The Imposter Bride (Natalia and Magnus)
Chapter 499

Johanson saw the disdain in Grant's eyes whenever Grant looked at Anna, and it made Johanson's blood boil. He spoke with a tone of unquestionable resolve, "Dad, I'm the master of my own life! I decide who I hang out with. And remember, I made a promise to Aunt Gabby to look after Anna. You lay a finger on her again, and you'll have me to answer to!"

Grant's temper flared like a prairie fire at his son's defiance. This was all because of that wild girl-it was all her fault!

Johanson could read his father's murderous gaze and shot him a cold look before dropping a final word. "Don't forget the promise you made in front of Aunt Gabby, Dad. What goes around comes around. If you hurt Anna, Aunt Gabby's spirit will be crying from beyond the grave."

With that, Johanson stormed out, leaving Grant seething. In a fit of rage, Grant kicked over a table and bellowed, "Get out! All of you, just get the hell out!"

Johanson didn't flinch at his father's anger and continued out the door until he was out of sight.

Collapsing into a chair, Grant fumed, thinking to himself, "Anna, you wretched girl! If it weren't for Gabby, I'd have thrown you to the wolves by now!"

After leaving his father's room, Johanson searched the manor for Anna, asking every maid in sight, but none had seen her.

Worried sick, Johanson's forehead glistened with sweat as he thought of what his father might do to Anna.

"Where are you, Anna?"

He turned the estate upside down but found no trace of her. His heart sank with each passing moment, becoming increasingly anxious for her safety. Suddenly, a thought struck him, and clarity washed over his face.

Of course, Anna would be there!

With that realization, Johanson sprinted toward the family mausoleum outside the manor.

Having thought it through on his way, Johanson figured the lost and helpless Anna had nowhere else to go but to Aunt Gabby's grave.

As he approached the mausoleum, the setting sun stained the sky red. In the dimming light, he saw a small figure huddled by Gabby's headstone.

His heart, which had been in his throat, settled as he approached the small silhouette.

Getting closer, Johanson found Anna lying exhausted in front of the tombstone. Her tiny body was curled up, and her pale face was etched with vulnerability. "Anna? What's wrong?" Johanson rushed to her side and lifted her into his arms.

Anna was burning up, yet her face felt icy to the touch. Johanson knew immediately something was wrong and shook her gently. "Anna, are you feeling unwell? Talk to me." Anna's swollen eyes slowly opened, revealing a weary smile. "Johanson, I saw Mommy... I'm going to Mommy now. Isn't that wonderful?"

Realizing she was delirious from illness, Johanson scolded her softly, "Anna, you can't run off like this again, okay? I was terrified, thinking something happened to you."

But Anna was far in a world of her own, murmuring, "I'm going to replace Mommy, Johanson. It's going to be okay."

Unable to contain his worry, Johanson carried Anna back to the manor, constantly reassuring her, "Don't scare me, Anna. We'll see a doctor right away. You have to hang in there, understand?" Anna nestled weakly in his arms, her pale, lost face almost ghostly.

Johanson burst into the doctor's cottage. "Come quickly, she's ill! What's wrong with her?"

Startled, the doctor took Anna, laid her on the bed, and examined her. "She's overwhelmed by grief, has a fever, and the cold ground was too much for her," he concluded.

Impatient, Johanson demanded a remedy.

The doctor prepared some medicine. "This will bring her fever down. She'll recover faster."

Johanson nodded and turned to Anna, stroking her hair. "Take the medicine, Anna. Tell me, how did you end up at the grave?"

Anna took the medicine and whispered, "I went to see Mommy. Uncle Grant took my only picture of her. I miss her... I wanted to be with Mommy."

Looking at the forlorn and defenseless Anna, Johanson's heart swelled with resentment towards his own father. He locked eyes with Anna, and his gaze was filled with solemn determination. "You stay put right here. I'm going to get your mom's picture back from him!"

With those words, Johanson stormed out of the doctor's house and quickly made his way to the grand family mansion that was his home.

Before Johanson even crossed the threshold, he yelled out, "Dad? You better give Anna's mom's picture back to her, now!"

Inside, Grant was in the middle of a hushed conversation with a burly man with a menacing look. His irritation was palpable as Johanson barged in. "You little brat, where are your manners? Come and meet your Uncle Joseph!"

But Johanson was having none of it. He glared at Grant, hands outstretched demandingly. "The picture, Dad. Give it back now!"

"What picture?" Grant feigned ignorance.

"The one you swiped from Anna - Aunt Gabby's picture! Hand it over!" Johanson's voice was thick with accusation.

Grant's dignity was teetering in front of the guest as he scrambled for an excuse. "What stolen picture? That picture was rightfully mine!"

"Really?" Johanson's gaze turned icy. "Dad, your ability to lie through your teeth is truly impressive. If you didn't take Anna's picture, why on earth would she run to Aunt Gabby's grave? How do you think she'd feel, pouring out her heart over the terrible things you've done? And when your time comes, how will you face Aunt Gabby with such shame?"