Fake Mate Beta Rises to Alpha Heiress novel

Fading Into Blue by Austen 22 Summary In Chapter 22 of "Fading Into Blue," titled "The Three-Day Rule," Natalie finds herself navigating a tense moment with Liam, who is preoccupied with his work responsibilities. As they enter a hotel elevator, the atmosphere shifts dramatically with the arrival of Chloe Kelly, an assertive woman from Liam's past. Chloe's condescending demeanor and her probing questions about Natalie's identity create an uncomfortable dynamic, highlighting the underlying tension between her and Liam.

Despite Liam's attempts to assert his familial connection to Natalie, Chloe's dismissive attitude and the implications of her words leave Natalie feeling vulnerable and exposed. After the awkward encounter in the elevator, Natalie seeks refuge in her hotel suite, where Liam later explains Chloe's background as the adopted daughter of the Kelly family. He reveals that Chloe and Eleanor, another member of the Kelly family, are sisters, which adds another layer to the animosity Natalie feels towards them.

As she contemplates the upcoming banquet with the werewolf elite, the pressure of her social standing weighs heavily on her, exacerbated by her jet lag and feelings of isolation in a foreign environment. Amidst these tensions, Natalie reflects on her connection with Leonardo, a man she is trying to navigate a potential alliance with. The concept of the "Three-Day Rule" in dating lingers in her mind, emphasizing her anxiety over his lack of communication since their first meeting.

As she scrolls through social media, a sense of longing and uncertainty grows within her, leading her to initiate contact with Leonardo, hoping to solidify their connection. However, her moment of vulnerability is interrupted by an unexpected call from Landon, a figure from her past whose manipulative tendencies resurface. Natalie's icy response to his feigned concern illustrates her determination to assert herself and reject his influence.

This chapter encapsulates Natalie's struggle with her identity, the complexities of her relationships, and her desire to carve out a space for herself amidst the pressures of her new life. Continue Regular Chapter Reading Below **Chapter 22: The Three-Day Rule** **Natalie's POV:** As I stood beside Liam, I could sense the whirlwind of his responsibilities. His work phone buzzed incessantly, a relentless reminder of his commitments. Each time it rang, he merely cast a fleeting glance at the screen, opting to decline the calls without a word.

It was evident that he was torn between his duties and being present with me. "Liam," I said, trying to ease the tension of the moment, "I'm okay now. You should really take care of your things." We had just stepped into the hotel elevator, and I could feel the weight of his obligations pressing down on him. With a gentle smile that warmed my heart, he replied, "Alright. But remember, if you need anything at all, don't hesitate to reach out." "Okay," I responded, giving him a small wave as I prepared to step out.

Just as the elevator doors began their slow descent into closure, a hand shot out, halting them with a decisive thud. A figure slipped inside with an air of urgency. The elevator, spacious enough for a comfortable ride, suddenly felt cramped as this newcomer intentionally bumped into me, nearly sending me off balance. "Chloe Kelly," I barely registered the name before I took in the woman beside me. She was clad in a sharply tailored suit, her demeanor radiating an assertiveness that was hard to ignore. Liam's voice cut through the tension, tinged with a hint of resignation.

This Chloe had long, thick curls that framed her face, and the scent of her strong perfume enveloped the small space. She glanced at me with a dismissive flick of her eyes before turning her full attention to Liam. "So, Liam, is this a new friend of yours?" she asked, her tone laced with a condescending amusement. "Don't be ridiculous. This is my cousin, Natalie," Liam replied, his voice firm yet tempered, as if he were trying to maintain a balance between politeness and irritation. "Natalie?

Alexander's mixed-blood illegitimate daughter?" Chloe tilted her head slightly, her gaze sharpening as she scrutinized me with an intensity that made me uncomfortable. I chose silence, my patience for entitled heiresses wearing thin. Chloe's demeanor screamed of entitlement, and her deliberate bump into me felt like a calculated move. "Chloe, watch your tone," Liam interjected, his voice carrying a subtle authority that hinted at his Alpha lineage. "She is my uncle's daughter, my sister, and the heir to the Moon-Shadowed Pack." "Oh, and what of it?

Just because she's the heir doesn't mean she's my sister," Chloe retorted, pressing the elevator close button with a smirk that suggested she relished in the power play. Liam moved to intervene, but it was too late; the doors slid shut with a soft whoosh, sealing off any chance of further discussion. Inside the confined space, an awkward silence ensued. Chloe remained tight-lipped, and I mirrored her quietude, acutely aware that their shared history was steeped in unspoken tension. It was clear Chloe had her sights set on Liam, and I was merely collateral damage in her game.

