Fake Mate Beta Rises to Alpha Heiress (Natalie) novel Chapter 46

**Chapter 46: Only Wants Natalie on Board**

**Landon’s POV:**

“Rescheduled?” I struggled to maintain my composure, yet my hands instinctively clenched into fists, my nails biting into my palms like tiny daggers. As an Alpha, the sensation of losing control was one I despised. “The project is on the verge of kicking off. How can you even think about rescheduling?”

The assistant’s gaze darted briefly to Aaliyah, who sat beside me, a flicker of curiosity illuminating his eyes. “Well… why isn’t Ms. Anderson here today?”

Aaliyah’s meticulously crafted expression morphed into one of irritation, her pheromones radiating a sharp, palpable anger. Were they truly hesitant to move forward simply because Natalie was absent?

“Natalie’s on leave,” Aaliyah interjected before I could utter a single word. She thrust the proposal she’d labored over all night toward the assistant, her determination evident. “I’m also a project manager at the Richardson Group. I can take charge of this project. If your company has doubts about my capabilities, then take a moment to review this.”

The assistant hesitated, but eventually accepted the proposal, albeit reluctantly.

Aaliyah exuded confidence, as if she were certain that once they witnessed her skills, they would regret their dismissive attitude. I added my voice to the conversation, deep and steady, “There are numerous talented individuals in Thorn Pack, not just Natalie. Please communicate to Mr. Pynchon that the Richardson Group is sincere and fully capable. We won’t let our partners down.”

The assistant nodded, albeit with a hint of reluctance. “Alright, please hold on. I’ll report back immediately.”

As soon as he left, Aaliyah sank back into her chair, her irritation palpable in the air. “What’s with this obsession with only wanting Natalie? Do they really select a pack to collaborate with based solely on one person? I doubt she’s that much better.”

I replied with a hint of objectivity, “Natalie does possess an edge in the industry. Proposals similar to this one tend to yield profits when she’s involved.” It stung to admit, but it was the truth.

“The company’s success is a collective effort! How can all the credit go to Natalie alone?” Aaliyah’s voice rose in frustration. “Mr. Pynchon is an Alpha male, right? Are all the clients who insist on Natalie male?”

Her words struck a nerve, causing me to bristle. “Aaliyah! Don’t speak nonsense!”

“I’m not!” she shot back, her voice sharp. “In business, especially in this circle, there’s no such thing as a consistently exceptional female werewolf. It all hinges on which Alpha male can be ‘managed’!”

“Since when did you become so bitter?” I asked, disappointment flooding through me. The Aaliyah I knew was gentle and intelligent, not someone who would lash out like this.

Aaliyah bit her lip, a flicker of realization crossing her face as she recognized she had crossed a line.

Before long, the assistant returned, placing the untouched proposal in front of Aaliyah.

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