Fake Mate Beta Rises to Alpha Heiress (Natalie) novel Chapter 157

Chapter 157 A Harmless Smile

Eleanor’s POV:

+30 Free Coins

Watching that bitch Natalie looking so pleased with herself, I was so angry I nearly bit through my lip. My pheromones turned sharp with jealousy. “What a show the bitch is putting on!”

Chloe gave me a cold glance. Her tone was flat but pointed. “It was a good show to watch, though. At least it was sincere, witnessed by the Moon Goddess. It is better than some people who don’t even get the chance to put on a show and can’t even find someone for a soul resonance.”

“Chloe, are you asking for trouble?” I immediately snarled in a low voice, trying to release the oppressive aura of an Omega, but my mother cut me off with a warning cough.

I had to hold it back. If I couldn’t touch Natalie, I could certainly handle Chloe. There would be plenty of

time to settle this later.

Natalie’s POV:

The whole banquet, which felt like a trap, had completely turned into a “Moonlit Vow Ceremony” that gave me immense honor. Penelope had probably never suffered such humiliation in her life. She barely ate anything, excused herself early, citing unstable pheromones and feeling unwell, and left.

Not long after Penelope left, the Sanchez family also made their exit with me, effectively ending the dinner. Samuel, as Penelope’s representative, was responsible for seeing the guests off.

Liam’s POV:

As my father and I were leaving, we ran into the Kelly family departing. Chloe, having changed her dif was still walking silently at the back. Hesitating for a moment, I quickened my pace and called out to l “Chloe.”

Hearing my voice, Chloe’s body trembled almost imperceptibly. She glanced back, her gaze resting on n calm, bespectacled face for only a moment before looking away. “What?” she asked.

“Your bracelet.” I pulled a delicate bracelet from my pocket. The pendant was a teardrop-shaped, light blue moonshadow gem, seemingly with moonlight flowing inside. It had fallen to the ground during my conflict with Chloe, and I had picked it up.

Chloe’s POV:

A slight ripple of emotion passed through my eyes. This rare light blue moonshadow gem was a gift Liam spent immense time and effort on for my 18th birthday. I loved it and had worn it ever since.

“Since it’s broken, it should return to its original owner. I looked at the bracelet but didn’t take it. Yet, my gaze remained locked on Liam’s face.

Liam’s gaze through his glasses was detached and calm, showing no emotion. Ever since we cut ties, it had been like he had become a different person. All the passion, impulsiveness, and frankness he had as a young werewolf had vanished, leaving only a shell of restraint, propriety, and dullness.

31

1

1/3

15:54 Wed, Dec 31 KIKA

Chapter 157 A Harmless Smile

061

+30 Free Coins

“A gift given is yours. If you don’t want it, throw it away.” After saying this, Liam almost forcibly stuffed the bracelet into my hand and turned to leave.

In a panic, I raised my hand and threw the bracelet, hitting him squarely on his straight, broad back.

“Liam, you don’t have to be like this with me. No need to keep up this act. It’s like you think I owe you something! Who do you even think you are?” After shouting, I turned and practically ran off in my high heels.

Liam’s POV:

I stopped in my tracks, stiffened for a moment, then finally turned around. Silently, I picked up the moonshadow gem bracelet and clenched it tightly.

Of course, I knew, in her heart, I never amounted to anything.

So why, even after all this time, did her words still cause that familiar, tearing, dull pain in my chest? The moonshadow gem bracelet dug into my palm, carrying a faint trace of her scent, feeling more like a mockery.

My father, Matthew, who’d witnessed this nearby, wore a serious expression. He walked over and patted my shoulder gently. “Liam, the path back is hard to walk, especially for werewolves. Trying to forcibly remove a mark from the heart only causes more pain,” he said.

“Dad, I’m not,” I said, lowering my head, quietly putting the bracelet back into my pocket, trying to block out the disturbing scent.

“It is best if you’re not. But sometimes, willpower alone isn’t enough to fight an instinctual attraction.” Matthew sighed gently, “You’re not young anymore. You can’t keep indulging in the past. Starting next week, I’ll arrange for you to meet some well-bred, high-society Omegas with good pheromone compatibility.”

“Dad, I’m in no hurry,” I said.

“You can’t just pour all your energy into work forever. If you’re not in a hurry, I am.” Matthew’s tone hardened, carrying the unquestionable authority of an Alpha father. “Seeing Leonardo and Natalie complete their vow today, weren’t you touched, too? My son is so outstanding. You deserve to find the most suitable mate and build a strong family.”

Matthew’s words were earnest. I couldn’t argue further, so I just nodded silently. Touched? Maybe. But that feeling wasn’t mine to hold onto. What I wanted… I’d lost the chance to have it long ago.

Samuel’s POV:

After seeing off most of the guests, I finally noticed Victoria alone in a corner. She hadn’t left with her parents and still sat there, looking lost. It wasn’t until almost everyone was gone that she shakily stood up.

“Ms. Thompson, wait a moment, please.” I strode over, my voice carrying just the right amount of concern.

Victoria turned. Her red, swollen eyes were very obvious. She gave me a sullen look. “Mr. Samuel Scott? Is something the matter?” she asked.

00

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify