The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus) novel Chapter 553

Magnus was seething, his disdain for Alice churning like a tempest. He wished she'd vanish off the face of the Earth, never to cross his path again. The thought of giving her a chance to redeem herself was more than he could stomach; in his eyes, Alice was utterly unworthy.

But Natalia, with her earnest, pleading gaze, melted his resolve. Reluctantly, he nodded, a storm cloud of annoyance brewing on his face. "Let's go. But mark my words, there won't be a next time."

With a serious look, Magnus turned to Henry, his voice laced with a warning. "I don't care how powerful your background is or the extent of your influence. I'm only letting this slide because of my wife. If Alice doesn't change her ways and crosses me again, I'll make sure she understands the true meaning of a living hell."

Henry's face twisted in discomfort. Acknowledging that Alice had indeed instigated the situation, he found no grounds to argue with Magnus.

With a frosty expression, Magnus took Natalia's hand, left the villa, and instructed his men outside, "Prepare the speedboat. We're heading to that deserted island."

As the men nodded and started to move, Henry interjected, "We have a speedboat. There’s no need for you to go through all that trouble."

"What are you waiting for? Go!" Magnus barked at his men before turning to Henry. "I handle my own business. Especially when it comes to the safety of my people. I don't rely on outsiders."

Henry, usually quick to rise to a challenge, was silenced by Magnus' rebukes. But he was desperate to save Alice and swallowed his pride, pretending not to hear Magnus' jabs.

Natalia gently tugged at Magnus' sleeve, signaling him to ease the tension. Magnus patted her shoulder reassuringly, indicating she needn't worry. He didn't take Henry seriously – if it weren't for his wife's pleading, he wouldn't have given Henry the time of day.

Soon, the men reported the speedboat was ready. Magnus boarded with Natalia wrapped in his arms while Henry followed onto his own yacht.

The vessels sliced through the water under the bright moonlight, heading for the desolate island that held Alice captive. The sea breeze was strong, and the speedboat's wake sprayed the deck with a rhythmic patter.

Natalia felt a chill, and huddled into herself. Magnus slipped off his jacket and draped it over Natalia's shoulders before pulling her close. "Cold?"

Shaking her head, Natalia replied, "A little, but not anymore."

"Good," Magnus said, relieved. He glanced back at Henry, following in another speedboat, and murmured, "My dear, your heart is too kind. Some people don't deserve forgiveness."

Natalia knew he referred to their decision to let Henry pick up Alice. She leaned into Magnus, her eyes shining. "Mercy begets mercy. I want to gather blessings for our daughter, hoping she returns to us safe and sound."

Magnus hadn't expected such foresight from Natalia, and his heart swelled with tenderness. Beside her, his own spirit seemed narrow. How could he not be utterly bewitched by her?

The speedboat hurtled towards the island, finally slowing as they neared their destination. Magnus helped Natalia off the boat, cautioning, "Be careful."