The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus) novel Chapter 500

Johanson's confrontation had Grant's face turning a mottled shade of red and blue. He opened his mouth to defend himself, but found he had no leg to stand on. Shamefaced, he simply hung his head and fell silent.

Witnessing the father-son standoff, Joseph quickly stepped in as peacemaker. "Hey, hey, it's just a picture, right? C'mon, Grant, just give it back to the kid. Once we hook up with those Southeast Asian cartels, we'll be rolling in dough and babes, right?"

Turning to the fuming Johanson, Joseph chided, "And you, young man, no yelling in front of the adults. Where are your manners?"

Johanson shot Joseph a glare, disliking the man's intimidating demeanor.

"Give me Aunt Gabby's picture!" Johanson demanded, his hand outstretched with unwavering resolve.

Embarrassed in front of Joseph by his own son, Grant's expression soured. He reluctantly pulled out Gabby's picture from his pocket and handed it over. "Here!"

"If anyone dares to mess with Anna again, they're messing with me, and I won't let them off easy, no one!" Johanson clutched the treasured photo and tossed these words at Grant before dashing out the door.

Joseph tried to lighten the mood. "Grant, don’t look so down. Once we nail this deal, you can forget about that maid and find a new gal."

Grant nodded morosely, not in the mood for further conversation.

Rushing back to the doctor's house, Johanson called out before even reaching the door, "Anna, Anna, I got Aunt Gabby's picture back for you!"

Looking pale and lying in bed, Anna brightened at his words. She eagerly looked up with anticipation shining in her eyes.

Johanson, bursting with excitement, handed the photo to Anna. "Here, Aunt Gabby's picture."

Anna's hands trembled as she accepted the photo, her eyes brimming with tears. "Thank you, thank you, Johanson."

Johanson scratched his head, a bit embarrassed, "It's no big deal; I'm your brother, after all."

Feeling rejuvenated by the photo, Anna insisted, "Johanson, let's go. I feel better already."

"No," Johanson shook his head and scooped her into his arms. "I'll carry you home and won't let anyone bully you again!"

With Anna in his arms, he strode towards the mansion.

Along the way, the housemaids saw Johanson tenderly carrying Anna. He loudly proclaimed her as his sister, warning that disrespect toward her was disrespectful toward him.

When Johanson arrived home with Anna, Grant had already left the estate with Joseph, supposedly to handle some big business.

All the better, Johanson thought. He summoned the head butler and made it clear that Anna was to be treated with the same respect as him. Anyone who disobeyed would be thrown to the wolves on the back hills!

Johanson's decree meant everyone in the estate treated Anna like royalty.

Since leaving with Joseph, Grant rarely returned. Johanson didn't care to concern himself with his negligent father, focusing instead on caring for Anna and ensuring their days were untouchable and happy.

Under Johanson's care, Anna slowly emerged from her grief over losing Gabby and began to brighten.

Time flew during joyful days, and before they knew it, Anna had grown another year older within the walls of the estate.