Fake Mate Beta Rises to Alpha Heiress (Natalie and Landon) novel Chapter 276

Chapter 276 A Stronger Bait

Lily’s POV:

I could smell him. Samuel was standing outside the office building, smoking.

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I made sure to walk right where he could see me, wearing that pale pink strapless mini dress. I knew he’d notice.

The click of my heels echoed on the marble floor. I could feel his eyes on my back.

I got into the hired car and saw him in the rearview mirror, stubbing out his cigarette before heading quickly to his own vehicle.

He took the bait.

When I entered the private room, I found only two people there a middle-aged werewolf in his fifties and his assistant.

“Mr. Carter? It’s just us today?” I asked, my eyelid twitching.

I knew exactly what Jack Carter was after, but I was still surprised he was being this blatant from the start.

Jack was a minor official in charge of packaging approvals for the pharmaceutical project. I’d dealt with him before, and he’d given me his business card back then.

During the entire approval process, he’d messaged me almost every night, trying to get me to have dinner with him. I’d always politely declined.

Now that the project was over, Jack outright claimed he had connections and wanted to introduce a big deal to my department, asking me to meet him for dinner first.

I knew Jack wasn’t on the level. The “connections” were just an excuse-his real interest was in me.

But then, Samuel happened to walk past the project department, his gaze drifting toward me.

I’d been busy with work lately and hadn’t had much contact with Samuel. The last time we’d spoken, I was trying to get some useful information about Natalie from him.

Samuel was still pretty guarded with me. My attempt at fishing for info got me nowhere, and I ended up getting teased by him.

In the end, it was Samuel who voluntarily gave me a useful tips-to warn Natalie to watch out for Matthew.

Natalie later mentioned that Penelope did seem interested in teaming up with Matthew, proving Samuel’s info was good.

‘Using Samuel wouldn’t be easy. I knew I couldn’t reel him in with just the faint interest he had in me.

So, I needed a stronger bait.

1/3

19:51 Mon, Jan 19 GT.

Chapter 276 A Stronger Bait

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I wanted Samuel to fall for me, hard. Even if it was just for a little while, I wanted him to know what it felt like to be played.

If nothing else, I wanted to find his weakness for Natalie and get some payback for my friend!

I’d gathered stories and rumors about Samuel and analyzed his personality.

He was a habitual flirt with no staying power-arrogant, narcissistic, and highly competitive.

Actually, the harder the person, the more obvious their weak spot. Samuel was a perfect example.

His history of flitting from one woman to another, indulging without restraint, proved he craved intense emotional stimulation. In other words, he needed the rush of strong feelings.

His arrogance and competitiveness made it even better. Making him want something he couldn’t have was the only way to hold his attention.

I minored in psychology in college.

I didn’t have much practical experience, but I knew the theory well enough.

So, when I met Chloe this morning I let Samuel see my displeasure with him. And when he passed the project department, I made sure he overheard me talking about a dinner meeting.

I had my eyes on Samuel’s every move.

He was highly sensitive to a woman’s figure and attire, so I changed into an eye-catching outfit.

If Samuel followed me, my plan would work. If he didn’t, I had no intention of meeting Jack alone.

Now, Samuel was here outside. The scene I’d set could finally play out.

Jack stood up, a broad smile on his face as he walked toward me. His eyes traveled over me like he was appraising merchandise. “Ms. Lane, sorry about this. My friends had a last-minute change of plans.”

His pheromones grew stronger, that cloying, sickly sweetness almost making me gag. I took two steps back, keeping my distance. “But Mr. Carter, you said you were introducing a project today. I came out during work hours. If there’s nothing to discuss, I should get back.”

My voice was soft. Even though I was refusing, it sounded almost like a coy invitation.

“Now that you’re here, why go back to the office?” Jack’s voice was gentler now, and more dangerous. “You can take a leave. I’ll cover your pay. Let’s have dinner, and I’ll drive you home later.”

He reached out to pull me into a hug. I swatted his arm/away sharply, raising my voice. “Mr. Carter! Mind your manners! I’m leaving!”

I turned and made a dash for the door. With a glance from Jack, his assistant blocked my path.

Right then, rapid, urgent knocking sounded at the door.

2/3

19.31 Ivion, Jan ly

Chapter 276 A Stronger Bait

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Jack frowned at the entrance, while I let just the right amount of confusion show on my face. The knocking grew more frantic and violent, turning into outright banging. Then…

The door flew open. Samuel stood in the doorway. Jack’s assistant, who had gone to answer it, was now on the floor, groaning.

“Sorry, got carried away,” Samuel said, straightening up and lazily adjusting his suit jacket. His movements were smooth and confident, just like an Alpha hero saving the day in a movie. If only it weren’t Samuel.

Jack recognized him. He visited the Scott Group a few times a year and had seen Samuel before.

Seeing Samuel here was a shock. Jack’s face went pale. “Mr. Samuel Scott? What… What brings you here today?”

Samuel just smiled, ignoring him, and glanced sideways at me. “Get over here.”

I clutched at my dress, hesitated for a couple of seconds, then quickly moved to stand behind him. The whole “knight in shining armor” trope was pretty nauseating, but judging by Samuel’s smug look, he was clearly eating it up.

C

19:57 Mon, Jan 19