Fake Mate Beta Rises to Alpha Heiress (Natalie and Landon) novel Chapter 249

Chapter 249 Don’t Go

Natalie’s POV:

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I looked up at Leonardo. His deep gaze was fixed on me, filled with encouragement and a hint of curiosity. I smiled at Brody and said, “My hope is that you’ll all help spread the word about this border aid and ecological protection project. Let more people learn about this place, care about it, and understand the project’s value. The project’s success, and the development it brings here, would be the greatest gift and reward for us, and for Leonardo.”

Brody paused, then his face lit up with understanding. He grew even more excited. “Yes! Of course! Mr. Sanchez, Mrs. Sanchez, your vision is far greater than ours. We will spread the word. We’ll make sure everyone knows.”

I could feel Victoria’s gaze on me from the side-complex, hard to read, cold, and resentful.

In the end, following Leonardo’s insistence and my persuasion, we only accepted the bouquet of flowers and Ivy’s handwritten thank-you note. Aaron arranged for someone to see the villagers off.

As the crowd dispersed, Leonardo’s previously upright posture finally relaxed. His body swayed almost imperceptibly.

“Leon!” My heart clenched. I immediately tightened my hold on him, my voice betraying an unmistakable ache of concern. “Are you exhausted? Is the wound hurting? Let’s get you back right now.”

He had just woken up, yet he’d been standing outside for so long, talking, exposed to the wind. I regretted not insisting more firmly that he rest earlier.

Leonardo looked down at me. His eyes held weariness, but also deep contentment and amusement. “With you here, how could I not manage?” he said softly, a playful note in his voice, though his pale face betrayed him.

“You look terrible,” I said, raising a hand to gently touch his cheek. His skin felt cool. I thought about calling Aaron over to help support him, but Leonardo seemed to enjoy leaning most of his weight on me. He made no move to shift away.

“Leonardo!” a voice interrupted.

Victoria had walked over without us noticing. She stood a few steps away, her eyes locked on Leonardo. Tears shimmered in them, and her voice trembled with grievance. “You were unconscious for days. I… I was so worried about you.”

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18:36 Fri, Jan 16

Chapter 249 Don’t Go

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I didn’t speak. At this moment, Victoria did seem to show genuine concern and a kind of vulnerability. It wasn’t entirely an act.

Leonardo didn’t even fully turn his head toward her. He only gave her an indifferent glance from the corner of his eye. His voice was clear and utterly devoid of warmth. “There’s no need for your concern, Ms. Thompson. Focus on yourself.”

Having said that, he immediately looked back at me. His voice shifted to a completely different tone-gentle, low, and carrying a hint of dependence. “I’m tired. Let’s go back, okay?”

The contrast in his manner was stark, shifting from icy cold to gentle warmth. The last of the color drained from Victoria’s face. The light in her eyes went out completely.

“Okay.” I nodded without hesitation, adjusting my stance to better support him. “Let’s go back.”

I helped him turn and slowly walk back toward the hotel. I didn’t need to look back to feel that gaze focused on us from behind-filled with resentment, disappointment, and icy cold.

Aaron’s POV:

Once Leonardo and Natalie were gone, I caught up with Victoria. I really didn’t want her bothering them again.

I stated, “Ms. Thompson, it’s time for you to leave. Your work on the project here is complete. Mr. Sanchez is awake now. I’ve arranged a flight for you in two hours. You can head to the airport now.”

My words were like a bucket of cold water dumped over Victoria’s head.

She let out a cold laugh. “Leonardo’s orders?”

“Mr. Sanchez considers things thoroughly. Staying here will only make things harder for you. Mrs. Miranda Sanchez and Madam Sanchez also wish for you to depart promptly,” I said, not confirming nor denying.

Before Leonardo woke up, everyone was too preoccupied to deal with Victoria. She also had some minor loose ends to tie up.

But now that Leonardo was awake, Victoria’s presence had simply become an eyesore.

Natalie’s POV:

Back in the hotel suite, the moment the door closed, the strength Leonardo had been faking seemed to vanish. His body swayed violently, pulling me off balance. We almost fell together.

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18:37 Fri, Jan 16

Chapter 249 Don’t Go

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“Leon!” I cried out, throwing my arms around him to stop his fall, my voice edged with panic.

“I’m alright.” He breathed, leaning heavily against me. The weakness in his voice was now impossible to hide. “Just a bit lightheaded. Don’t be scared.”

This was so different from how he had seemed outside. How could I believe he was alright? I carefully guided him to the nearest sofa and helped him sit down. He leaned back against the cushions, closing his eyes briefly. A fine sheen of cold sweat had broken out on his forehead.

“Stay here. I’m going to get a doctor!” I turned to run out.

“Natalie.” His hand shot out, quick and precise, catching my wrist. His grip wasn’t strong, but it was firm and unyielding. “Don’t go.”

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18:37 Fri, Jan 16