The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus) novel Chapter 46

Back then, Magnus failed to understand Jamie's intentions. Yet with the passage of time, he realized Jamie was trying to protect him, to prevent him from going head-to-head with his brother, Lucius.

Still, he never picked a fight with Lucius. It was Lucius who tried to kill Magnus when he was just sixteen, forcing him to live away from the family feud. Even after he had retreated, Lucius still wanted him dead.

After moving to Sapphire Island, Magnus survived multiple assassination attempts organized by Lucius. Magnus’ salvation came only when he met Perth. He then spent three years in France to receive treatment for his leg, but in reality, Dr. Frankie had restored sensation to his leg within six months.

He spent the remaining two and a half years training day and night within the organization. He really wanted to heed Jamie's advice, to give up the fight with Lucius for the family business. But he needed power to survive.

Lucius wanted him dead. How could he not fight back? Now, his own mother was asking him to hand over the position of CEO to Lucius. If he agreed, Lucius would kill him!

Could he really take such a risk? Especially now that he had a woman of his own. He could see a promising future ahead. He had to be powerful, to protect his woman and those he cared for.

"Mother, both Lucius and I are your children. Why is it that only Lucius can be CEO and I cannot? Grandfather himself announced that the position belongs to me. Why would I possibly give it to Lucius?" His eyes held a hint of mockery, but mostly, they reflected his pain.

"Magnus, Lucius has made significant contributions to the Andersen Corporation over the years. He is the rightful candidate for CEO. Your grandfather only chose you because he adores you. You are unfit for this position. You should give it up to Lucius." Lillian couldn't help but reveal her true feelings.

She seemed to be concerned about Magnus' health, wary of the strain the Andersen Corporation could put on him, yet she was scheming to get him to relinquish the position of CEO.

"Give it up? Mother, didn't you hear? Grandfather personally appointed me as the CEO of the Andersen Corporation. It hasn't even been a day and you want me to hand it over to Lucius. If I do that, how would Grandfather view me, the grandson he had such high hopes for?"

His gaze was sharp as he stared at Lillian. "I won't go against Grandfather's wishes. Please forgive me, Mother!"

"You..." Lillian stared at Magnus. She hadn't paid much attention to him over the years, and she was surprised to see that he was no longer the obedient little boy who would always follow her orders. He addressed her as Mother and asked for her forgiveness. He didn't call her Mom which suggested a certain distance he had put between them. He politely declined her request, leaving her helpless despite her favoritism.

"Alright, Magnus. Since your grandfather has entrusted you with this responsibility, you should manage the Andersen Corporation well," Anthony finally spoke up.

"I will, Father." Magnus wheeled away, not even glancing at the other people in the conference room. He left with Linden and Paul, heading straight to the CEO's office.

Magnus' appointment as CEO during the shareholders' meeting had caused quite a stir in Melfort.

Unaware of the commotion, Natalia was back on Sapphire Island. That evening, when Linden and Magnus returned, the servants had already prepared dinner. Natalia was waiting on the beach, and from a distance, she saw the car stop. She walked over quickly, pushing the wheelchair.

Magnus opened the car door and saw Natalia's delicate face. The fatigue of the day instantly disappeared. "Were you waiting for me, baby?"

Natalia smiled and nodded. "I was waiting for you to come back for dinner. You should’ve been back by now if you didn’t have any engagements."

Magnus sat in the wheelchair and held Natalia's hand. "I will be very busy from now on. If you're hungry, go ahead and eat and don't wait for me."

Natalia pushed the wheelchair towards the villa, "I'm not hungry. How was your first day at the Andersen Corporation? Did you manage it well?"

"I managed it just fine, Natalia. Don't you know your husband is quite capable? Regardless of the situation, I'm always the strongest," he looked into her deep blue eyes, silently vowing that he would not let anyone harm this girl.