Fake Mate Beta Rises to Alpha Heiress (Natalie and Landon) novel Chapter 54

**Chapter 54: Turn the Tables**

**Natalie’s POV:**

The air was thick with tension when a sudden, loud belch shattered the uneasy silence. Nick Kidman’s eyes slid over me with a lewd smirk that made my skin crawl. “Ms. Anderson,” he drawled, his voice dripping with condescension, “I’ve definitely got some thoughts brewing. But let’s not beat around the bush when it comes to business! If you’re up for another round with us, toss that letter of intent aside. We could very well sign the contract right here, right now!”

Justin Wesley, ever the sycophant, began tapping his fingers rhythmically on the table, echoing Nick’s sentiment. “Absolutely! Ms. Anderson, you’re razor-sharp. Your drinking capacity must be something extraordinary. How about this? Down three more glasses, and we’ll throw in an additional two million dollars in investment. What do you say?”

The atmosphere in the private room shifted palpably, the air crackling with unspoken implications. It was clear they were proposing a blatant quid pro quo, no subtlety in their approach.

Instead of allowing their crude proposal to rattle me, I let out a cold, humorless laugh. “You gentlemen are seasoned investors, aren’t you? You should know that genuine investment hinges on the project’s potential and returns, not on someone’s ability to down drinks. I’m here in good faith, aiming for a mutually beneficial arrangement, not to engage in a drinking contest.”

I shifted my tone, letting an uncompromising edge seep into my words. “Interestingly enough, the project managers you brought along shared a little secret with me. Your company is currently in the running for a core project of Moon-Shadowed Pack. And guess what? I’m the one overseeing that part.”

For a moment, Nick’s expression froze, disbelief flickering in his eyes before he erupted into laughter, slapping the table with a force that made the glasses rattle. “You’re in charge? Natalie, you must be joking! If you truly oversee Moon-Shadowed Pack’s core business, I’ll eat every single glass on this table!”

Justin joined in, his mockery sharp and cutting. “Exactly! The heiress of Moon-Shadowed Pack? Why on earth would she come to us for investment? Just have a drink, and we can negotiate something.”

Hugh Butt, emboldened by alcohol, leaned in with an arm outstretched toward me, but I deftly sidestepped his advance. His face darkened with irritation as he clicked his tongue in annoyance. “We’re being civil by even talking to you. Don’t spoil the fun!”

Gazing at their arrogant, repulsive faces, I decided it was time to take control of the situation. I reached into my velvet handbag and pulled out a small yet weighty gilded seal, placing it deliberately on the table.

Under the soft glow of the overhead lights, the seal shimmered with a unique blue-purple hue, captivating everyone’s attention.

“Gentlemen,” I began, my voice steady and unwavering, “I’m certain you recognize this.”

“Set you up?” I scoffed, effortlessly evading his grasp. My gaze pierced through him like a dagger. “You’re the ones who intertwined business with such sleazy antics, transforming what should have been a negotiation into a disgraceful drinking session. If I truly intended to sabotage you, what I recorded wouldn’t be so mild.”

It finally dawned on them that they had tangled with the wrong person. I wasn’t just the rightful heiress of Moon-Shadowed Pack; I held the evidence of their unprofessional behavior and the key to the deal they so desperately desired.

Sensing the shift in power, I coolly slid the investment contract back toward the trio. My voice was calm yet assertive, slicing through the tension like a knife. “The contract terms remain exactly as we initially discussed. The investment amount is unchanged. If you believe the project is worth it, simply sign on the dotted line.”

“For future Moon-Shadowed Pack projects, my team will grant your firm priority consideration. But if you still think that wining and dining is more crucial than the project…” I picked up my purse and the gilded seal, feigning a readiness to leave. “Then let’s call it a night. I’ll reach out to other potential investors immediately.”

“Obsidian Pack is waiting for my final decision. I won’t pester you any further. The contract is here. Take your time to deliberate and have my assistant contact you when you’re ready.”

“Wait!” Nick blurted out, his voice tinged with a nervous edge. He snatched a pen, quickly skimming through the contract, confirming that it matched our earlier conversation. His eyes widened as he spotted the clause about “priority cooperation with Moon-Shadowed Pack resources.” Without a moment’s hesitation, he hastily scribbled his name at the bottom, a sign of surrender.