The Alpha's Four Hidden Heirs (Natalie and Samuel) novel Chapter 65

NATALIE.

I could see the surprise flicker across Shawn’s face when I approached him, and I knew all too well that he would probably read far too much into my sudden appearance. But honestly, I had to throw those girls off balance. We weren’t teenagers anymore; they needed to grow up and stop acting like this.

“No, please, let’s wait a bit longer. I asked the chef to prepare his signature dessert just for us—you’re going to love it,” Shawn said, his voice gentle but insistent.

I really wanted to leave, to just go home and forget this whole awkward situation, but I gave a small nod and withdrew my hand. Quietly, I tuned into the conversation between Belle and Natasha using my shifter hearing. As expected, the two were still bickering about me.

“Natasha, no matter what tricks that woman tries to pull, I always get what I want,” Belle sneered, her voice dripping with malice.

Of course, Belle was the mastermind behind this whole mess. She was a vile woman, or at least that’s what I’d heard from others—none of the stories about her were positive. The difference between Belle and Natasha was that Belle actually had some kind of power, though it was more like she thrived by exploiting other people’s efforts.

Despite her seemingly gentle and kind appearance, Belle’s ruthless determination was something to be feared.

She wasn’t the only child in her family; she had both an older and a younger brother. Still, Alpha Kenneth favored her deeply, and even though the pack’s loyalty often went to her older brother, there were whispers that Belle might be the next heir of the Green family Group.

“I believe you’ll succeed,” Natasha encouraged her friend, clearly hyped up by Belle’s confidence.

“Then let’s go greet them,” Belle said with a sly smile.

“Okay,” Natasha replied obediently.

No, no, no—I should have left when I had the chance. I didn’t want to deal with those two girls, not here, not now.

I knew there was nothing I could do to stop them from coming over, so I focused on my dessert, trying to ignore their approach. Belle and Natasha walked toward us, but I didn’t even glance their way, instead savoring each bite.

“Shawn! What a coincidence to see you here,” Belle said with a smile that was anything but genuine. She tried to sound sweet, but her voice grated on me like sandpaper against wood.

Shawn looked up and gave a simple nod when he saw it was Belle. Honestly, it made me feel a little giddy inside. Shawn wasn’t the type to be interested in women like her.

He didn’t even know our history, yet he remained polite.

Unwilling to be ignored, Belle tucked her hair behind her ears and continued, “She looks unfamiliar. I don’t think I’ve seen her before. Who is she?”

I took a slow sip of water and met Belle’s gaze. Using me to make a statement? What a foolish move.

“I’m done eating,” I said to Shawn, sliding my plate away.

“Are you sure? Why don’t you have some more?” Shawn asked, concern clear in his eyes.

“I’ve lost my appetite,” I said coldly, fixing my eyes on Belle so she understood exactly who was to blame.

Belle’s face drained of color.

“Does she really think I won’t do anything just because she has Shawn on her side? Ross’s new lover? Shawn’s precious?” Belle sneered. “I’ll make Shawn see who she really is! I’ll expose her true colors! She’s not just ugly—she’s a skank!”

“Belle, how do we make Shawn see the truth about her?” Natasha asked eagerly.

“We’ll use Ross,” Belle declared. “I know he still loves me, and he’ll do whatever I say. He was practically my servant a few years ago, and I’m sure he’ll listen to me now. I’ll have him help me make that woman look like a fool in public. Let’s see how Shawn reacts then!”

“Belle, your plan is brilliant!” Natasha exclaimed.

I just smiled to myself and shook my head. What a pair of fools—especially Natasha. I’d already taught her a lesson once, but apparently, it hadn’t been enough.

If they think they can come after me, they’re in for a rude awakening.

As Shawn caught up to me outside the restaurant, he quickly said, “Ms. Edmund, there’s nothing going on between Belle and me.”

Looking at his serious expression, I couldn’t help but chuckle softly.

“What’s so funny?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Don’t worry,” I said, trying to stifle my laughter. “I know you have much better taste in women.”