Fake Mate Beta Rises to Alpha Heiress (Natalie and Landon) novel Chapter 226

Chapter 226 Something Filthy

Victoria’s POV:

:

Leonardo’s glare caught me off guard for a second, but I forced myself to meet his even managed a faint smile.

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eyes and

“You don’t really trust her that much either, do you?” I said. “Since you know no one can handle that much pressure, why can’t you forgive me…”

“Don’t pretty up betrayal with pretty words,” Leonardo said.

His voice dropped, carrying the weight of an Alpha’s authority. It made my face pale. He continued, “And I have never harmed an innocent person.”

Aaron panicked. Seeing the emotion in Leonardo’s eyes, he coldly warned me again, “Ms. Thompson! That’s enough! This is an official trip. Your personal matters with Mr. Sanchez are not to be discussed here. Please leave!”

My eyes stung, but I was done being weak. I refused to cry. I just clenched my jaw and stood my ground.

I said, “I didn’t betray you, Leonardo. You’re the one who’s being too harsh…”

“I believe I’ve made myself clear. As for Natalie and me…” Leonardo suddenly stepped forward, past Aaron.

His gaze was so intense it felt devouring. A deep fear gripped me, making me tremble and take half a step back.

His breath softened slightly, the night air biting cold around us.

“If she can’t accept me, I’ll live with that.” With that, he turned and walked away without another glance.

Aaron let out a relieved sigh, a cold sweat on his forehead. He spoke to me with unusual bluntness. “Goodbye, Ms. Thompson.” Then he left, too.

I felt all my strength leave me. I could barely stand.

Just then, my assistant jogged over from a distance, looking at me with concern. “Ms.

Thompson…”

“Is it done?” I asked, my breathing heavy, my eyes on the camera in his hand.

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Chapter 226 Something Filthy

He nodded and handed it over. “But Mr. Sanchez… Is this really okay?”

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I checked the photos-taken from a distance and showing Leonardo and me standing close. In some shots, it even looked intimate.

How ridiculous! The only reason he came near was that he despised me.

Natalie’s POV:

My phone buzzed on the pillow, pulling me out of a deep sleep.

Seeing it was Leonardo, I answered immediately, my voice thick with sleep, “Leon? What’s wrong?”

“Sorry, I woke you.” His voice came through the receiver, low and quiet. “I just really missed you.”

I rubbed my eyes, sat up, and turned on the bedside lamp. “Silly, aren’t we meeting tomorrow?”

“Yeah. Still couldn’t help it.” He gave a soft laugh, but I caught a hint of something lonely in it. “I thought you might not answer.”

I’d already texted him goodnight and promised to sleep early.

“Your number has a special ringtone. I’ll always pick up, no matter how late,” I said, suppressing a yawn. “Don’t want you worrying if you can’t reach me.”

“Thank you,” he said.

“Why so formal all of a sudden?” I rubbed my eyes again, finally sensing something was off.

Leonardo was quiet for a few seconds. “It’s just no one has ever waited for me like this before.”

“Well, now I will,” I said, my voice softening. “As long as it makes you happy.”

“Natalie,” he asked suddenly, “you’re so good to me. Is it out of duty? Or do you really love me that much?”

Any lingering sleepiness vanished. His question left me wide awake, my cheeks warming.

“Even if it was duty, it’s what I should do,” I whispered. “Besides, I can’t be good to someone I don’t love.”

I cringed a little at my own words. Leonardo always did this-loved coaxing these things out of

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Chapter 226 Something Filthy

A

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Quiet filled the line for a moment. Then his voice returned, low and serious. “Natalie, I’ll remember what you said today.”

His words, coming through the phone, sent a warm, fuzzy feeling straight to my core.

I was about to say more, but he said gently first, “Alright, go back to sleep.”

“Okay. You rest early, too,” I whispered. “I’ll be waiting for you tomorrow.”

Even after hanging up, I held the phone, warmth lingering in my chest.

Victoria’s POV:

Early the next morning, a thin mist blanketed the mountain region. The weather was gloomy, with low-hanging clouds adding a desolate feel to the landscape.

Leonardo and I went through the interview as scheduled. The entire time, he kept a strictly professional distance, minimizing even eye contact.

Finally, the group needed a shot on the viewing platform, posing as if looking into the distance.

Leonardo took his position first, his posture straight. I followed with my equipment. But as I stepped into place, I deliberately stumbled. With a gasp, I lost my balance, pitching toward the edge of the platform.

The platform was mid-slope, with a simple railing. Where I stood was right at the edge of the steps, completely exposed. A fall from there would be fatal.

Of everyone nearby, Leonardo was the closest.

It all happened too fast.

He reacted instantly, his hand shooting out to grab my arm and yank me back. I let myself fall against his chest.

But he immediately let go and pushed me away.

Even though we were close for just a second, a faint shutter click from a corner captured the

moment.

“Be careful,” he said coldly, glancing at me. He then motioned for Aaron to call over more guards to secure the area.

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Chapter 226 Something Filthy

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I rubbed my arm where he’d gripped it, wincing. He’d pushed me away hard, as if I were something filthy.

Still, it was better than him ignoring me completely.

I glanced back at the step.

If he hadn’t caught me, if he’d just let me fall, I would have truly lost this gamble.

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