The Alpha's Four Hidden Heirs (Natalie and Samuel) novel Chapter 83

**The City That Drowned in the Sound of Its Own Heartbeat by Erynd Cal DusK 83**

TALIE.

The moment my words escaped my lips, I could see the impact they had on her. Yara’s face transformed, turning a vivid shade of crimson, as if she had just been caught in a blazing inferno.

“You—”

I swiftly cut her off, my voice steady and unwavering. “How long have you been by his side, Yara? Love and adoration thrive on novelty. But when a relationship drags on too long, the spark fades, and both individuals begin to tire of each other. When that day arrives, the prospect of marriage becomes a distant dream. If you truly wish to marry Samuel, you need to do it sooner rather than later.”

As I watched her expression sour, I could tell my words had struck a chord, digging into a tender spot she had tried to shield from the world.

“Are you trying to bully me?” Her eyes narrowed, and her tone sharpened like a blade.

“Bullying involves mocking and ridiculing someone for their misfortunes. What I shared with you is simply a reflection of reality, wouldn’t you agree?” I held her icy gaze, a slight smirk playing at the corners of my lips.

Does she really believe I’m still the naive girl from the countryside I was six years ago?

I had been foolish back then, allowing Yara to walk all over me. But those days were gone. I was resolute now, unwilling to yield to her intimidation.

“Ms. Edmund, let’s cut through the pleasantries,” Yara declared, her voice steady as she reached for a yellow folder resting on the couch, extending it toward me.

“What’s this?” I asked, curiosity piquing as I eyed the folder.

“As you mentioned earlier, I’m not married to Samuel yet. But I will be his wife and Luna one day. I don’t believe in friendships between men and women, and I certainly don’t want you getting too close to him,” she stated, her tone firm.

I licked my lips, a smirk creeping onto my face as I asked, “So, you’re essentially offering me money to walk away from Samuel?”

“You probably don’t make much as a coroner, do you? I’m willing to give you five million to sever all ties with him,” Yara paused, gauging my reaction, “If you think that’s too little, I can certainly increase the offer.”

I was taken aback; I never imagined I would find myself in a conversation that felt like it had been ripped straight from a soap opera, right here in this moment with Yara.

Despite the lingering warmth of Samuel’s kiss, the fleeting safety it had provided me, I knew he was forever tainted by Yara’s presence.

There was no way I could ever fall for him.

The scars from five years ago had likely robbed me of my ability to love anyone at all.

Frowning in silence, I sensed the tension thickening in the air. Yara broke the silence, “What do you think? This is a substantial amount.”

I reached out and took the yellow folder from her grip. “I’ll sign it,” I said, my voice steady. “But I want ten million. Not a single penny less.”

“Ten million?” Yara’s eyes widened in disbelief. “You still have the audacity to ask for more?”

“Are you saying Samuel isn’t worth ten million?” I casually unraveled the string around the folder, my demeanor relaxed. “If you can’t meet that figure, then I suppose I’ll just have to stay by Samuel’s side. My freckled face may not be as stunning as yours, but who knows? Perhaps Samuel has a different taste and finds me appealing just the way I am.”

“You…”

“What? Didn’t you say you’d increase the offer if I wanted more?” I shot back, enjoying the way the conversation was unfolding.

The truth was, I had no desire for her money, but teasing her was far too entertaining to resist.

“Fine.” Yara’s fists clenched in determination. “Ten million it is. But once you sign the agreement, you will have to leave Samuel alone. You won’t be allowed to see him again.”

“Sure,” I replied nonchalantly.

Just as I was about to drown in the sea of mockery, a voice cut through the noise.

“Ms. Edmund.”

Huh? What?

I turned around to find Hans standing there, impeccably dressed in a sharp blue suit.

I remembered him as the man whose wife I had saved during her heart attack.

“Ms. Edmund, do you have any idea how hard I searched for you? What brings you here?”

Suddenly, he grasped my hand tightly, emotion welling up in his eyes. “You left so abruptly that I didn’t even get the chance to ask for your number.” His voice was earnest, and all eyes were on us, making the moment feel overwhelmingly intense.

Everyone around us seemed taken aback by this unexpected turn of events.

I squinted at him, struggling to comprehend the situation. “And you are?”

“Oh yes, I must look a bit different from the last time we met. I’m Hans Becker, the CEO of Crown Entertainment,” he explained, his voice steady.

Ah, karma has a peculiar way of working, doesn’t it?

The husband of the woman I saved was, in fact, the CEO of the very company Yara was so eager to sign with. A smile broke across my face, a genuine one this time.

“My dear Edmund, are you free at the moment? Shall we head to my office for a drink?”

“Of course, I would love that,” I replied, my heart fluttering with a mix of excitement and curiosity about what this encounter might lead to.