Chapter 343


    William was a man of his word. Once he''d promised to keep her identity a secret, he would never utter


    a syble about it in front of Magnus.


    Was she overthinking things? It was likely that William just wanted her to attend the evening soiree, but


    she had never taken much interest in these gatherings.


    Natalia decided to stop worrying about it. All she hoped for was for Magnus'' trip to Rome to end as


    soon as possible. Only when he was far away would she feel at ease.


    Natalia felt a sudden wave of irritation. She slumped back into her deck chair, covering her face with


    her hand in exhaustion. Even though she knew it was best for Magnus to leave sooner, why did a part


    of her selfishly wish for him to stay?


    Natalia drifted off into a deep sleep, her mind a whirl of thoughts.


    As the night descended, Hector silently made his way over. He saw Natalia curled up asleep on the


    chair and was about to pick her up, but didn’t want to wake her, so he stopped himself.


    After a moment''s consideration, Hector headed inside the house and returned with another deck chair


    and two light nkets.


    These items they''d bought together during theirst trip to the mall wereing in handy sooner than


    expected.


    The air was still warm, so sleeping outside wouldn’t be a problem. Hector gently covered Natalia with


    the nket, ced his chair next to hers, andy down.


    Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    He watched Natalia, who was peacefully asleep inches away from him, and a wave of pure


    contentment washed over him.


    Meanwhile, Diana cheerfully apanied Magnus back to their hotel. She was about to follow him


    inside when James stopped her at the entrance.


    James leaned casually against the door, hand in his pocket, and drawled, “Miss Diana, it''ste. We


    wouldn''t want to tarnish your reputation by having you stay and chat. Goodnight.”


    Watching Magnus disappear into the hotel, Diana could barely conceal her disappointment. She


    reluctantly left, trying not to show her annoyance.


    As Diana walked away, James shed a triumphant grin and made a victory sign. Thank heavens they


    were finally free of the overly enthusiastic woman.


    Before Diana had gotten far, William stopped her. He stood in front of Diana and stated his thoughts


    inly, “Diana, you can''t go to Melfort with Mr. Andersen.”


    “Why not?” Diana red at her brother, ming him for repeatedly thwarting her chances with Magnus.


    “Why not?” William echoed, his voice incredulous. “Are you out of your mind? Do you understand what


    Mr. Andersen is interested in? He’s always talking about those design drafts – it’s clear that they’re his


    priority! And those drafts aren''t your work. If it''s revealed, the consequences will be disastrous!”


    Diana rolled her eyes dismissively. “Are you overthinking things? Mr. Andersen is an upright man. He


    wouldn''t stoop as low as you’re suggesting.”


    Facing Diana’s defiant attitude, William felt a surge of frustration. “What do you know? A sessful,


    handsome man like him can''t possibly be genuinely interested in you! Don''t delude yourself – I''m a


    man, and I haven''t seen a hint of affection for you in his eyes!”


    Feeling hurt and angry, Diana balled her fists and argued back vehemently, “How can you say that


    about me? Is there something wrong with me? It sounds like you’re saying that I''m not good enough for


    Mr. Andersen! Who puts down their own sister while praising others?”


    “I’m just stating the facts. Diana, you need to see yourself clearly to understand your ce in other


    people''s hearts, instead of overestimating yourself.” William retorted, wishing he could knock some


    sense into her.


    But his words only made Diana more rebellious instead of making her realize her mistake. She stormed


    past William. “You''re underestimating me! I''m not as shameful as you think! Just wait and see – I’ll


    marry Mr. Andersen in a white wedding dress! Then you''ll realize how ridiculous your words were


    today!”


    “I don''t care! You''re not leaving Rome. I''ve taken your passport. You''re not going anywhere!”


    “William! You''re being unreasonable! You''ve gone mad!” With a huff, Diana stormed off, her high heels


    clicking loudly on the pavement.


    William could only manage a wry smile. His impulsive, headstrong sister would only learn her lesson


    after some hard knocks. Sighing dejectedly, he shook his head and walked away.


    The moment he was out of sight, Diana quickly emerged from her hiding spot and headed straight for


    Magnus'' room.


    Inside the room, Magnus was freshening up, and James was changing into his pajamas. Hearing a


    knock, James casually tossed his pajamas onto the bed, baring his upper body as he opened the door.


    Seeing Diana again, James was taken aback. He instinctively covered his exposed torso and stepped


    back. “You, you’re back again?”


    Diana nced at James and burst intoughter. “What are you covering up? Your skinny body isn’t


    anything special to look at.”


    James instantly saw red. As a full-blooded man, how could he be spoken to with such contempt and


    scorn from a woman?


    In an attempt to regain his dignity, James struck a ssic pose of strength, flexing his bulging biceps


    and boasting, “Ever seen a physique as ripped as this?”


    The mockery on Diana’s face intensified. “That’s it? My boobs are higher than those.”


    With that, Diana deliberately puffed out her ample chest, shooting James an even more disdainful look.


    James nearly choked on his outrage. Good heavens, how did they end up with such a crazy woman?