The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus)
Chapter 437

Hector, looking sharp as ever, swept aside the curtain and untied the ropes that bound Bianca, pulling her into his embrace. "Are you alright?"

Tears streamed down Bianca's face as she shook her head vigorously. "I'm fine, Mr. Hector, really."

"Good." Once Hector was sure Bianca was unharmed, he relaxed and turned to glare at Robert.

Robert had been pushed to the ground by Hector and was now getting up, returning Hector's glare with a vicious look. "Who the hell are you to meddle in our family affairs? Tell me, are you this little tramp's lover?"

Hector didn't even spare Robert a glance as he pulled out a black credit card from his pocket and tossed it onto the three-legged table. "Here's a million. From now on, you have no claim over her. If you lay a finger on her again, I'll make your life a living hell!"

Robert, who was about to unleash his usual thuggish bravado, was stunned as the black card made its appearance. As a seasoned gambler, he knew all too well that such a card had a minimum limit of a million dollars.

Robert was overjoyed. He scrambled to pick up the card from the table, pressing it to his lips with manic delight. "Hell yeah, I'm finally gonna make a comeback!"

Hector, without another word, scooped up the bruised Bianca and walked out of the squalid slum, filled with filth and stench.

Throughout the drive, Hector remained silent, not uttering a single word to Bianca. And Bianca, sitting uneasily in the back seat, felt a deep sense of debt to Hector. Raised in the slums, her fate seemed to be either sold off or to live a life of dishonor. She had no idea how she would ever repay the sum Hector had spent for her - it seemed like a debt she could never settle in this lifetime.

With these thoughts, Bianca sneaked a glance at Hector, who was pressing his lips tightly together, and her gratitude towards him deepened. Alongside that gratitude, there were feelings Bianca dared not hope for affection.

Although Hector seemed calm while driving, he was secretly terrified. He was just in time. Had he been even a second late, Bianca might have become those bastard's plaything. Just the thought of such a possibility made Hector want to turn back and break their necks.

When they arrived at Hector's place, he helped Bianca out of the car and carried her inside.

Bianca, feeling out of place, spoke up, "Mr. Hector, please put me down. I can walk."

Hector looked down at her and kept walking, showing no intention of letting her down. Since Hector remained silent, Bianca didn't dare to protest any further. She curled up in his arms like a well-behaved kitten.

Once inside the living room, Hector finally set Bianca down. He looked at her guilt-ridden eyes and said softly, "I told you before, this place is your home. Where else would you go? Don't run off again. You had me worried sick. I'm starving. Go make some dinner, will you?”

After saying that, Hector acted as if nothing had happened and started reading the newspaper on the couch.

Bianca, moved to tears, had thought Hector had grown tired of her, which was why she had left. But now, hearing his words, she realized he had been searching for her all along. She had been worried for nothing. If he truly wanted to be rid of her, he could have taken this chance to do so.

Also, Hector didn't scold her for leaving without permission; he didn't even mention it. This made her feel more ashamed, as her debt to Hector was something she feared she could never repay in this lifetime. Right, Hector said he was hungry; she needed to cook him something delicious. He had been so kind to her that she would be willing to serve him for a lifetime to repay his kindness. With this thought, Bianca quickly dried her tears and headed to the kitchen to cook.

Only after Bianca had left did Hector put down the newspaper. He didn't understand why he cared so much for Bianca. When he lost contact with her, his heart was in a panic. Thankfully, Bianca was now safely back, which delighted him even more than closing a big deal.

The sounds of clattering pots and pans and the aroma of food wafting from the kitchen made Hector feel at peace - this was the life he cherished.

Soon, the efficient Bianca brought out several dishes. She set the table and stood by awkwardly. "Dinner's ready, Mr. Hector."

"Alright," Hector nodded, stood up from the couch, and took a seat at the dining table. "Sit down and join me." Bianca nodded, taking small bites of her food, tears falling into her bowl as she reflected on her narrow escape. Hector noticed Bianca's actions and put down his utensils, asking, "What's wrong? Don't like the food?"

Bianca shook her head frantically. "No, it's just... there's something in my eye."

"Oh, make sure to close the doors and windows next time, so no more dust gets in. Now, eat up," Hector advised, then went back to enjoying his meal.

He had stayed up all night and hadn't eaten in over 24 hours, so this meal was particularly satisfying. Now, with Bianca sitting safely across from him and the delicious food on the table, Hector ate until he was full, then got up to attend to business upstairs.

Bianca quickly cleared the table, treated her wounds, and lay in her room, full of emotion. If it hadn't been for Hector's timely arrival, she might have lost her life.

Thankfully, he had come for her. What a relief.

With a shy smile, Bianca buried her face in her pillow and drifted sweetly into dreamland.

While Hector was overwhelmed by Bianca's disappearance, Magnus was enjoying a streak of contentment. His judgment hadn't been wrong; Gabby's work ethic was exceptional. She managed tasks with such efficiency that she was quickly becoming capable of holding her own.

As time went by, Magnus found himself increasingly delegating his menial tasks to Gabby, and she never failed to impress him with the results.

After the fiasco with Belle, Magnus was not taking any chances. He had delved into Gabby's background with the thoroughness of a detective, ensuring her past was as pristine as freshly fallen snow. Gradually, Magnus' trust in Gabby solidified. Her competence at work was nothing short of spectacular, affording him peace of mind he hadn't known in ages.

Gabby's care for personal matters was just as admirable. When she learned that Natalia was expecting their second child, she practically shooed Magnus out of the office early every day, insisting that a husband who supported his wife during pregnancy was the epitome of excellence.

For Magnus, it wasn't just about work efficiency; what mattered most was replaceing someone who cherished his wife as much as he did.