The Heiress Nobody Saw Coming (Natalie and Marcus) novel Chapter 379

Ivan's voice dripped with mockery. Julia could only cover her mouth and cough uncontrollably. By the time she managed to stop, the car had vanished.

"Come inside. Let's have a proper talk." Ivan turned and walked into the villa. Since Julia had come back, there was no need to worry about her escaping again.

Coughing as she went, Julia slowly made her way inside.

Julia scanned the villa anxiously. "Where's my daughter? Hand her over. I'm the one responsible for everything. This has nothing to do with Ruby. If you have a grudge, take it out on me."

Ivan sat on the couch, looking at her with disdain. "What worth do you have? Look at yourself, wheezing like a dying woman.

"All these years, I provided for you and your daughter with a comfortable life. And this is how you repay me? I even protected your reputation outside. I stood up for you like you were the woman I cherished the most. And yet, this is what I get in return?"

Julia's face turned pale, then flushed with shame. Since the truth was already exposed, there was no point in making excuses.

"I wronged you, but Ruby is innocent. She knows nothing. From when she was a baby, she has always treated you as her real father. Ivan, she has called you 'Dad' for so many years. If not for my sake, at least let her go for hers. Do whatever you want to me, and I will not utter a word of complaint."

"Would you even dare to complain? You're nothing but a whore. What makes you think you can act noble in front of me?" Ivan sneered.

"Julia, tell me, after all these years of treating you well, why did you do this to me?"

Julia let out a weary sigh and sat on the couch across from him."Do you really need an answer? Now that you know, there's nothing more to say. Let Ruby go. I will stay with you and help you through this crisis."

"Ha! Julia, do you still think I am a fool?" Ivan laughed in disbelief. "What use do you have? Tell me. Ruby is at least young and beautiful. If I send her to entertain clients, she can bring me profit and help me rise again.

"But you? You were a mistress, and as your daughter, Ruby must have inherited your tricks as well. No need for training. I will send her straight to serve drinks.

"Don't you dare!"

Julia's anger triggered another violent coughing fit. When she finally managed to catch her breath, she glared at Ivan with pure hatred. "Ivan, even a tiger doesn't harm its own cubs. Ruby has called you 'Dad' for so many years. You cannot be this cruel."

"Then why did you not say the same thing when you urged me to abuse Sophia?" Ivan sneered. "Julia, don't be such a hypocrite.

He added, "Don't worry, though. Even with your constant coughing, I will not mistreat you. The moment you repay me, I'll let you and your daughter leave. Don't say I lack mercy. After all, you're still fine, and I have not harmed Ruby, have I?"

As he spoke, Ivan pulled out his phone and made several calls.

"Mr. Walsh, let's have dinner together tonight. I have a surprise for you, something you will definitely like."

Whatever Nathan Walsh said on the other end made Ivan break into an eager, ingratiating smile. "Of course, you will not be disappointed."

After ending the call, he dialed another business associate and used the same pitch.

By the time he finished his calls, Julia's face had gone deathly pale. Having been with Ivan for so many years, she knew better than anyone how ruthless and heartless he could be.

"Ivan, are you really going to do this?"