The Alpha's Four Hidden Heirs (Natalie and Samuel) novel Chapter 61

Chapter 61

NATALIE.

He really ought to wipe that smug grin off his face. Xavier was right—I had been staring at Samuel without blinking. But it wasn’t because I was admiring his looks; I was simply lost in my own thoughts, caught in a moment of distraction.

Still, being called out by Xavier was mortifying. I felt my cheeks burn with embarrassment, wishing desperately that the floor would open up and swallow me whole.

“Don’t be ridiculous, Xavier!” I said quickly, clearing my throat to cover my discomfort.

“I’m not being ridiculous! Mommy, you’re putting steak sauce in the salad! The salad’s ruined!” Xavier pouted, clearly concerned.

I glanced down at my bowl and, sure enough, he was right. I had accidentally drizzled the spicy steak sauce—meant for the meat—onto the salad. Not exactly the best flavor combo.

Yeah, that was definitely not good.

I knew Xavier was telling the truth, but there was no way I could admit that I had been staring at Samuel. If I did, it would only fuel the fire, and both him and his brother would be even more eager to push us together.

And Samuel? He’d probably think his subtle moves were actually working, when in reality, they weren’t.

“You don’t understand. I like eating it this way,” I said, trying to brush it off as I stuffed a mouthful of salad, now covered with the spicy steak sauce, into my mouth without hesitation.

The taste was awful. The steak sauce clashed horribly with the fresh greens, making the salad almost inedible.

But I had to keep up appearances in front of my son. I forced myself to maintain a neutral expression despite the strange, unpleasant taste lingering in my mouth.

Come on, Natalie. Don’t embarrass yourself in front of your kid.

I swallowed hard as all three of them watched me intently. Xavier and Clayton, seeing that I was fine, returned to their meals. Samuel, however, filled my glass with soft drink, a playful smile tugging at his lips. It was clear he knew I was pretending—and he found it amusing.

After dinner, since my son had cooked the meal, I decided to let the boys relax and play before bedtime while I tackled the dishes. I glanced at the greasy plates and cutlery piled high, rolling up my sleeves with determination. Gathering the dishes, I carried them into the kitchen to wash.

Alpha Samuel Bowers.

She’s really something—trying so hard to pretend the food isn’t awful with that spicy sauce mixed in.

I wanted to offer help with the dishes, but I figured my time was better spent with the boys, especially Xavier. We had plenty to talk about.

Clayton kept to himself. I wasn’t sure if it was because he barely knew me or if that was just his nature, but I didn’t push. If I knew anything about kids, it was that you let them set the pace and come to you when they’re ready.

Meanwhile, Xavier pulled me into his room.

—

Xavier sat cross-legged on his bed, while I settled on the floor mat before him. We shared a quiet moment, exchanging looks without saying a word.

“I remember you said you weren’t interested in Mommy when we met last time!” Xavier said, resting his chin on his hand and raising his eyebrows challengingly.

“You’re right,” I admitted.

“I’ve already told you—my mommy is amazing. She’s talented and beautiful. Now you see I wasn’t lying, right? So, do you regret saying that? Are you going to change your mind?” His voice was proud and confident.

Why would she have been involved with a smuggler? That didn’t sound like Natalie at all. Something was definitely going on. It was clear she was hiding many secrets, and I was determined to uncover every last one. But first, I had to be sure my suspicions were right.

After Yara left that day, I couldn’t find the mark behind her ear. That could only mean one thing—there was someone out there who looked exactly like Yara. Then I remembered Yara had a twin sister. The official story was that she ran away after their mother died.

But I suspected that Yara’s twin sister was Natalie—the woman I met at the café. That would also mean she was the one I had been with that night, not Yara.

Natalie was my MATE.

—

NATALIE.

Once I finished washing the dishes, I peeked into Xavier’s room. The two of them were sitting cross-legged in front of the large computer screen, their phones in hand, playing a game together as a team.

They were so focused on the game that neither noticed I was standing quietly at the door.

“The assassin’s coming down the middle lane. Come help me quickly!” Xavier called out.

“Okay,” Samuel replied.

I’d played games with Xavier before, but I had never seen him smile so brightly, so genuinely happy as he did now.

Watching Samuel and Xavier play together, they looked just like father and son.

Oh, goddess—could he really be their father?