Chapter 38 Alexei paused a little . He raised an eyebrow . " Enjoying this treatment ? " E20 vouchers Natasha nodded . ' Of course I do . A powerful and handsome guy who picks me up , cooks for me . and gives gifts - who wouldn't ? ' she thought . " Say yes to becoming Mrs. Turner , and your dream will come true , " he said . Natasha waved him off . " No , thanks . " Alexei scoffed . " So you just take advantage of me for free , Miss Clark ? " She choked . " Wasn't that what you wanted ? " Alexei sneered . " I don't let just any woman kiss me for nothing . Miss Clark , after what you did , shouldn't you give me a title ? " Natasha was left speechless . She thought , ' A kiss on the cheek is nothing . We're both single - no moral issues . But being Mrs. Turner ? That's a dangerous game of power . I'm not ready to sell myself over a kiss . And really - this whole prudish act ? As if he's some paragon of virtue ? ' Natasha fled shamelessly . Alexei's outrageous remarks sometimes had indeed lifted her spirits . Alone in her room later , though , sadness crept in . Natasha's smile faded as she pulled an old photo album from a drawer . A picture showed Josephine smiling in a wicker chair under a sycamore tree , young Natasha and Olivia standing beside her . Josephine loved them , hoping they'd get along . In her eyes , Olivia had a tragic past , and Natasha had a tough upbringing - they should support each other . Instead , they were born rivals . Josephine never imagined Olivia would become so cruel , resenting Natasha just because she didn't favor Olivia more . Natasha traced Josephine's face in the photo . " Grandma , " she whispered , " what would you have me do ? Crash ! Another set of dishes was shattered . A terrified maid scurried in , cleaned up , and fled . Matthew's eyes bulged with rage . His once - stylish blue hair was now unevenly hacked off near the stitched wound on his scalp . And his haggard face halved his looks . Once a hot playboy , now he looked half - mad . 1/3 1:35 pm P. Chapter 38 20 vouchers His family had told him - recover , then get out of the country . Yet the one who'd caused his downfall remained unharmed . Thinking of the humiliating photos he'd seen upon waking , he trembled . These days , his cousins ' mockery was relentless . He sneered inwardly , ' Natasha , a family outcast - how dare she ? Grandpa says I crossed a big shot , but I know she's using her face to get someone to fight for her . I can't touch her protector , but I can ruin her . When she's an infamous slut , who'll protect her ? ' A nan's malice could be far more vicious . Thinking of the Clark family's birthday invitation , Matthew smirked . He thought , ' I'm leaving soon -papers ready . Even if I cause trouble , I'll skip abroad . Let Ramona handle the mess . But Natasha would suffer worse than I had . ' ***** Natasha remained unaware of the plots swirling around her birthday . She didn't even know about he party . The Clarks had been rushing preparations . Lucas's sudden demand to announce their it the event meant coordinating with the Wrights . engagement Finally settling details , Margot asked if they'd confirmed Natasha's entrance sequence . That's when hey realized - no one had told her . The Clarks looked at each other , stunned . They'd all assumed someone else had notified her , forgetting that Natasha had blocked them all . Margot was speechless . " You threw a birthday party without telling the guest of honor ? What about her gown ? The stylist ? " Madeline flushed . " Olivia and I picked out some options for her . " Margot glanced at Olivia , demurely seated nearby , wearing the latest Celinae necklace - likely a bonus from Madeline's shopping trip . Olivia's necklace was as fine as anything intended for Natasha . Outsiders might think it was Olivia's party . Margot smiled . " Madeline , darling , gowns need to be tried on . And the birthday girl should be the focus . Natasha is your daughter - don't play favorites ." Privately , Margot preferred Olivia for Lucas , but Lucas was obsessed with Natasha . He'd fought Emmanuel fiercely over this rushed engagement , so they had to accept it . 2/3 4:35 pm PS Chapter 38 20 vouchers Since the deal was struck , Margot had to defend her future daughter - in - law's rights . ' Why did all the Clarks ' goodies go to the Suttons ? Madeline is a fool , ' she thought . Madeline felt both humiliated and irritated , thinking Margot meddled without knowing the facts . But with ties and impending in - laws , she forced a smile . " Don't worry . I pre - selected styles Natasha might like , " Madeline defended stiffly . " She'll have the final say . And I don't play favorites - both are my daughters . " Margot pursed her lips . She turned her annoyance to Lucas . " You're engaged - you'll be on stage . You should be involved . " Lucas sat by the window , gloomy . " Keep it simple , " he said flatly . " Just have Mr. Clark and Dad announce it on stage if there's an issue . " " What nonsense ? " Margot snapped . This wedding mattered to both families ' reputations - no room for carelessness . Lucas said no more . He stood abruptly . " I need some air . " Then he strode out . ' Lucas ! " Margot yelled after him , but he didn't look back . She glared at his back . " What is wrong with him ? " Lucas had fought for this engagement but seemed miserable , smoking more than ever . Margot sometimes saw his room light on at midnight and smelled alcohol . Margot had asked if he and Natasha had issues - he'd claimed everything was fine . Now his mood and her absence screamed otherwise . Margot seethed . The Clarks were also displeased with Lucas's attitude , but Natasha's absence left them on weaker ground . The group soldiered on with awkward smiles , planning the engagement . Only Olivia watched Lucas leave , a subtle curve touching her lips . The Wrights fretted over Lucas's mood ; the Clarks couldn't find Natasha . The day before the party , Natasha was still unreachable . Facing the prospect of a birthday party without the birthday girl , Madeline finally snapped . She ma