Fake Mate Beta Rises to Alpha Heiress (Natalie) novel Chapter 98

Chapter 98 Suspicion and Scrutiny

Chapter 98 Suspicion and Scrutiny

Landon’s POV:

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My heart raced like a wild stallion as I desperately tried to gauge how much she knew. After a long, tense silence, I carefully crafted my words, aiming to play down my part in the situation.

“Earlier… Mom, Anna, and Natalie had a bit of a run-in. I was up to my neck in pack affairs and failed to notice how Natalie was feeling. You know how it is between mates; spats are just part of the deal. Maybe it’s the stress of the company’s upcoming listing. Natalie’s been so swamped that she needed some me-time and moved out. She’s also taken a break from her work at the Richardson Group.”

“Give her a ring. Now. I wanna have a word with her myself,” Louisa interrupted, thrusting her phone at me.

With no room to refuse, I punched in Natalie’s number and hit the speaker button. Each ring was like a nail in my coffin, making my nerves fray even more.

Moments later, the call went through.

“Hello?” Natalie’s voice, as soothing as a summer breeze, came over the line.

The moment Louisa heard her voice, her features softened, and her tone turned warm and motherly. “Natalie, I got home today, and you weren’t there. You’re not avoiding me, are you?”

“I…” Natalie seemed to falter.

I put just the right mix of exasperation and defensiveness into my voice, trying to stop her from spilling the beans. “Natalie, Grandma heard you’d moved out and got all worried. I told her you were just burned out and needed a breather, but she wouldn’t buy it.”

There was a brief hush on the other end. I could practically see Natalie furrowing her brow. But true to form, she didn’t want to upset Louisa.

Natalie said, her voice steady and calm, giving nothing away, “Landon’s right. I’ve been on the go nonstop, and I’m knackered. I need some time to get myself together. And I’m out with friends today, so I can’t swing by to see you. Please don’t fret about me.”

As I heard Natalie back me up, half of my anxiety melted away. I even felt a twinge of self- satisfaction. See, she still knew how to keep things smooth and stick by me. Over our six-year relationship, she’d given in for my sake so many times. With this in mind, the irritation over

that 50% share seemed to ease a bit.

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19:18 Mon, Dec 8

Chapter 98 Suspicion and Scrutiny

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Louisa sighed, her voice laced with a caring firmness, “Even if you need to unwind, there’s no need to leave the pack. I bet you and Landon had a little squabble. But for mates, what problem can’t be sorted out under the watch of the Moon Goddess? I’m back to look out for you. I said no one in the Richardson family can lay a finger on you. Sweetheart, come back. I’ll take you out for a change of scenery. Whatever you want, whatever you wanna do, I’m behind you.”

That “sweetheart” made Natalie go quiet on the other end. But I felt a new surge of hope. With Grandma taking her side like this, there was no way Natalie could say no to coming back.

“Hey, Natalie. Grandma’s got her heart set on it. How about you go home first and spare her the worry?” I took the chance to persuade.

But Louisa gave me a sharp look that silenced me right away. “Knock it off! Leave Natalie alone. She’ll come back when she’s ready. No rush. This place will always be her haven.”

For a brief moment, there was silence on the other end, as if Natalie took a steadying breath. “Can it be a bit later? I’m swamped today.”

“Sure thing, sweetie. I’ll be waiting,” Louisa responded, though her voice carried a tinge of disappointment, yet remained soft.

As soon as the call ended, I felt a huge weight lift off my shoulders. Natalie’s “later” was a good sign; she’d be home soon. It seemed like the situation was finally looking up.

However, the faint smile that had been on Louisa’s face faded instantly. Her eyes were fixed on me, full of suspicion and scrutiny.

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