Fake Mate Beta Rises to Alpha Heiress (Natalie) novel Chapter 14

**Chapter 14: Soft-Hearted and Kind**

**Anna’s POV:**

Natalie’s offhand remarks left me utterly stunned, her words hanging in the air like a storm cloud. Was she insinuating that my mate, James, was being unfaithful? The mere thought twisted my insides, making my heart race with anxiety.

“Anna,” she said, her tone deceptively light, almost teasing, “I know carrying a pup is a challenge. But today, I need to finalize a critical project for the Richardson Group. If it goes well, James might just turn his performance around. He could keep his job, maybe even snag a promotion!”

Each syllable felt like a dagger, piercing through the fragile state of my heart. How dare she threaten me, weaving her words into a web of deceit?

My lips quivered, the urge to scream bubbling up inside me, but I was paralyzed, trapped in the web of her insinuations. In the end, the silence enveloped me like a heavy blanket.

I couldn’t grasp another word she said after that. The moment I hung up, a surge of anger propelled me into James’ lounge, where he was finally taking a break, engrossed in a holographic game. The sight of him, so carefree, ignited the fire of confrontation within me.

“James!” I snapped, my voice sharp and accusing. “What’s going on between you and Natalie?”

Before I knew it, we were embroiled in a heated argument, our voices escalating to a fever pitch that shattered the calm of the room. It wasn’t long before the sound of breaking objects echoed through the space, drawing the attention of the servants who hesitated at the door, wide-eyed and anxious.

In the midst of the chaos, Grace burst in, her expression a mix of concern and authority. “Have both of you lost your minds?” she exclaimed, quickly shooing the servants away before turning to me. “Anna, you need to calm down! You’re still nursing a pup; think of your health!”

James, looking pale and shaken, abruptly grabbed his jacket and stormed out of the room, leaving a whirlwind of emotions in his wake. I tried to follow him, but Grace’s grip on my arm was firm. “Anna, what’s happening?”

The sound of the door slamming shut echoed in my ears, and I felt the weight of despair crash over me. I buried my face in my hands and sobbed, “I want to break the bond!”

**Grace’s POV:**

Who would have imagined that a single phone call from Natalie could unleash such turmoil? After piecing together the events, it became clear to me that this was Natalie’s doing once again.

When Anna confronted James, he didn’t hold back. “Yes, Natalie is the one who has referred clients to me. She’s exceptional with connections and resources,” he admitted, almost defensively.

It was evident that he didn’t want to offend her, and Anna’s sharp remarks had pushed him to the edge. “Natalie is great. I envy Landon for having a mate like her,” he added, his words igniting a firestorm in Anna’s heart.

In a fit of rage, Anna smashed James’ beloved game console and discs, her frustration spilling over. “Why would you do this? Males need their dignity! There’s no reason to lash out at James because of Natalie,” I said, a frown creasing my brow as I felt a mixture of sympathy for Anna and anger at the situation unfolding before us.

Natalie had not only failed to contribute positively to the Richardson family, but she was now sowing discord within our home. She felt like a curse, a dark cloud looming over us.

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