Fake Mate Beta Rises to Alpha Heiress (Natalie and Landon) novel Chapter 177

Chapter 177 It Was Gone

Nathan’s POV:

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Daddy spanked me yesterday, and I was still upset about it. But when I saw he was leaving, my first instinct was to stop him.

Mommy always told me that Daddy was our biggest support. Now that he was angry with Mommy, 1 needed to be extra good.

Landon’s POV:

Looking into Nathan’s big eyes, which were so much like Aaliyah’s and now filled with grievance, my heart softened a little. I had just disciplined him yesterday, and he was clearly scared.

I stopped and ruffled his hair. “Be good, Nathan. I have work to do. Go find your mother.”

In the end, I gently pried Nathan’s hands from my leg, ready to leave. A voice inside my head screamed that I didn’t want to stay here. I didn’t want to face Aaliyah’s resentful gaze or be in this house full of unwelcome comparisons.

“Landon!” Aaliyah’s voice came from behind me, sharp with barely suppressed anger and a hint of tears. “Do you really not want to be with me anymore? You never used to ignore me like this. Is it true for you that you only want what you can’t have?”

She didn’t care about the servants watching, her voice shrill.

Benjamin’s POV:

That evening, as soon as I entered the house, I heard Landon and Aaliyah arguing near the stairs.

Seeing Aaliyah and Nathan gathered around Landon, and Landon holding his clothes and determined to leave, I understood immediately.

I said coldly, “Landon, it’s so late. Where are you going? Aaliyah said you had a headache. How are you feeling now?”

“Much better.” Landon looked down. “There are things at the office I didn’t handle today. I want to go check on them.”

“Company business can wait a day. Your health is important. It is also important not to cause your family undue worry.” My voice was tired but held a rare warmth. I’d been at the office all day. I was busy, but there was finally some good news.

The investor from the Scott Group wanted to meet us next week. I didn’t want Landon causing any more trouble now, especially with Aaliyah.

Landon opened his mouth, but before he could say anything, I told a servant to lock the door. I asked Landon to come to my study to discuss some matters.

Aaliyah, knowing I was helping her, shot me a grateful look and immediately took Landon’s jacket from

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Chapter 177 It Was Gone

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him.

Landon’s POV:

By the time I finished talking with my father and left the study, it was completely dark outside. I stood outside the bedroom door, my hand on the knob, and I was hesitating to push it open.

My father told me the Richardson Group’s situation was excellent. If we secured this strategic partnership with the Scott Group, the company could start the process of going public in a month or two.

Commercial success was within reach, but my personal life was a mess. I used to think that once the pack stopped interfering, or once my career succeeded, I could be open with Aaliyah and Nathan. But now that the day was approaching, I didn’t feel the excitement and joy I expected.

Natalie wasn’t much use to the company on a capital level anymore. But she was still my mate in name, and she was the woman who once had eyes only for me.

If I chose now, of all times, to tear off the disguise and leave her in such a cruel way, she would absolutely hate me, wouldn’t she?

Before, thinking about this caused some guilt, but never hesitation. I didn’t truly care what happened to Natalie. All my sense of obligation, love, and responsibility was tied to Aaliyah and Nathan. Disappointing Natalie was a necessary sacrifice to be with them.

But somewhere along the line, my life and my thoughts became filled with traces of Natalie. Her quiet company, her attentive care, the soup she made me when I was sick… All of it made me feel a strange reluctance to let go.

I finally pushed the door open and went in. I took a shower, trying to wash away the chaotic thoughts. When I came out, Aaliyah was changing. Perhaps intentionally, she was trying on newly bought lingerie, all of it quite sexy and provocative.

I was an Alpha werewolf, after all. My basic instincts were stirred. I watched from the doorway for a moment before walking over. I gently embraced her, my kisses trailing from her neck down, burying my face in her chest.

Aaliyah arched her neck. At first, she pretended to push me away a couple of times, but soon responded with passion.

I lost myself in the physical pleasure, my eyes half-closed. Then, in the dim lamplight, I caught a glimpse of the skin behind her ear. My movements halted abruptly.

“Where is your birthmark?” I pushed her hair aside, my fingers carefully searching the area behind her ear and the nape of her neck. There used to be a small, bright red mole there. It was hidden, rarely seen, and I rarely sought it out. But today, for some reason, wanting to recapture the thrill of our first meeting on the snowy mountain, I deliberately sought it out. And I was shocked to find it was gone.

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