Fake Mate Beta Rises to Alpha Heiress (Natalie) novel Chapter 18

**Chapter 18: Missing Her**

**Grace’s POV:**

“Mom, I sincerely hope you will keep Anna in check from now on. No matter how willful she is, she shouldn’t gamble with the Richardson family’s future,” Landon stated, his voice steady yet tinged with an undercurrent of frustration.

The Richardson estate was not just a property; it was my crown jewel, a symbol of our status in high-society circles. Anna’s trust fund was her bargaining chip against James. Losing either would strip us of our dignity and influence within the Richardson family, a fate I couldn’t bear to imagine.

“The Richardson family’s resources can support idle members, but not foolish ones who cause damage. Either go apologize to Natalie immediately, or get out of the Richardson family. The choice is yours.” Benjamin’s voice was firm, leaving no room for dissent. It was clear he meant business.

Anna’s face paled, panic rising within her as tears brimmed in her eyes. “Dad, you can’t do this to me. I just gave birth not long ago.” Her voice quivered, a mix of desperation and vulnerability.

My hands trembled as I absorbed the gravity of the situation. I glanced at Landon’s cold, impassive profile, then at Benjamin’s unwavering gaze. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks: our attempt to put Natalie in her place had spectacularly backfired. We had not only earned harsh reprimands from both Benjamin and Landon, but now we faced this severe consequence.

With gritted teeth, I reluctantly instructed a servant to connect a call to Natalie. My voice, when I spoke, was stiff and strained. The words “I’m sorry” felt like they were forced through clenched teeth, a bitter pill to swallow. Anna, in her own misery, sobbed as she mumbled, “I shouldn’t have disturbed your work.”

After we hung up, an oppressive silence enveloped the living room. I found myself staring out the window, my heart brimming with resentment toward Natalie. How dare she humiliate us like this? I vowed to make her pay for this affront a thousand times over.

**Aaliyah’s POV:**

That evening, when Landon returned home, I had prepared an elaborate dinner, hoping to create a warm atmosphere. The absence of Natalie filled me with a sense of relief and joy. Finally, our family of three could enjoy a moment of peace, free from the tension that often accompanied her presence.

But as Nathan and I shared light-hearted banter, I noticed Landon remained stoic, his expression a mask of concern. He barely touched the beautifully arranged spread before him, taking only a few bites before declaring he had lost his appetite. With that, he retreated to his study, leaving me puzzled and concerned.

The atmosphere at the Richardson Group was evidently strained, and it was clear that Landon was feeling the weight of it all. The family dynamics were unraveling, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that if Natalie’s tantrum had succeeded this time, it would only embolden her to act out again in the future.

I observed Landon’s restlessness, especially when thoughts of Natalie crossed his mind. He struggled to focus on his work, his fingers hovering over his phone as he stared at Natalie’s number, almost dialing it before hesitating. I could see the internal battle raging within him. Succumbing to her demands now would only grant her more power over him.

Throughout the evening, Landon’s demeanor was distant, and even when I knocked and entered his study, he brushed me off, citing an overwhelming workload.

“With Natalie not coming home, are you missing her?” I couldn’t help but ask, curiosity and a hint of jealousy creeping into my voice as he prepared for bed.

He scoffed lightly, ruffling my hair in a dismissive gesture. “I am thinking about her, particularly why she would lash out at me over my mother and Anna.”

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