The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus)

Chapter 573

Jonas furrowed his brow and stood up from the antique armchair, descending the grand staircase only to find Madeline in tears at the bottom. “What's wrong, Maddie?”

Upon seeing Jonas, Madeline rushed into his arms, clutching his lean waist, “Jonas, why did you postpone the wedding? Do you dislike me? Don't you want to marry me anymore?”

Jonas led her to the plush sofa, soothing her as he patted her shoulder. “Maddie, listen, we’ve only pushed back the engagement, that's all. | haven’t called off marrying you. Come on, don’t cry like a little kid.”

Through her swollen, tearful eyes, Madeline looked up. “But Jonas, I’m always scared you're putting off the wedding because you don't like me.”

“Oh, silly girl,” he said, gently combing through Madeline’s soft hair, a look of helpless affection on his face. “I’ve just been feeling under the weather lately. I’m worried about not being able to throw you the dream engagement party you deserve. You're overthinking things.”

“Really? Jonas, is that really why?” Madeline’s mood instantly brightened as she gazed up at him, seeking reassurance.

She had grown stronger with time, but ever since Jonas returned from Country C with a child in tow, she couldn’t hold back any longer. She had the child’s DNA tested, confirming it was indeed Jonas’ flesh and blood, and she was devastated.

From that moment on, she was as fragile as a house of cards, resorting to threats of self-harm to manipulate her parents.

Jonas knew her too well; she was beyond help. For the sake of his mentor, Jonas reluctantly nodded. “Yes, I’ve promised to marry you and will give you the perfect wedding. Trust me, okay?”

“Okay, | trust you!” Madeline exclaimed, grabbing Jonas’ pinky with childlike glee. “Pinky swear, a hundred years, never to change, breakers are rotten eggs!”

Jonas couldn't help but laugh at her antics as they linked fingers.

Once satisfied, Madeline stood up. “Alright, Jonas, you’ve made a pinky promise, no backsies! I’m on shift today, gotta rush to the clinic. Oh, and let me check on that pain of yours later.”

“Sure, you head to work. I'll swing by when | can.”

Jonas intended to see Madeline off, his thoughts lingering on another silhouette. If Elisea hadn’t appeared, he might have been indifferent about whom to marry. But now that Elisea had re-entered his life, he wanted clarity before blindly committing to Madeline.

Despite her petulance, Madeline was not only the cherished daughter of his mentor but also someone he didn't wish to hurt, regardless of who she was.

Engrossed in their discussion about the postponed engagement party, neither noticed a small figure lurking at the top of the stairs.

Max had been eavesdropping from the staircase when Madeline arrived at the Andersen estate. Her loud sobs had startled him. Though young, Max was shrewd beyond his years. He had sensed something amiss from Madeline's cries and cleverly hidden to listen in.

Upon hearing about the delayed engagement, Max nearly leaped for joy, his eyes sparkling with glee as a smile played on his lips. He swaggered down the stairs, where the family butler, Bentley, swiftly scooped him up to the dining table. “Mr. Max, are you hungry?” Bentley asked, setting him down with care.

Madeline was about to leave when she saw Max come down for a snack. She approached with a smile. “Max, are you hungry? Want me to help you eat?”

Max instantly dropped his cheerful facade, casting a cool glance at Madeline. “No thanks, | can eat by myself.”

Jonas noted Max’s sudden cold demeanor, saw the uncanny resemblance to his mother, and felt a pang of longing for Elisea. “Let's go, Maddie. | have to run an errand, so I'll drop you off at the clinic,” Jonas said. He instructed Bentley to take good care of Max, then left with Madeline.

Once Madeline was gone, Max's smile returned, and he chirped to Bentley, “I’m ready to eat now. Bentley, could you fix me something tasty?”

After dropping Madeline at the clinic, Jonas drove to CT Technologies.

Two years prior, Jonas had discreetly moved the company's headquarters to the States, leaving the operations in Hawaii and Melfort to his deputies.

He parked his car and strolled into the building, taking his private elevator to the exequtiveguité O1"! Seated behind tis desk Jonas opened a long-sealed drawer filled with photographs. In them, a woman was laughing, her eyes brimming with tender love. Please read the original content at .

These photos were all Jonas had left of Elisea. He had clung to her memory with these images for years.

As he looked at her radiant smile, his heart tightened, wondering what she had endured all these years. What could turn her once joyful eyes so cold and distant? And why would she come to the States to target him?

Tracing her visage in the air, Jonas murmured with a small smile. “Clever fox, since your mission isn't complete, you'll come again. Better be quick; don’t make me wait too long.”

With that, he dialed his assistant. “Spread the word. I’ll be staying at the Luxe Hotel tonight.” True to his instructions, his assistant leaked the information swiftly.

Jonas was buzzing with anticipation for the night's festivities. His mood was so buoyant that he even found himself whistling while he worked.

When the evening rolled around, and the workday gave way to play, Jonas

led his buddies to the Heal pata ll ley spatenseane Sight promised ne’shortage of camaraderie and cold brews. They clinked glasses, trading stories and laughs, the picture of brotherhood in its most boisterous form. Please read the original content at .Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

After what felt like an eternity of revelry, Jonas was thoroughly pickled, slumping into the embrace.of the pub's cushjest hootlshis‘senses swyinenirig iA a sea of inebriation. With the help of his ever-reliable assistant, he staggered out of the bar and into the opulent embrace of the nearby Luxe Hotel, which had been reserved well in advance. Please read the original content at .

The assistant acted as a crutch for the wobbly Jonas, and maneuvered him into his room, ensuring he was tucked into bed, cozy and safe under the covers, before slipping out and closing the door gently behind him.

The room was bathed in the soft, golden glow of a bedside lamp, casting a serene atmosphere. Jonas, now a symphony of snores, was lost to the world, deep in a drunken slumber.