Fake Mate Beta Rises to Alpha Heiress (Natalie) novel Chapter 27

**Chapter 27: Making It a Highlight**

**Natalie’s POV:**

Chloe, with a burst of energy, swiftly maneuvered two chairs into position beside the grand banquet table. Her movements were both casual and assured, as if she had done this a thousand times before. “Since the organizers have clearly dropped the ball, we’ll take matters into our own hands. Natalie, take a seat,” she commanded, her tone leaving no room for argument.

The server, visibly sweating and clearly overwhelmed, muttered something inaudible before making a hasty retreat, presumably to summon the manager.

Eleanor, meanwhile, stood rooted in place, her complexion shifting from pale to a furious shade of red. She had anticipated watching me stumble and fall, the “mixed-blood bastard,” in front of everyone. Instead, I had merely uttered a few words that deftly redirected blame onto the organizers, effectively sinking her carefully laid plans.

“Chloe? I thought you had left,” Eleanor said, her voice strained as she turned to face Chloe. The forced smile on her lips was as brittle as glass, and I could almost feel the waves of hostility radiating from her toward Chloe. It was evident she harbored a deep-seated resentment for her adopted sister, who seemed to bask in the favor of their parents, viewing her as nothing short of a rival.

Chloe’s reply was flat, devoid of any warmth, as if she were stating a simple fact rather than engaging in a conversation. “I’m hungry. I’ll grab a bite before heading back. I registered for the banquet, and my name card should be here somewhere.”

I understood that Chloe had come specifically to lend me a hand. I shot her a grateful glance, but she responded with a cool, almost indifferent look. It was clear she didn’t genuinely wish to assist me. Perhaps her motivation stemmed from a desire to thwart Eleanor or maybe it was simply because Liam had stood up for me the previous night.

“Thank you for your kind offer, Ms. Chloe Kelly. But…” I paused, turning to pull out the empty chair without hesitation. “I believe I would prefer to sit here,” I declared, settling into the seat with a quiet confidence.

“Natalie! Who gave you permission to sit there? Do you truly understand nothing? You are completely ignorant of basic werewolf banquet etiquette!” Eleanor’s voice rose sharply, her frustration boiling over as she shot to her feet.

“I don’t claim to know much,” I admitted, a smile playing on my lips as I met her gaze, refusing to let her anger intimidate me. “This is, after all, my first experience at a werewolf family gathering of this magnitude.”

Eleanor was momentarily taken aback, seemingly at a loss for words. My candid acknowledgment of my “ignorance” left her without a clear target for her next attack.

“However,” I continued, my voice steady and authoritative, embodying the dignity expected of the Moon-Shadowed Pack heir, “prior to my arrival, both the organizers and the Scott family made it abundantly clear that as the representative of the wealthiest werewolf Pack in Maritime City, I am entitled to the head table, specifically the central seat of honor. Anything less would be a grave insult to the Scott family’s prestige.”

“This seat is indeed the central seat of honor. It lacks a name card, and my name card appears to be mysteriously absent. I suspect this is the seat that was intended for me,” I stated with unshakeable confidence. The power of the Scott family bolstered my claim, and I could sense a few guests around us nodding in agreement, some even voicing their support.

A woman chimed in, “Considering there’s no name card, it’s entirely reasonable for Ms. Anderson to occupy this seat.”

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