The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus) novel Chapter 492

Lexi arrived at the evening gala in a fiery red gown that hugged her curves in all the right places, turning heads as she made her grand entrance. Yet, when she stood next to the understated elegance of Natalia, who preferred a minimalist chic look, Lexi's allure seemed to fade into the background.

But the two women were too engrossed in their own world, whispering and giggling over their private jokes, oblivious to the envious gaze that cut through the crowd, landing with malice on Natalia.

"Pfft! And who do we have here? Just a plain Jane thinking she's the queen bee," sneered a voice dripping with venom, interrupting the cozy chatter between Natalia and Lexi.

Lifting her head, Natalia locked eyes with the overly made-up Alice. Her face was caked with so much foundation it flaked off with every word she spoke.

Alice, who had come with her father, Rowell, was instantly irritated by the sight of Natalia, the belle of the ball. Without a second thought, she marched over, eager to knock Natalia down a peg or two.

Natalia cast a dismissive glance at Alice and, without a word or even a sarcastic smirk, returned her attention to Lexi. "You know, Lexi, the air quality here seems to be lacking. Shall we find a more breathable spot?"

"The air?" Lexi played along, taking exaggerated breaths. "Oh dear, you're right. The stench of heavy perfume is absolutely suffocating!"

Fuming, Alice's pale face turned a shade paler that didn’t seem possible. "Natalia, what is that supposed to mean? Explain yourself!"

Natalia stood up, and her demeanor was cool and detached. "It means exactly what it sounds like. What else could it mean?"

"You!" Alice trembled with rage, pointing a shaky finger at Natalia. "You illegitimate nobody—don't think for a second you can rise above your station. You'll never be a lady of refinement like me."

Natalia chuckled softly. "Oh, I had no idea you were considered a lady of refinement. This place must be beneath you then; don't let us tarnish your nobility."

Alice, at a loss for words against Natalia's sharp tongue, raised her hand to slap her, but her wrist was seized in a vice-like grip before she could strike.

"Ouch! Let go... it hurts! Release me!" Alice cried in pain, turning to see Callum, who had just returned from fetching fruit for Natalia and Lexi with Magnus.

Luckily for Alice, it was Callum who had arrived first; had it been Magnus, her arm might not have fared so well.

"Alice, I've warned you before to keep your distance from Buttercup," Callum said sternly. His eyes were ablaze as he released her wrist.

Rubbing her reddening wrist, Alice huffed, "Duke, that low-bred wench isn't my sister!"

"Slap!"

Before Alice could finish her sentence, her cheek bore the imprint of a forceful slap, marking her with five red streaks.