Fake Mate Beta Rises to Alpha Heiress (Natalie and Landon) novel Chapter 269

Chapter 269 Need My Help

Victoria’s POV:

+20 Free Coins

I had people keeping me updated on Leonardo. After I left, there were no other women. He focused entirely on expanding the Silver-Maned Pack’s influence, becoming a figure both respected and feared in werewolf society. I couldn’t wait any longer.

And when I returned to host a charity gala, Leonardo was there.

I thought he had come for me.

So that night, I gathered my courage. In front of everyone, I asked Leonardo for a dance. To make sure he couldn’t refuse, I linked our dance to charity donations. Before he even agreed, the crowd’s enthusiasm had raised millions of dollars for the chance to see us together.

Since Leonardo was attending the gala anyway, he couldn’t well refuse such a public, charitable gesture. I knew him too well. He was careful to separate personal and work matters. Given our families’ history, he wouldn’t humiliate me in public.

Sure enough, he didn’t refuse.

During the dance, I tried to reconnect, to find a way back to what we had. I caught his familiar scent of cedar and cold moonlight-his pheromones, deeper and more powerful than before.

But I never expected his first words. “It’s been a long time,” he said. His second sentence was, “I should go find my mate. Excuse me.”

The dance ended abruptly, unfinished. Leonardo left with a finality that crushed me. From that day on, I could only watch his retreating back, and he felt more like a stranger than ever.

A slight vibration from my phone broke through the memory. My grip loosened, and a desperate hope flickered in my eyes.

Leonardo had replied to my message!

Natalie’s POV:

That evening, I arrived early at the private dining room Matthew had booked. Before leaving, I’d told Leonardo I was having dinner with Matthew. He hadn’t said much, but I saw a flicker of reluctance in his eyes-that Alpha instinct of not wanting his mate to leave his territory.

I was finally done with work at the Scott Group and should have been having dinner with him. If he weren’t still recovering, I would have brought him along. Now, I just wanted to get this over with quickly.

On the way, I texted Leonardo to let him know I’d arrived. He hadn’t replied yet.

‘While waiting for Matthew and Liam, I tried calling. He picked up after a moment.

“Are you busy? You didn’t reply to my text,” I said, my voice gently teasing.

1/3

19:47 Mon, Jan 19 GE

Chapter 269 Need My Help

Leonardo gave a chuckle. “I was just getting my bandages changed.”

9

+20 Free Coins

“How are you feeling today? Any pain or discomfort?” My voice softened, as if speaking too loudly might hurt him.

“No pain. I’m fine,” he said, clearing his throat. His voice was still a little rough. “What time will you finish? Can I come pick you up?”

“Don’t you dare move! Stay put and rest, you hear me? I’ll wrap things up quickly and come straight home,” I said, instantly shutting down that terrible idea.

Through the phone, I heard him laugh again. I thought he just said it to hear me fuss over him. He agreed immediately, “Alright. I’ll wait for you.”

Just then, I heard footsteps near him. I was about to ask if he was still at home when Matthew walked into the room. With everyone here, I had to end the call quickly.

It was probably just Aaron or the doctor still there. Leonardo promised he wouldn’t go anywhere.

Matthew’s POV:

The point of this dinner was to be completely honest with Natalie. She had her sources at the company, and she’d find out about Penelope’s schemes sooner or later. It would be better if I brought it up myself and tried to bridge the gap between us.

Still, I was prepared for the possibility that after this conversation, Natalie would never fully trust me again.

“I understand why you did what you did. Everyone faces impossible choices sometimes,” Natalie said after I finished explaining. “When I returned to Moon-Shadowed Pack, you were the first to help me. No matter where we stand in the future, I still hope you can think of me as family.”

I could tell she genuinely wanted us to have a good relationship, but she wasn’t forcing me to take her side. Her attitude gave me space and respect. We weren’t enemies, so there was no need for conflict or distance.

Whether Natalie trusted me or not wasn’t the point anymore. How we interacted now was already better than anything with Penelope.

I was satisfied with her response. I toasted her, feeling a weight lift from my shoulders.

Liam spoke up, too, “Natalie, Penelope will probably keep targeting you. My father can’t intervene directly. But if you need help, you can always consider asking me.”

“Thank you, Liam,” Natalie said with a smile.

After we finished discussing the Scott Group’s business, Natalie barely touched her food before saying she was full. She seemed in a hurry to leave.

I understood. With Leonardo still recovering, she was eager to get back to him. I asked a few polite questions about Leonardo’s health and then let Liam walk her out.

13

19:47 Mon, Jan 19

Chapter 269 Need My Help

+20 Free Coins

Natalie’s POV:

I tried to decline, but Liam insisted on escorting me to the elevator. I realized he probably had something

else to say.

“What’s on your mind, Liam?” I asked, seeing his hesitation.

Liam gave an apologetic smile and nodded. “There is actually one thing I wanted to ask you for a favor.”

“Go ahead,” I said, looking at him curiously. With his recent troubles resolved, I couldn’t imagine what he might need my help with.

3/3