The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus) novel Chapter 284

He applied ointment to Natalia's wounds, cradling her tenderly as he closed his eyes.

By the time Natalia woke up, it was the middle of the night. She was sore all over, and barely had the strength to lift her hand.

As she slowly opened her eyes and turned her head slightly, Natalia met Magnus’ gaze, filled with concern and tenderness.

"Darling, I'm sorry, did I hurt you?" His guilt welled up like a wave.

Natalia’s sleepy blue eyes blinked slowly. "What do you think?"

Magnus held Natalia closer. "Darling, I'm sorry."

"Forget it, what actually happened?" Natalia slowly sat up. She hadn't forgotten that Magnus was drugged.

Magnus fell silent. He felt a sting of embarrassment. Being drugged by a woman was mortifying! The thought of what could've happened if Natalia wasn't there yesterday was too terrifying to contemplate.

Noticing his expression and rage, Natalia gently said, "How did you get drugged? Was it that girl, Belle?"

Magnus was slightly taken aback. "How did you know it was her, darling?"

Natalia shook her head; she wasn’t sure why, but when she found out Magnus was drugged, her first suspicion fell on Belle. Perhaps it was because of Belle's cold gaze. It was so calm it seemed almost masked.

People with desires weren't scary. What was scary were those who hid their desires perfectly, as their greed was often too much to bear.

"Magnus, why do I feel like I've seen Belle somewhere before?" Natalia quietly voiced her doubts.

Indeed, although she knew it was her first time meeting Belle, for some reason, when she first saw Belle, she felt as if she had seen her somewhere before. Her seemingly calm eyes seemed to hide many secrets.

Magnus shook his head. "Belle is a newbie in Melfort, she's been studying for her PhD in the US. I think you might have mistaken her for someone else.”

Belle was a hard worker; her sales performance was outstanding in her first month, and it only increased from there. She climbed the corporate ladder to the position of assistant due to her own abilities. Magnus never thought such an ambitious woman would have other ill intentions, like getting into his bed!

“Is that so?” Natalia didn’t seem entirely convinced, shaking her head. “Regardless of whether I’ve met her before or not, I just don’t trust her. How do you plan to deal with her?”

Magnus nodded, fully agreeing with Natalia’s assessment. “I will have her leave the company. We don’t need manipulative people like her.”

Magnus carried Natalia back to their mansion, where the household staff had prepared dinner. After she finished eating, Magnus carried her up the stairs. The two fell asleep in each other’s arms.

The following day, Magnus went straight to the office, where Paul handed him all the information he had gathered on Belle. Magnus read through it. Everything seemed normal; her resume, her education, her circle of friends. Belle was as ordinary as could be.

"This isn't a charity, and I'm no saint. I thought you were talented, but your intentions were vile! Belle, take your severance and leave immediately. Let's part on good terms." Magnus was determined to let Belle go, unaffected by her tears.

Belle hadn't expected Magnus to be so ruthless. She quickly knelt on the ground, sobbing and pleading, "Please, I swear I won't do it again. Please don't kick me out! I have an elderly grandmother to take care of, without this job, we'll be homeless. Please, transfer me to another department. I promise, you'll never see me again."

Hearing Belle's solemn vow, Magnus felt a pang of sympathy. He wasn't usually this forgiving, but ever since he got together with Natalia, he realized that it was precious to have a chance to correct one's mistakes.

He had heard about Belle's difficult childhood and how she worked harder than most. If he were to fire her, it might be difficult for her to find another job immediately. She still had an elderly grandmother to take care of.

Therefore, considering her talent and the fact that she may have made a mistake during that incident, he decided to give Belle another chance.She did have inappropriate feelings for him, but as long as she didn't appear in front of him again, there was no need to be so harsh.

"Well, I'll give you a chance since you put it that way. You can return to your previous role in the sales department. Just remember who you are, and don't do anything that'll bring shame upon yourself," Magnus said tersely. Waving his hand dismissively, as though swatting away a fly, he directed to Belle, "Off you go."

"Thank you, Mr. Andersen," Belle replied, dabbing at her tear-streaked face as she rose from her seat. "I assure you, I won't make such foolish mistakes again."

Her heart began to flutter with excitement, but with Magnus still in the room, she managed to keep her emotions in check as she left his office.

Belle hurried out, a dark glint in her eyes as she reached the elevator. Her face revealed a fierce determination.