The Alpha's Four Hidden Heirs (Natalie and Samuel) novel Chapter 82

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

**Chapter 82**

**NATALIE.**

I can’t deny the knot of dread tightening in my stomach at the thought of confronting Yara again. Yet, beneath that unease lies a flicker of curiosity. Why the sudden urgency for her to see me? It feels as though she’s been rummaging through my life, only to come up empty-handed, and now she’s decided it’s time to go straight to the source—me.

The minivan rolled to a halt in front of Crown Entertainment, a name that echoed with prestige and power in the industry.

As the door swung open, I stepped out, trailing behind Jeanne as we hurried into the bustling entertainment hub.

Crown Entertainment was not just any company; it was a titan in the world of showbiz. From talent management to film production and marketing strategies, they wielded immense influence over the entire landscape.

I recalled the stories of movie stars Yoel Jensen and Tabitha Smith, both of whom had been nurtured under Crown’s wing since their humble beginnings. They had blossomed into household names, icons revered by fans and critics alike.

Yet, a nagging thought lingered in my mind—Yara’s contract was with Triumph Entertainment, not Crown.

What was she doing here?

“Is there an issue, Ms. Edmund?” Jeanne’s voice pulled me from my thoughts.

“Yes, actually. I was just curious about why we’re meeting Yara here. I thought she was tied to Triumph Entertainment,” I replied, my voice steady despite the turmoil within.

“Ah, Ms. Edmund, Ms. Yara’s contract with Triumph is nearing its conclusion. She is currently in discussions with Crown Entertainment for a new contract. If all goes well, she could be signed by the end of this month,” Jeanne explained, her tone professional yet tinged with an undercurrent of concern.

“So that’s the situation,” I murmured, absorbing the implications.

Yara had always been skilled at cultivating connections and leveraging resources. However, despite her network and the buzz surrounding her, she had never participated in a project or received any accolades.

Crown Entertainment was known for signing artists with a strong work ethic and a track record of productivity. It struck me as peculiar that they would even consider entering into a contract with someone like Yara.

There must be more to this than meets the eye.

If the contract were to go through, I would have to shift my focus toward Crown Entertainment.

Jeanne led me to a VIP lounge, her demeanor professional as she knocked on the door.

“Come in,” a voice called from within.

Jeanne opened the door, her tone hesitant as she announced, “Ms. Yara, I’ve managed to persuade Ms. Edmund to come here.”

Yara reclined on a plush leather couch, exuding an air of nonchalance.

As she caught the sound of our entrance, her eyelids fluttered open slowly. She regarded Jeanne with a flicker of acknowledgment before her gaze landed on me.

In that moment, our eyes locked, and it was always an unsettling experience—gazing into eyes so similar to my own, yet filled with a darkness that sent shivers down my spine.

The sight of Yara ignited a blaze of hatred within me, a fire that had been stoked by memories of the devastation she had wrought in my life.

All of this over a man who hardly seemed to acknowledge her existence.

The sweet, disarming smile on Yara’s face was a jarring contrast to the icy glint in her eyes.

“Samuel’s friends are my friends. I believe we share a certain connection,” she declared, her tone laced with a possessive edge.

Yara and I were biological twins, birthed from the same mother, yet the bond we shared felt more like a curse. No matter how subtly she attempted to assert her dominance, I could sense her intent to stake her claim over Samuel.

My inner wolf stirred, ready to pounce, but I held her back, forcing myself to remain calm.

I recalled the incident at the book café when Samuel mistook me for Yara, his lips crashing against mine with a force that left me breathless and bruised.

Now, with her words echoing in my mind, I couldn’t help but sneer. My eyes blazed with indignation.

“You and Samuel…”

“Him and I.” Yara’s face flushed with a feigned shyness as she mentioned Samuel. “I’ve been by his side for years now. You’re the first woman I’ve ever seen at the Bowers residence.”

As expected of Yara, her insinuation was both subtle and direct, a calculated move to highlight the depth of her connection with Samuel.

Two can certainly play at this game.

With a bitter smile curling my lips, I met her gaze head-on. “I’m curious, Yara. If you can come and go from the Bowers residence as you please, why hasn’t Samuel made you his wife?”