The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus)

Chapter 492

Lexi arrived at the evening gala in a fiery red gown that hugged her curves in all the right places, turning heads as she made her grand entrance. Yet, when she stood next to the understated elegance of Natalia, who preferred a minimalist chic look, Lexi's allure seemed to fade into the background.

But the two women were too engrossed in their own world, whispering and giggling over their private jokes, oblivious to the envious gaze that cut through the crowd, landing with malice on Natalia.

“Pfft! And who do we have here? Just a plain Jane thinking she's the queen bee," sneered a voice dripping with venom, interrupting the cozy chatter between Natalia and Lexi.

Lifting her head, Natalia locked eyes with the overly made-up Alice. Her face was caked with so much foundation it flaked off with every word she spoke.

Alice, who had come with her father, Rowell, was instantly irritated by the sight of Natalia, the belle of the ball. Without a second thought, she marched over, eager to knock Natalia down a peg or two.

Natalia cast a dismissive glance at Alice and, without a word or even a sarcastic smirk, returned her attention to Lexi. "You know, Lexi, the air quality here seems to be lacking. Shall we find a more breathable spot?"

"The air?" Lexi played along, taking exaggerated breaths. "Oh dear, you're right. The stench of heavy perfume is absolutely suffocating!"

Fuming, Alice's pale face turned a shade paler that didn’t seem possible. "Natalia, what is that supposed to mean? Explain yourselfl”

Natalia stood up, and her demeanor was cool and detached. "It means exactly what it sounds like. What else could it mean?"

"You!" Alice trembled with rage, pointing a shaky finger at Natalia. "You illegitimate nobody—don't think for a second you can rise above your station. You'll never be a lady of refinement like me."

Natalia chuckled softly. "Oh, | had no idea you were considered a lady of refinement. This place must be beneath you then; don't let us tarnish your nobility."

Alice, at a loss for words against Natalia's sharp tongue, raised her hand to slap her, but her wrist was seized in a vice-like grip before she could strike.

“Ouch! Let go... it hurts! Release me!" Alice cried in pain, turning to see Callum, who had just returned from fetching fruit for Natalia and Lexi with Magnus.

Luckily for Alice, it was Callum who had arrived first; had it been Magnus, her arm might not have fared so well.

“Alice, I've warned you before to keep your distance from Buttercup," Callum said sternly. His eyes were ablaze as he released her wrist.

Rubbing her reddening wrist, Alice huffed, "Duke, that low-bred wench isn't my sister!" "Slap!" Before Alice could finish her sentence, her cheek bore the imprint of a forceful slap, marking her with five red streaks.NôvelDrama.Org (C) content.

Clutching her stinging face, Alice turned to see her assailant. To her shock, it was Rowell, the very man the Qqueen had invited to accompany Natalia.

Rowell glared at his daughter. "Aren't you ashamed enough? Is this how | have raised you? Go home this instant!"

Stunned, Alice couldn't fathom why her doting father would hit her. Stomping her foot in anger, she protested, "Father, how can you strike me for this base creature?"

Rowell’s mustache was twitching with irritation, as he regretted bringing Alice to the gala. He whispered harshly, "Have you lost your mind? Natalia is the queen's honored guest tonight. By targeting her, you're challenging the queen herself. Do you have a death wish? How could you be my daughter?"

Alice's jaw dropped. "What? How? Father, why would the Queen honor her as a special guest? You must be mistaken!" Rowell glared at her again. "Why else do you think we're here tonight? It's to accompany Natalia!" "To accompany... Natalia?" Alice repeated incredulously.

Rowell sighed in frustration, wondering how his genes could produce such a dazzling daughter like Natalia and yet such a foolish one like Alice.

Disgusted by Alice's dumbfounded expression, Rowell waved her away impatiently. "Enough, | don't want you bothering me. Go

back to the castle now!

"Father?!" Trembling with indignation, Alice feared apes more than-being

confin eae. qwel: \ ofa Shot a ook at Natalia, who stood

" Sree and stormed out of the gala. Please read the original content at .

As Natalia watched the father-daughter debacle unf

felt detached. Theywereho'kin to Hep. IT were not her family, and she wanted nothing to do with them. Please read the original content at .

They had broken Natalia’s mother's heart, and she wished never to lay eyes on them again.

Watching Alice storm off, Natalia couldn’t be bothered to linger beside Rowell any longer. She pivoted on her heel, ready to leave.

“Darling, wait a moment,” Rowell called out, seeing Natalia make her exit. He hurried to catch her attention.

Natalia halted and turned around with an icy stare. “Lord Rowell, | am not your daughter. Next time, please address me as Ms. Clarkson.”

Rowell was taken aback by her response, his face turning shades of red and pale in quick succession, visibly flustered.

“Natalia, you are indeed my flesh and blood, my own daughter. How can you deny your own father?” Rowell retorted with a mix of annoyance and indignation.

If it weren't for the fact that Natalia had earned the Queen's wel 00) would ne ever haye botiered to ckdhart more than a few words with this haughty daughter of his! Please read the original content at .