Fake Mate Beta Rises to Alpha Heiress (Natalie) novel Chapter 24

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**Chapter 24: A Deadly Kind of Charm**

**Landon’s POV:**

Natalie, that so-called “low-ranking Beta,” who had always been the epitome of selflessness, had the audacity to demand half of the company shares? My mind reeled at the thought. I didn’t even possess half of the Richardson family’s holdings yet.

What was happening to her? Surely, there had to be a limit to her unreasonable demands. Or was it possible that her feelings towards me had genuinely shifted? Was she now trying to squeeze every last bit from me, penny by penny?

Once the call ended, I attempted to reach out again, only to find her line blocked. It seemed she was intent on playing the same game again!

I vowed that I wouldn’t allow her to escape this time. It was essential that I teach this arrogant, spoiled woman a lesson she wouldn’t forget!

But that determination lasted only a couple of hours. The mounting losses of the Richardson Group loomed large over my thoughts, crushing my resolve. If I didn’t manage to salvage that project soon, the company’s IPO would be completely doomed.

Tossing and turning in bed, I couldn’t shake the feeling of dread. I waited until Aaliyah, my true Omega mate bound to my soul, and our little pup Nathan were sound asleep before I slipped out of bed and made my way to the study.

The moment I closed my eyes, my mind was flooded with images of Natalie.

Why had she grown so distant?

But then, a flicker of doubt was quickly extinguished as I recalled our history. That shy, mixed-blood Beta, who had once believed she was just an ordinary human, had placed her unwavering trust and adoration in me. I was convinced that her loyalty was profound, and her feelings for me couldn’t simply vanish overnight.

This thought provided a modicum of comfort. Perhaps this was merely an extreme manifestation of her insecurities? After all, she was a Beta with impure blood.

An idea sparked in my mind. I grabbed my phone and initiated a series of transfers to Natalie’s account—five transactions, each for two million dollars. A total of ten million dollars.

I didn’t include a single word with the transfers.

This silent act of generosity was a psychological maneuver. I wanted her to ponder my thoughts, to decipher my emotions and helplessness all on her own. She wanted shares. I didn’t agree to that, but I compensated her handsomely with money. Wasn’t this a peace offering?

If she softened, if even a flicker of guilt crossed her mind, I would still be that perfect, devoted “mate.” She would have no choice but to continue working for me and the Richardson family.

I waited. I waited for her to notice the substantial transfers and reach out to me first.

**Natalie’s POV:**

I was still awake when my phone buzzed with the notifications of the transfers. Landon had sent me a staggering ten million dollars.

Not a single word accompanied this unexpected windfall.

I scoffed, fully aware of his manipulative tactics. This silent handout was merely a ruse to provoke me into speculating about his “deep meaning” and “sacrifice.”

I wanted the shares, the status, the recognition that came with them. He thought he could buy me off with this petty sum, expecting me to be grateful for his crumbs.

This might have worked on me in the past, but now? It was utterly futile.

Just as I suspected, I swiped away the transfer notifications, only to discover an unread message lurking beneath.

It was from Leonardo.

He had replied to the greeting I had mustered the courage to send earlier.

His message was succinct, just two words sent twenty minutes prior: “Not yet.”

My heart raced. I typed a response, then hesitated and deleted it. His reply felt dismissive, as if he had no intention of engaging in further conversation. Would following up be intrusive?

Yet, I had initiated the chat, and he had replied. Ignoring him now felt awkward, too.

After a moment’s indecision, I sent a message: “I saw your Instagram post and felt like saying hi.” I assumed the conversation would end there.

To my surprise, Leonardo replied almost immediately this time, “You’re in Calithera?”

I was taken aback.

I responded, “Yes. I’m here for a charity banquet. Are you here, too?” He must have known my whereabouts; he was likely on the guest list as well. The thought of possibly encountering Leonardo made me feel a mix of excitement and anxiety.