Fake Mate Beta Rises to Alpha Heiress (Natalie and Landon) novel Chapter 149

Chapter 149 Put the Pack’s Interests First

Penelope’s POV:

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I fixed my gaze on Matthew. The smile that had graced my lips moments ago vanished, replaced by a steely resolve. “Matthew, I’ve always believed I’ve given you no cause for ill-will. Is it truly because I never had a kid for the Scott family, and Samuel doesn’t carry the pure Scott lineage that you’re treating us so differently?”

Matthew promptly set down his wine glass, assuming that familiar look of feigned innocence. “Penelope, you’ve lost me. If it’s about Natalie’s arranged marriage, I was acting on Dad’s instructions. I had no intention of opposing you.” True to form, he used his father, Vincent Scott, as his’excuse.

“The Scott Group is my life’s work,” I declared, my voice quivering with barely-contained emotion. I bowed my head, fingers brushing the corners of my eyes. “Alexander and I weathered every storm. together. Everyone should recognize the blood, sweat, and tears I’ve invested in this company. Handing it over to… an illegitimate daughter? It’s unfair.” Tears-an age-old weapon for women, especially Omegas- filled my eyes.

Matthew, clearly flustered, stammered, “Look, Penelope, I’ve long since stepped back from the Moon- Shadowed Pack’s business. I have no say in it. But rest assured, I’m not out to get you. Natalie and I share only a tenuous blood connection. You’re both part of my family.”

“Then, why the secrecy about the engagement?” I lifted my tear-streaked face, voice soft yet accusatory. “Have I become an outsider in this family?”

Matthew heaved a sigh, as if burdened by my questions. He leaned in, voice hushed: “Dad was adamant about keeping it under wraps. Given Natalie’s background and the importance of this alliance, we couldn’t afford any leaks.”

A bitter laugh welled up inside me. Vincent, that ever-present specter overseas, always looming over Moon-Shadowed Pack. He’d never fully trusted me, all because I failed to bear Alexander a pure-blooded heir and Samuel was not of his flesh and blood.

If it were just Natalie, I might have a fighting chance. But if Vincent and Matthew were in her corner, my. situation would be dire.

“Matthew, you’re the one I’ve always confided in within this family. Since Alexander’s passing, Moon- Shadowed Pack is my sole anchor. If Vincent truly has no place for me in the Scott-family, just be honest with me…” I let my voice trail off, pretending to choke with sobs, dabbing at my eyes.

Matthew, clearly at a loss, hastened to console me. “You have nothing to worry about. Dad isn’t singling you out. Alexander made me promise to look after you. As long as you want to stay in Moon-Shadowed Pack, no one will force you out.”

Hearing his words, I looked up at him, eyes red and pleading. “If it ever comes to a choice between Natalie and me in Moon-Shadowed Pack, will you stand by me?”

He paused, his expression grave. “I… I can’t make that promise now. But when’the time comes, I’ll pack’s interests first, not side with Natalie.”

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19:51 Mon, Dec 29 RG

Chapter 149 Put the Pack’s Interests First

“That’s all I need to know,” I replied, a faint smile returning to my face.

I composed myself, drying my tears, and smoothly shifted to light conversation with Matthew.

Chloe’s POV:

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Ugh, I had been forced by my “parents” to this super boring social gathering again. The atmosphere was a mishmash of werewolf pheromones, phony small talk, and worst of all, Eleanor’s sickly-sweet perfume.

There was Liam, over there, helping to receive the guests. He looked sharp in that well-fitting suit, his silhouette standing tall and his profile looking kind of aloof under the lights. Between us lay a chasm, created by two years of silence and a wound that just wouldn’t heal.

Suddenly, Eleanor spoke up in my ear, her voice full of spite, “Hey, there’s your old acquaintance. Why not go have a chat?” She just loved to rub salt in my wounds, making sure I never forgot how stupid I was in the past.

Everyone in the Scott family and the older folks in the Kelly family know the deal. Liam was like my shadow for more than ten years, tagging along like a loyal puppy. He’d come to school with me, fix my screw-ups, and even cover for me when I had a boyfriend.

But then, that nightmare two years ago changed everything. My jerk of an ex got into a fight at a nightclub. Liam came to save us and ended up with two broken ribs. He was almost left paralyzed for life. And what did I do? I was so scared that I ran off with that loser.

Matthew went ballistic and nearly disowned Liam. After that, Liam transformed. He buried his feelings and threw himself into work. Whenever we crossed paths, it was like I was a complete stranger to him.

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It was so ironic. Only when Liam stopped following me around did I realize how much he meant to me. But it was already too late. I tried to talk to him, waited by his car to explain and say sorry, but he just drove away without a second look. And Eleanor? She had used those incidents to make fun of me for ages.