Fake Mate Beta Rises to Alpha Heiress (Natalie) novel Chapter 30

**Chapter 30: This Was Interesting**

**Natalie’s POV:**

“You were truly remarkable tonight,” Liam remarked, his voice a blend of relief and self-reproach. “This should quiet some of the critics questioning your lineage and capabilities for a while. But I still feel like I let you down. I should have taken better care of you, Natalie.”

I quickly interjected, eager to dispel his guilt. “Liam, please don’t say that. The night turned out well, and that’s largely due to your meticulous preparations. Plus, Ms. Chloe Kelly lent me a hand too.”

His brow furrowed slightly at the mention of Chloe. “Friend?” he asked, caught off guard, his expression revealing a flicker of surprise.

“Yes, Ms. Chloe Kelly,” I replied, blinking in curiosity. There was something in the air, an unspoken tension that felt palpable. Perhaps it was a woman’s intuition or a mixed-blood werewolf’s sensitivity to the emotional currents around us, but I sensed a complex dynamic between Liam and Chloe.

Liam coughed lightly, his gaze shifting away, “Oh, she’s alright, but we’re not exactly friends.”

Noticing his reluctance to delve deeper into the topic, I decided to steer the conversation elsewhere. “I think Leonardo came specifically for you tonight,” Liam continued, changing the subject. “He rarely shows up at these mundane social events. It seems he’s quite taken with you. The chances of a ‘bond’ forming between you two are looking pretty good.”

I chuckled, shaking my head. “I’ll do my best to facilitate the alliance, but ‘taken with me’? Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”

An alliance was just that—an alliance. Emotions could complicate things unnecessarily. I had had my share of misguided affections, especially with Landon. He had started off as the epitome of tenderness and devotion, only to reveal his true colors, using me as a cover for his secret relationship with Aaliyah and their child, Nathan.

Back in my room, I changed into a new gown. The Moonlit Ball was not just a social gathering; it was a display of courtship within werewolf society. I opted for a striking red mermaid dress that hugged my figure, the fabric flowing like liquid flames as I moved.

Though I wasn’t particularly graceful, I didn’t want to appear completely out of my element when I finally faced Leonardo. I pulled out my phone, searched for a ballroom dance tutorial, and began to practice.

Fortunately, I had a knack for coordination, and I quickly grasped the basic steps. I practiced diligently until it was nearly time for the ball to begin.

As I entered the ballroom, I noticed it was dimly lit, creating an atmosphere that suited the werewolf preference for secrecy. About half the attendees wore decorative masks, adding an air of mystery to the evening. The room wasn’t overly crowded, but I scanned the space, searching for Leonardo, only to find him absent.

Suddenly, a voice rang out, “Look, it’s Natalie! She’s here too? Will her dance partner be Leonardo?”

One of Eleanor’s friends spotted me. I could see Eleanor in the distance, downing drinks like water. The moment she heard the commotion, she turned her attention in my direction.

“Natalie! Natalie again!” she slurred, her voice thick with intoxication. Slamming her glass onto the floor, sending shards flying, she charged towards me with an aggressive gait.

“Natalie! What is your connection with Leonardo? Why did he defend you? Tell me! What tricks did you use to seduce him?” she demanded, grabbing my arm roughly, her rancid breath washing over me like a wave of disgust.

“Ms. Kelly, my relationship with Mr. Sanchez is none of your concern. Please, control yourself,” I replied firmly, shaking her hand off and attempting to walk away.

But Eleanor, in her drunken state, stomped down hard on the hem of my dress, and I felt the fabric tear.

“Eleanor! I’ve been putting up with you out of courtesy! Don’t push your luck!” I felt a surge of anger boiling within me. The wolf inside me, long suppressed, began to rise to the surface. I shoved her back with force. Eleanor, already teetering, stumbled backward.

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