The Imposter Bride by Sallie Woods

Chapter 73
It was James, Chase and Carter who came by.
Frankly, they thought that Magnus was one lucky chap. The guy had lived for over two decades, never once experiencing
romance. And when he finally did, he ended up with the hot babe Natalia. They were undeniably envious. Compared to Natalia,
the women they knew were mere commoners.
“Indeed,” Natalia affirmed with a smile when James asked. She did not understand why these three would suddenly show up at
Maplewood Manor, and why Magnus was absent
She courteously brewed them some tea, inspecting each of them as she did. James, who was always trying to strike a
conversation with a smile, and Chase, who spoke less, but spoke each word profoundly
And there was also Carter, who was fond of teasing Magnus when they were in France
She wondered, “Didn’t Magnus say he’d be home by noon when he left this morning? Do their arrivals have anything to do with
Magnus early return?”
Yet, the three men in front of her seemed oblivious to Natalia’s confusion, especially James, who kept gazing at Natalia with his
bright puppy eyes, smiling all the way
Then he said, “Oh, Magnus is indeed a lucky man. Not only are you beautiful, but you’re also considerate.”
Changing his tone, James proposed with a grin, “Natalia, why not ditch Magnus and leave with me? Magnus is so cold, he surely
can’t be as romantic asi
am.”
But as soon as James spoke, Chase, who was sitting next to him, elbowed him in the stomach. “Ouch...” James immediately
clutched his stomach,
wailing in pain.
Carter, always good–natured, couldn’t help but chuckle. “You sure have guts, James. Isn’t this like the hundredth time you’ve
tried to steal Natalia? Aren’t you afraid Magnus would punish you?”

Though Natalia hadn’t been with Magnus for long, his jealous reputation had already spread.
“He must have a death wish to dare to poke the bear, Chase commented, his words as concise as always.
Just as Natalia was enjoying the lively banter, Magnus, who had just left the company, hurried back to Maplewood Manor. He
took one look at the three men lounging on the couch, especially at James, who was grinning from ear to ear. With a frown, he
said. “You guys sure got here fast!” Usually, they would hang out at the Golden Groove, but today, they had come to his place.
He then wheeled over to Natalia, reaching out to cup her face. “Don’t hang out with these beasts!”
“Wha ?”
“You.” The three men gasped. This guy was showing off his affection right in front of them and even called them beasts!
Magnus then cast James a chilling glance before saying. “There’s a tough training camp in the desert. I can send you there to
toughen up.”
James immediately protested, “Magnus, you... fine, I won’t say anything anymore. Natalia, you have to help me!” Seeing his
pitiful face, Natalia couldn’t help but chuckle
Magnus smiled faintly at Natalia’s laughter. Carter and Chase also burst into laughter Only Magnus could handle the unruly
James.
Before he came back from the company, Chase had told him that they planned to gather at Maplewood Manor He didn’t expect
them to come so soort Knowing they were worried because of Lucius assassination attempt, he didn’t refuse their company
Compared to his blood–related brother Lucius, who was constantly plotting against him, Carter, Chase, and James were the real
brothers on whom he could always rely
“I assure you, I have the utmost respect for Natalia. I promise I won’t do it again!”
James certainly knew what the desert training was like. He was skilled, but being in a desert with no women, licking blood off
knife blades every day just for training, was worse than death to him.
Natalia was still a bit uneasy around Magnus because of yesterday’s events. She didn’t dare meet his gaze and kept her head
down.

Natalia might have said that, but she couldn’t help but wonder why Magnus seemed to care so much for her in front of everyone
when he didn’t even like
her
Magnus, noticing Natalia’s mood, knew she was still upset about what happened last night. He reached out and gently held her
hand, his voice deep and magnetic. “Have you eaten yet, baby? Don’t wait for me if you’re hungry”
Ever since Kyler and his daughter visited the Andersen Corporation that morning, Magnus couldn’t help but feel a pang in his
heart whenever he thought about the hardships Natalia faced living with the Clarkson family.
In many ways, their fates were similar Both were rejected by their blood relatives, with parents who didn’t care for them Even he
was the respected son of the Andersen family, he, and Natalia, who had grown up under the care of others, weren’t so different
after all. And so, it broke Magnus heart to see someone so kind and innocent be so distressed
“Ah, they say, ‘bros before hoes: Magnus. But it seems like the phrase was tailor–made for you The three of them were sitting
here, and when Magnus came back, he only engaged in conversation with Natalia, completely ignoring them James was both
amused and hurt After all, their bond of brotherhood spanned over two decades, yet it seemed insignificant compared to the few
months the young beauty Natalia spent with Magnus. This truth was a bitter pill to swallow
However, James‘ complaints only earned him a dismissive sideways glance from Magnus. T’m happy. What’s it to you?”
“Alright, alright, as long as you’re happy.” Seeing Magnus‘ stormy expression, Janes didn’t dare to proyoke him further. He joked
lightly before beating a hasty retreat.
Magnus didn’t earn his reputation as a jealous husband for nothing. It was better not to push his buttons, lest he got caught in
the crossfire.
By the time Magnus got back, it was already noon. So, shortly after his return, the servants brought out the prepared lunch to the
table.