The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus) novel Chapter 542

Magnus fixed his piercing gaze on Alice before suddenly scooping her up in his arms and heading upstairs without a word. Alice's face lit up with a smug grin. "I knew it," she thought, "no man can resist a little temptation!"

Once in the room, Magnus got straight to business. After a passionate encounter, Alice lay there, thoroughly indulged, looking every bit like the cat that got the cream.

Magnus quickly dressed, his expression as cool and detached as ever.

With a languid purr, Alice teased, "Why the rush with the clothes? I was hoping for more of your embrace."

Magnus frowned, his eyes devoid of emotion. "I've done as you asked. Now tell me where my wife is!"

Alice chuckled shamelessly, still eyeing Magnus' muscular form. "Oh, Magnus, I'm not quite done having fun yet. Don't be so hasty. And don't worry, Natalia won't be dying anytime soon."

Since Alice had no intention of revealing Natalia's whereabouts, Magnus said nothing more and turned to leave.

"Where are you off to?" Alice called after him.

"Back to the office," Magnus replied, his voice deep and resolute as he continued his stride.

"Don't forget to come back tonight. I can hardly wait," Alice said with a sinister smile, waving him off without a care for his cold departure. She even found his aloofness irresistibly cool.

Magnus jumped into his car and drove out of the villa, but once out of sight, he stopped beside another vehicle—a Rolls-Royce Phantom. He respectfully approached it and said, "Mr. Magnus, the task is complete. She didn't suspect anything. And she wants me to come back tonight for more. Also, she won't disclose Mrs. Andersen's location."

The window of the Rolls-Royce rolled down to reveal a careworn face—the real Magnus. Earlier at dawn, after instructing Paul to search for Natalia, Magnus had hurried to find a body double.

He had anticipated Alice's twisted demands and had made preparations in advance. Quickly, he chose a man of similar height from his staff and had a makeup artist disguise him to look identical to himself. Fortunately, he had prepared well because Alice called as soon as they were ready.

Magnus had narrowly escaped her ploy. He had brought the disguised man to the villa's vicinity, instructing him to comply with Alice's wishes. Then he parked nearby to await good news.

The stand-in didn't disappoint, perfectly deceiving Alice into believing he was Magnus and indulging her twisted desires. As for the double's inquiry about Natalia, it was under Magnus' direction. Magnus knew Alice wouldn't give up Natalia's location easily, but they had to ask to avoid arousing suspicion.