The Alpha's Four Hidden Heirs (Natalie and Samuel) novel Chapter 119

**The City That Drowned in the Sound of Its Own Heartbeat**
**by Erynd**
**Cal DusK**
**Chapter 119**

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NATALIE.

“I honestly have no clue. I mean, I don’t know him well enough to gauge what he might be capable of,” he admits, his voice tinged with uncertainty. Instantly, a wave of guilt washes over me for having cast doubt on him. After all, I had tried to give him the benefit of the doubt and even conducted the test three more times. But how could I disregard the truth that was so glaringly evident right in front of me?

“So, what’s the next step?” I inquire, my voice a mix of curiosity and concern.

“Now that we’ve established Corey’s involvement, I’ll instruct the guards to spread out and search for him. I’ll also notify the other Alphas so they can keep an eye out, and I’ll make sure the police put out a warrant for him. There’s no way he’ll be able to hide,” he explains, his tone resolute. “But we need to hold off until we capture the delivery man. If we go after Corey before that, they’ll catch on to our plan.” The confusion swirling inside me thickens as I process his words.

“Delivery man?” I echo, trying to grasp the situation more clearly.

“Yes! I managed to extract some information from our prisoner, whose real name is Jack Hawthorne. He claims he delivers two men to a contact every week, and his last drop-off was just yesterday. My plan is to set up a sting operation and catch this guy red-handed,” he reveals, his eyes glinting with determination.

“That makes sense, but wouldn’t it be wiser to follow him? We could uncover the location of the lab and identify everyone involved. It’s likely we capture this guy, and he won’t spill a word,” I suggest, my mind racing with possibilities. He flashes me a smile that sends warmth flooding to my cheeks.

“Beauty and brains,” he praises, and I can’t help but feel a flutter of pride mixed with embarrassment.

“I’m just trying to help,” I reply, desperately attempting to avert my gaze. Every time I meet his eyes, it feels as though he can see right through me, peeling back my layers until I’m completely exposed.

I had resolved not to resist the connection between us, but the intensity of it often leaves me breathless, overwhelmed by emotions I’m still learning to navigate.

He gently cups my face, turning it so I’m forced to meet his gaze. “You’re helping, more than you realize. But there’s something important I need to ask you.” His expression shifts to one of seriousness, and my heart races with anticipation.

“What is it?” I ask, my curiosity piqued.

“You mentioned having plans for Yara. I was wondering if you have any plans regarding Alpha Thomas,” he states, his tone grave.

“My father?” I reply, a hint of disbelief creeping into my voice as I search his eyes for clarity. He nods solemnly.

“No, I don’t have any plans for him. He didn’t try to kill me; he was just a terrible father. Why would I want to punish him for that?” I retort, a mix of indignation and confusion bubbling within me. “Why are you asking?”

“Because your father is gravely ill, Natalie. More sick than he’s letting on,” he reveals, and a sharp pain lances through my chest.

Regardless of his past indifference, he is still my father, and the thought of his suffering is a heavy burden to bear.

“What’s wrong with him?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

“No, it’s fine. You have enough on your plate, and besides, I’ll be wearing my mask, so he won’t even recognize me,” I assure him, and he gives me a reassuring smile.

“By the way, the kids woke up, and they had even more questions,” he mentions, and a smile breaks across my face at the thought of my children all being together.

“Really?” I ask, my heart swelling with warmth.

“Yeah, especially Clayton. I think he was just trying to understand how the hierarchy works. I explained that since Franklin is the firstborn, he’ll be the Alpha, and that he and Xavier could either become his Beta or, if they prefer, they could help run the company instead,” he elaborates, and I can’t help but feel proud of how he’s handling things. “And do you know what he said?”

“What did he say?” I ask, feigning ignorance, though my heart flutters with anticipation.

“He declared that he’s going to run ‘Mummy’s company’ when he grows up,” he says, a teasing glint in his eyes, and I realize I’ve walked right into a trap.

“Wait, do you have a company that I don’t know about, Natalie?” he asks, a playful yet dangerous smile forming on his lips.

“Well, it’s kind of a long story,” I reply, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks.

“I’m not going anywhere,” he assures me, his curiosity piqued.

“Okay, fine. I’m actually the chairman of Dream Pharmaceuticals,” I confess, a mix of pride and apprehension swirling within me.