As the elevator reached the lobby, I wasted no time. The moment the doors opened, I stepped out, eager to escape the charged atmosphere. I had barely reached my suite door when Liam's voice rang out behind me. He checked to see if I had made it to my room safely, then proceeded to explain that Chloe was the adopted daughter of the Kelly family from the Grayclaw Pack. They had grown up together, and while she had a notoriously bad temper, he insisted she wasn't inherently malicious. He hoped I wouldn't let her words get to me. "The Kelly family?

The one renowned for crafting precision runic instruments?" A memory flickered in my mind, recalling my brief encounter with Eleanor during the apartment purchase. "Exactly, the Kelly Runic Instruments Group," Liam confirmed. He elaborated that the Luna of the Grayclaw Pack shared a close friendship with Penelope, which meant the two families often mingled. The Kelly family had no sons, only two daughters: Eleanor, the biological child, and Chloe, the adopted one. It dawned on me then that Eleanor, who had been so combative over the penthouse, was Chloe's biological sister.

No wonder Chloe's demeanor shifted when she learned my name; the term "mixed-blood illegitimate daughter" was likely a narrative spun by Eleanor to tarnish my reputation. The thought of facing these insufferable people at tomorrow's banquet made my stomach churn. Navigating the social landscape of the werewolf elite felt more laborious than any job I had ever held. This was my first experience in a foreign land, and the jet lag was working against me. I lay in bed, scrolling through my phone, when I noticed Leonardo had posted a new story-a breathtaking photo of the city's skyline at night.

The image was beautifully composed, yet devoid of any caption, leaving me to ponder its meaning. Matthew's words from earlier on the plane echoed in my mind. "Natalie, have you heard of the 'Three-Day Rule' in dating?" "The Three-Day Rule?" I had asked, intrigued. "It suggests that if someone contacts you within three days of your first meeting, they're interested. If not, well, they likely aren't." Matthew had been probing, clearly curious about my connection with Leonardo. But what progress was there to speak of? Three days had slipped by without a word from him.

I hesitated before clicking on Leonardo's profile picture. His latest post was a serene mountain view, starkly different from the bustling cityscape. The wild terrain, sparse stars, and a luminous moon created a profound sense of tranquility, evoking a longing within me. After a moment of deliberation, I sent him a message: "Mr. Sanchez, are you still awake?" The seconds turned into minutes, and soon I found myself staring at the screen, waiting for a reply that never came. He had just posted a story, indicating he was online, yet he chose not to engage with me.

Was he online but unwilling to talk? I had no illusions about romance; my feelings were more about survival. In this den of wolves, every interaction felt fraught with danger. The marriage alliance with the Sanchez family was a vital shield for me, one I needed to nurture like a precious asset. If he wasn't reaching out, then it was up to me to initiate contact. Suddenly, my phone lit up, and my heart raced, hoping it was Leonardo's response. But as I glanced down, I saw it was a call from Landon. In my haste, my finger slipped, and I inadvertently answered. It was too late to back out now.

Landon's voice, once charming, now dripped with a sickly sweetness that made my skin crawl. "Natalie, you haven't been replying to my messages. Are you still angry?" he asked, his tone laced with feigned concern. I held the phone away from my ear, unwilling to engage with his manipulative tactics. "I'm about to sleep. What do you want?" My voice was as cold as the winter air. On the other end, Landon seemed taken aback, likely shocked by my abrupt change in demeanor. It was clear my icy tone confirmed his suspicions that I was indeed furious.

Conclusion As I lay in bed, the weight of the day settled heavily on my chest. The encounter with Chloe had rattled me, exposing the undercurrents of rivalry and resentment that swirled around me. Her dismissive words echoed in my mind, a reminder of the precarious position I found myself in among the elite of the werewolf world. Yet, in the midst of this turmoil, I felt a flicker of determination ignite within me. I wouldn't allow Chloe's barbs or Landon's manipulations to define my worth.

Instead, I resolved to embrace my identity as the heir to the Moon-Shadowed Pack, standing tall against the adversities that sought to undermine me. The banquet awaited, but I refused to be merely a pawn in someone else's game. With my phone still in hand, I realized that the path ahead was not solely about survival; it was also about forging my own connections. The silence from Leonardo stung, yet it also propelled me to take charge of my narrative. I had to be proactive, to reach out and establish the alliances that could protect me in this foreign territory.

Will she manage to hold her ground against Chloe's condescension and Eleanor's underhanded tactics, or will she be overwhelmed by the weight of their expectations and the legacy of her lineage? Moreover, the mystery surrounding Leonardo deepens as Natalie grapples with her feelings and the implications of the "Three-Day Rule." With her heart caught in a tug-of-war between survival and desire, the anticipation builds around whether Leonardo will finally respond to her message.