing just fine."

Turning to Paul, Magnus said, "Oh, isn't there a deal to be made in the Middle East? Since our general manager seems to have a lot of free time, let him handle it."

The Middle East was in turmoil, with frequent gunfights. No one in the company wanted to go there on business trips. Magnus' intention in sending Lucius there was clear. Lucius' complexion changed slightly at Magnus' words.

Before Magnus even had the chance to utter a word, Paul, standing right next to him, had already nodded respectfully, saying, "Yes, Mr. Magnus, I'll see to it right away." Magnus' word was law in the whole Andersen Corporation. No matter what he said, it was to be carried out.

"Good, this time, we need to solve all the problems at once. We can't keep sending people out into the field. It's not good to put our employees in harm's way," Magnus spoke in his typical icy tone. Once he'd given his instructions, he didn't say much more. "Let's go," he said. "There's a stench here that's making it impossible to breathe." He covered his nose with disgust.

Lucius hadn't expected Magnus to be so bold as to flaunt his presidential authority in front of him, or to find him repulsive! When he heard those words, he was fuming with anger, and his fists tightly clenched. Standing there, he fiercely shouted at Magnus, "What are you so smug about, Magnus? If it weren't for grandpa feeling sorry for you because you're disabled, would you be where you are today?"