Fake Mate Beta Rises to Alpha Heiress (Natalie and Landon) novel Chapter 229

Chapter 229 Did Something Happen?

Aaliyah’s POV:

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I stood behind Landon, ignoring the humiliation in Natalie’s words. A pain like being torn apart shot through me. A deep despair spread from the bottom of my heart.

Was this my punishment, too?

Back then, to get revenge on Landon’s grandfather, Gabriel Richardson, I was determined to bond with Landon. That old werewolf cursed me with his dying breath. Landon’s devotion and the victory I thought I’d fought so hard to win turned out to be so fragile.

“Aaliyah…” Landon’s eyes were bloodshot, his voice dry.

“You really want to break our bond? Abandon Nathan? To be with this bitch who ruined you?” I wanted to question him calmly, to keep my last shred of dignity. But when I opened my mouth, my voice wouldn’t stop trembling.

Landon’s POV:

I didn’t know when Aaliyah had arrived. She was standing behind me.

My face was deathly pale. I looked at Natalie’s cold, mocking eyes, then turned to see Aaliyah’s nearly broken expression. On one side was the woman I once loved so much that I betrayed everything for her. On the other hand was the woman I only now realized I couldn’t live without. It felt like invisible claws were tearing my insides apart.

“Yes,” I finally said after a long pause, not daring to look up. “Aaliyah, I’m sorry. I can’t lie to myself anymore, and I don’t want to keep lying to you. The one I love is Natalie.”

“Landon, you really are the best actor I’ve ever seen. And you’re absolutely disgusting.” As soon as I finished, Natalie’s gritted words came from behind me.

A crowd had gathered at the company entrance, whispering about the dramatic scene. Natalie turned, said something to security, and walked away without a backward glance,

Seeing her leave, I immediately tried to stop her. But a wave of dizziness crashed over me. My weakened body couldn’t take it, and I nearly collapsed.

Aaliyah quickly caught me and held me up.

“Aaliyah…” I said.

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18:30 Fri, Jan 16

Chapter 229 Did Something Happen?

Aaliyah didn’t speak. She raised her hand and slapped me hard across the face.

I lowered my head. I didn’t fight back and didn’t say another word.

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More and more people gathered around. Some took pictures. Others pulled out their phones, probably looking up the news.

“Are these two the main characters from the scandal that has been all over the news lately?” The murmurs grew louder.

Aaliyah’s cheeks flushed red. She grabbed my arm firmly, trying to pull me away.

But I didn’t want to go.

“I know you only said those things to try and save the company,” Aaliyah said, thinking I was afraid of her anger. She softened her tone first. “I’m angry. But given the situation, I won’t hold it against you right now.”

A bleak sadness filled me. When I looked up, my eyes were misty. I gave her a bitter, mocking smile and said nothing.

Nothing I had just said was a lie.

I’d built my life on lies, so when I told the truth for once, no one believed me.

Natalie’s POV:

That night, I tried calling Leonardo over and over. No one answered. A slow, creeping panic settled in my chest.

I walked to the window and looked out at the neon-reddened night sky. The distant outline of the mountains was faintly visible in the darkness, like some ominous sign.

Leonardo would never go an entire day without reaching out,

Out of options, I tried calling Aaron instead. Several calls in a row also went unanswered. An hour later, I finally got a text from him.

He texted, “Sorry, Ms. Anderson, I was tied up earlier. Mr. Sanchez is held up with some matters. He can’t return or get in touch for now. When he’s free, I’ll have him call you himself.”

Even after getting Aaron’s reply, I still frowned deeply. This wasn’t normal. Leonardo said he’d be back today. Even if he was delayed, he should have told me himself.

Was something big wrong? Something so big he didn’t have a moment to contact me?

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18:31 Fri, Jan 16

Chapter 229 Did Something Happen?

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I looked at the ten missed calls and several messages I’d sent Leonardo. The unease in my heart grew heavier. I texted Aaron again to ask, but got no reply.

If there really was serious business to handle, my constantly asking was probably a bother. But why did I feel so unsettled?

I spent the whole night lost in worried thoughts, barely sleeping at all.

The next day, I woke up before dawn. The first thing I did was check my phone. The chat with Leonardo was still stuck on my unanswered messages.

After agonizing over it, I waited until exactly 8 a.m. and called Aaron again. But I got no

answer.

It wasn’t until I drove to the Scott Group building that Aaron finally sent a message. It was almost the same as last night’s.

I couldn’t wait any longer. I called him directly. The phone rang for a long time before he answered.

His voice was hushed, almost guilty. “Ms. Anderson…”

“Where is Leonardo?” I asked, frustration in my chest. “Why has he suddenly stopped replying? Did something happen?”

Even if he was busy, he could at least let me know he was okay.

“He…” Aaron paused. “Mr. Sanchez is in emergency meetings. They haven’t stopped since yesterday. His phone… His phone broke yesterday. I’ll have Mr. Sanchez message you later. Ms. Anderson, please don’t worry.”

Something about Aaron’s attitude felt very off to me. “His phone broke?”

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