Fake Mate Beta Rises to Alpha Heiress (Natalie) novel Chapter 73

Chapter 73 Throw Him a Bone

Chapter 73 Throw Him a Bone

Landon’s POV:

32

+20 Free Coins

There was no jest in Benjamin’s words. The agreement before me was clear in black and white: I was to resign from all my positions in the Richardson Group, relinquish all my shares, and leave the company. Instantly, cold sweat dampened my palms.

“I didn’t mean it like that, Dad…” I attempted to mend the situation, my voice tinged with a panic I was loath to acknowledge. I was well aware of Benjamin’s influence. The shareholders valued the pack’s interests and stability over me.

“My decisions aren’t up for debate.” Benjamin’s voice was as frigid as an arctic wind. “Deal with Aaliyah. If I find you two still involved, not only will she suffer, but you’ll never lay your hands on the core power of the Richardson Group. Even though you’re my only son, Thorn Pack won’t go to an heir who brings shame to the family and deceives the members.”

I knew Benjamin was a man of his word. His potent Alpha pheromones permeated the study, nearly choking me with their weight.

“I know I was wrong, Dad.” I lowered my head, evading his piercing gaze. “But I promise, there’s nothing between Aaliyah and me. Everything I did was for the pack, for our members…”

He scoffed, his tone dripping with sarcasm, “For the pack? Driving away someone capable of getting things done is good for the pack? I know all about Natalie. Even if she’s been acting up lately, it’s your fault! You can’t even handle your own ‘mate’!”

I retorted, “Natalie wanted half of the company’s shares. How could I agree to that? I only have 20% myself.”

Benjamin snapped, “Can’t you even coax her back? You let your ex move right into the house and the company. Do you think she’d be okay with that?”

I was left at a loss for words.

Mentioning Natalie and that 50% demand, Benjamin hit a sore spot. That fake mate bond was my biggest vulnerability. And with only 20% of the shares, there was no way I could agree.

Benjamin commanded, his tone unyielding, “Half the shares are too much. Talk to Natalie and offer her half of your shares and the revenue share. Either get Natalie back and stabilize the situation, or you’re out. Three days. I’m running out of patience.”

He rose and left, leaving me no room for defense. I was alone in the office with the heavy agreement and the pounding of my heart. I couldn’t lose all this: power, status, my heirship,

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19:09 Mon, Dec 8

Chapter 73 Throw Him a Bone

and Aaliyah. What on earth was I going to do?

Natalie’s POV:

32

+20 Free Coins

I was swamped with work at the office late into the night when my phone buzzed. It was a long text from Landon. He rambled on about how much he’d missed me and apologized profusely. Finally, he said he was ready to talk about the equity of the Richardson Group.

He claimed that after pulling some strings these days, he could transfer 10% of his equity and revenue share to me. All I had to do was come back to the company, and we’d sign the equity transfer agreement on the spot.

I scoffed as I read the message. If Landon had really wanted to give, he would’ve done it ages ago. My insider at the Richardson Group had just informed me that Benjamin showed up at the company in person today, and then Aaliyah got the boot. This 10% was likely due to pressure from Benjamin.

Right after, my phone rang. It was Landon. I stared at it calmly for a moment. Then, I picked it up and headed into an empty soundproof meeting room. After keeping him on edge for so long, it was time to throw him a bone.

“Natalie, thank goodness you answered.” His voice was a mix of forced enthusiasm and wariness. Gone was his usual temper.

“What’s up?” I asked, my tone flat.

He swallowed his irritation and continued in a soft-pitched voice, “Did you read my message? I can transfer half of my shares to you. Stop being mad, and come back to me. I miss you so much, okay?”

After listening to his insincere blabber, I finally spoke up, with a hint of mockery, “After all this time thinking, you’re only offering 10%? I remember I asked for half. Mr. Richardson, you still aren’t being serious.”

He pleaded, resorting to his typical emotional blackmail, “I’m not being cheap! I’ve really done my best! Natalie, don’t make things tough on me. Do you really have the heart to watch me suffer? I only have 20% to my name. My dad holds 50%, and the pack shareholders have the

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