Fake Mate Beta Rises to Alpha Heiress (Natalie and Landon) novel Chapter 292

Chapter 292 Asking for Snubs

Aaliyah’s POV:

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Finished

“Your parents also work at Gallop Energy.” Cameron’s voice brought me back to the present. “I’ve been swamped the last couple of days and haven’t had a chance to properly welcome you. I was thinking we could have a casual dinner at a restaurant nearby. I’ll invite your parents, too –just a small family gathering.”

I said, “That’s… really kind of you, Mr. Parker.”

“Don’t mention it. I’ll talk to your parents. You’re family, after all. Since you’re back, there shouldn’t be anything we can’t talk through,” he said with a smile.

His words made me blush slightly. From the sound of it, he seemed to know about the tension between my parents and me.

“You know… about my family situation?” I asked.

Cameron leaned back in his chair behind the desk, folding his hands. He looked relaxed, but his amber eyes were sharp. “Background checks are standard procedure. I spoke with your parents. They said you were young and impulsive, that you’d been away for years. They wanted me to think twice before bringing you into the company.”

Family shame shouldn’t be made public. Of course, my parents wouldn’t talk about my issues publicly. But their stance said it all—they didn’t trust me.

For years, I’d given everything to Landon, even cutting ties with my family. Now, after being treated badly by the Richardson family, I’d come back home. And they were worried I’d just reconcile with Landon in a few days and make fools of them.

“My parents have always been strict with me.” I forced a smile. “Sorry to trouble you with this.”

“Every family has its own struggles. If I were you, I’d cherish the time you still have with your parents,” Cameron looked at me and sighed softly.

A few seconds of silence passed. Then he spoke again, “Aaliyah, did you know I lost my mother when I was six?”

I froze.

“So to me, family is more important than anything.” He stood up and walked to the window. “Your parents are still here. There’s still a chance to mend things. Cherish that.”

“Thank you for the advice, Mr. Parker. I’ll do my best to get along with them.” I kept my tone obedient. “Just text me the address, and I’ll be there on time.”

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Chapter 292 Asking for Snubs

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Cameron smiled, satisfied.

Cameron’s POV:

Aaliyah was an impressive woman-striking looks, sharp skills. But I could tell there was a lot more beneath the surface. Her pheromones hinted at something else-something suppressed, almost rebelliously sharp.

I rarely came across women like her. Honestly, I was intrigued.

I remembered her clearly from the art exhibition in Maritime City six months ago.

She gave up the painting, and her eyes were sincere. For a moment back then, I thought about asking for her contact. But I didn’t.

Who would’ve thought we’d cross paths again? She ended up as an employee at Gallop Energy and the long-lost daughter of the Cooper family.

Maybe this was fate.

But I was divorced and had a child. I didn’t know if she could accept that.

I would take it slow. Hunters were never short on patience.

James’ POV:

At the Maritime City International Convention Center, the lobby registration area was filled with elegantly dressed guests and notable figures. Polished marble floors reflected the crowd milling about, and the air carried a light, pleasant fragrance.

Anna and I arrived early. We lingered near the entrance, scanning the passing crowd.

Since Grace and Louisa hadn’t arrived yet, we killed time wandering near the registration area. Anna kept trying to hand out business cards.

But most guests were surrounded by entourages of assistants and bodyguards. Anna couldn’t even get close. When she did find someone alone and offered a Richardson Group card, they’d take it, but their expression would instantly turn cold.

The moment Anna turned away, they’d toss the card.

I bent down, picked up the scattered cards from the floor, and handed them back to her. It was humiliating. I already regretted bringing her.

Anna had zero sense. Given the Thorn Pack’s current state, shoving business cards at people was just asking to be snubbed.

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Chapter 292 Asking for Snubs

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“Can’t you

wait until we’re inside to try something?” I said, irritated. “This is embarrassing!”

“Once we’re seated inside, the sections are separated. There will be even less chance then!” Anna retorted, scowling.

Anna’s POV:

Everyone in our circles knew about our family’s situation. The Richardson Group was on the verge of collapse, and its heir, Landon, was tangled in a mating contract scandal, dragging the whole pack’s reputation through the mud.

People took the business cards I offered with polite smiles, then tossed them the second I turned away. James even stepped on one earlier. When he picked it up and handed it back to me, he looked at it like it was trash.

“We’ll wait until Mom and Grandma get here,” I said, shoving the remaining cards back into my bag.

Grace used to be a well-known socialite. Even though she’d spent recent years shopping, attending exhibitions, and hosting parties with her friends, many of those friends’ husbands were CEOs and executives. Her social network was wide-she wouldn’t be completely out of place here.

Back when my grandpa was building the family business, he dealt with many investors in Maritime City. He was generous, often helping others without expecting anything in return, and he earned a lot of respect in the circle. People would still show some consideration for Louisa out of regard for his legacy.

Just as I was pacing restlessly outside the venue, a chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce Phantom pulled slowly into the hotel driveway.

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