The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus) novel Chapter 385

Lucius threw back his head and laughed uproariously. His hand triumphantly brandishing a remote control. "See this, Magnus? Did you think I was still the hothead I used to be? I've wired this whole ship with explosives! One push of this button, and we all go sky-high together!"

Cold sweat trickled down Magnus' forehead. He knew he had been outmaneuvered because he couldn't be as ruthless as Lucius. Magnus wasn't afraid to die, but he couldn't bear to watch his wife and son perish with him!

"It's just me you hate. Let them go, and you can do whatever you want with me," Magnus said, tossing the pistol aside without a second thought and walking towards Lucius with resignation.

"Ha! How the mighty have fallen, Magnus! Always too proud, and now look at you!" Lucius crowed as he picked up the discarded gun, pacing around Magnus before kicking him behind the knee. "Get on your knees!"

The sharp pain forced Magnus to the ground. He struggled to rise but stopped at the sight of his son Jonas bound and helpless. Gritting his teeth, he endured the humiliation.

Lucius pressed his foot down hard on Magnus' back and laughed mockingly. "Look at you, Magnus, actually on your knees! Oh, Grandpa would be heartbroken to see this!"

His tone darkened as he continued, "That damned old man always favored you. Everything was done for you, and what about me? I’m your elder brother, yet I never received his affection. I was always forced to live in your shadow—why? I'm going to show everyone that even someone as esteemed as you has to lick my boots!"

With the gun pointed at Magnus' head, Lucius snarled, "Clean my shoes with your tongue. Maybe if I'm in a good mood, I'll spare your lady and brat, and maybe you'll get a closed casket!"

Magnus clenched his fists; fury boiled within him. He was about to go for broke against Lucius when he caught a glimpse of Hector stealthily untying Jonas. To buy Hector time, Magnus swallowed his rage, engaging Lucius in a dangerous dance of words. "So what if I'm on my knees before you? Does that really mean you've beaten me?"

"Crack!"

Lucius' manic fury answered Magnus' defiance as he smashed the pistol against Magnus' forehead, delighting in the blood that started to flow. "You're about to die! Of course I’m the winner." Blood dripped down, blurring Magnus' vision as it soaked his lashes and splattered on the deck.

"Magnus!" Natalia screamed in anguish. "What do you gain from this, Lucius?!"

As Lucius' pistol struck Magnus' head, Natalia's heart shattered. She desperately tried to break free from James' hold, intent on saving Magnus, but James held her tight. "Natalia, you can't go there! There are explosives!"

"Let me go! I have to save him!" Natalia struggled furiously against James' grip, but it was futile.

She turned and pounded on James' chest in despair. "Let me go! Let me save him!"