Fake Mate Beta Rises to Alpha Heiress (Natalie and Landon) novel Chapter 47

**Chapter 47: Prove Your Worth**

**Natalie’s POV:**

Seated in the president’s office on the 37th floor of the Scott Group’s towering office building, I found myself captivated by the sprawling metropolis that lay beneath me. The city was alive, pulsing with energy, yet here I was, isolated in a world that felt both familiar and foreign. I was on a mission to familiarize myself with the intricate workings of this vast empire, an empire that had once been my father’s—an Alpha of the Moon-Shadowed Pack, a legacy now resting on my shoulders.

As I gazed out, lost in thought, the sudden buzz of my phone jolted me back to reality. The chat group filled with familiar names from the Richardson Group lit up like a Christmas tree, a flurry of messages tagging me with a sense of urgency.

“Natalie, when are you coming back? We can’t stand it here without you!” one message exclaimed, the desperation palpable.

“Yeah, Natalie. I’m seriously considering handing in my resignation tomorrow…” another chimed in, and I could almost hear the sigh of defeat in their words.

“Doesn’t matter. I won’t work here without Natalie. I busted my ass just to follow her.” The loyalty in their messages struck a chord in my heart, yet the underlying concern was unmistakable. These were not the kind of people to complain lightly; something was indeed amiss.

“What’s going on?” I typed back, a sense of dread creeping in.

My reply unleashed a torrent of messages, each one more alarming than the last. Landon had taken Aaliyah to pitch a project to the Pynchon Group, only to have it shot down spectacularly. As the news spread like wildfire through the Richardson Group’s main chat, it became clear that upon their return, Aaliyah had unleashed her wrath on my former colleagues. She reassigned their projects, slashed their bonuses, and today, she had even smashed a laptop in a fit of rage, piling on impossible tasks.

A chill ran down my spine as a cold determination settled within me. I had intended to give Landon a few more days to navigate his own mess, but Aaliyah’s audacity in targeting my people was a line crossed.

“Fine, she’s doing ‘great’!” I muttered under my breath, sarcasm lacing my words.

After a brief moment of contemplation, I typed in the group, “Don’t worry. Take a collective leave and forget about work for now. I’ll sort it out.”

A wave of relief washed over the group, and the messages quieted. They trusted me, and that trust was a bond forged through years of shared struggles and victories. It was a testament to the integrity I had built, and I intended to uphold it.

I pondered my next move and made a call, my voice steady and resolute. “Get some pictures of Aaliyah being all lovey-dovey with Landon at the Richardson Estate these days and send them anonymously to Landon’s mom, Grace.”

I knew Grace well; she viewed Aaliyah as a harbinger of misfortune for her son and a significant threat to the Richardson legacy. The moment she discovered Aaliyah’s presence at Landon’s home, the ensuing chaos would be monumental.

Letting Grace handle Aaliyah would not only shield my old subordinates from her tyranny but would also serve as a major headache for Landon. It was a perfect strategy, a win-win scenario.

“What’s the deal?” I asked, meeting Samuel’s gaze, which was adorned with a cool, mocking smile.

“Word has it that back at the Richardson Group in Thorn Pack, you were quite the ace at snagging projects, especially when it came to turning around sinking ships,” Samuel remarked, casually settling into the plush leather chair beside me, as relaxed as if we were discussing the weather.

“Mr. Scott, your team surely has no shortage of skilled project hunters. Besides, I’m in management now, not directly handling specific projects,” I replied, aware of his intention to bait me. Yet, I maintained my composure, my voice and expression betraying nothing.

Samuel leaned back, his hands clasped on his knees, nodding slightly, that ever-present smile lingering on his lips. “Sure, Moon-Shadowed Pack has its share of capable individuals. I understand, Natalie. You’re eager to dive into the pack business. But if you can’t win the approval of the elders and the top brass… my mother and I won’t feel comfortable handing over the authority.”

“I suppose the elders’ and the top brass’ approval hinges significantly on you and Mrs. Penelope Scott’s stance, doesn’t it?” I countered softly, a hint of mockery lacing my tone.

Our eyes locked, and despite the smiles plastered on our faces, an invisible tension filled the air, thick enough to slice through.

Samuel’s tone remained light, yet there was an edge to it. “Hey, we’re family. Don’t treat me like the enemy. I’m merely suggesting that if you can single-handedly save this project on the brink of collapse, it will lend a lot more legitimacy to your position when you take the reins, won’t it?”

He paused, allowing the weight of his words to settle before delivering the most challenging condition. “But here’s the catch. You have to accomplish it all on your own, without tapping into any pack resources or your own assets. Prove your worth, truly earn the trust of everyone in the pack… including me.”