Fake Mate Beta Rises to Alpha Heiress novel

Fading Into Blue by Austen 23 Summary In Chapter 23 of "Fading Into Blue," Natalie confronts her complex relationship with Landon, the heir of an Alpha werewolf, as she begins to assert her independence. Tired of being perceived as a simple, easily managed Beta, she takes a bold step by distancing herself from their shared life and the Richardson Group amidst its struggles. Landon, expecting her to return out of desperation, is taken aback by her resolve and attempts to manipulate her emotions, but Natalie stands firm in her convictions.

The tension escalates as Landon tries to address the issues stemming from his family's disrespect towards Natalie. He offers insincere phone apologies on behalf of his mother and Anna, which Natalie rejects, emphasizing the importance of genuine confrontation in their werewolf culture. This moment reveals the deep-seated issues of status and respect that Natalie faces within the pack, and she challenges Landon to recognize her worth by requesting half of the shares in the Richardson Group.

Her proposal is met with disbelief, yet she articulates how this change could empower her and alter the dynamics of their relationship. As the conversation unfolds, Natalie's determination becomes clear. She highlights the limitations placed on her as a mixed-blood Beta and the necessity of proving her significance within the company. Landon, while initially resistant to the idea, struggles to counter her logical arguments but ultimately resorts to emotional manipulation, reminding her of their bond as mates.

However, Natalie counters his attempts by invoking an old werewolf proverb, reinforcing her commitment to the Richardson Group and her need for equal standing within it. The chapter reaches a climax as Natalie asserts that her contributions to the group deserve recognition and that she may have to reconsider her place within the Richardson family if her demands are not met. This declaration leaves Landon in shock, realizing the gravity of her words and the potential consequences of his refusal.

As she hangs up, Natalie feels a sense of empowerment, relishing the control she has finally taken over her own life and the relationship, while Landon's frustration simmers on the other end of the line. The emotional stakes have been raised, setting the stage for further conflict and resolution in their tumultuous relationship. Continue Regular Chapter Reading Below **Chapter 23: An Old Werewolf Proverb** **Natalie's POV:** Landon had always held the belief that I was simple to manage, easily satisfied.

What other option did a discarded, mixed-blood Beta werewolf, who foolishly thought of herself as merely human, have but to cling desperately to someone like him, the heir of an Alpha? So, when I chose to step away during a pivotal moment for the company and ceased returning to our so-called "home," it was no surprise that he found himself both shocked and displeased. He intended to teach me a lesson, to show me the consequences of my actions. For two long days, he maintained an icy silence, convinced that his Alpha pride would compel me to panic and return, groveling for his attention.

Yet, the Richardson Group was facing significant losses, and Landon's heart for this petty game had all but vanished. It was clear he would have to be the first to lower his guard. "As for what transpired between my mother and Anna, I didn't take your feelings into account. That was my mistake," he said, his voice coming through the phone tinged with a forced regret that felt almost insincere. "They won't bother you again. My father has dealt with both Anna and my mother.

They've already apologized to you over the phone." "They didn't apologize to my face, did they?" I interrupted, cutting through his stream of excuses. In our world, werewolves placed immense value on ritual and confronting conflict head-on. A phone apology was as flimsy as a paper boat in a storm. Landon seemed taken aback by my insistence. His voice grew tense. "You know how my mother and Anna can be. If you need a face-to-face apology to feel better, I can try to arrange that..." "No need," I replied, my tone flat and unyielding.

The thought of Grace and Anna's pure-blood superiority complex made my stomach turn. "I don't force apologies." It was simply the truth; in our society, false submission meant nothing at all. "What do you want, then?" His patience was wearing thin, and I could sense the typical Alpha impatience creeping into his voice. I could almost envision the glint of gold flickering in his eyes, a telltale sign of his rising frustration. I smiled, infusing my voice with a hint of the playful charm he once adored. "If you can't make amends emotionally, perhaps you could do so materially.

I want half the shares in the Richardson Group." "What?" His voice rose sharply, disbelief evident in every syllable. I could almost feel the tension radiating from him, his Alpha energy leaking out uncontrollably. "Landon, I'm serious." I slowed my pace, ensuring my voice conveyed sincerity and reason. "I've given this considerable thought. The reason Grace and Anna look down on me so much is that I hold no real significance within the Richardson Group.

If I become the largest shareholder, they'll have no choice but to reconsider my position." "Moreover," I continued, laying out my argument with clarity and logic, "the investors I'm currently dealing with are extremely cautious. The words of a minor manager don't carry much weight. But if I hold the status of a shareholder, everything changes." For a moment, I could sense that even Landon was momentarily swayed by my reasoning. But just as quickly, he snapped back to his original stance. "Natalie, what's gotten into you? You never cared about this before.

The Richardson Group is our shared venture. We're mates. My shares naturally include you. This is unnecessary. Not to mention..." He shifted the focus, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "You know the state of the Richardson Group. My father and the other major shareholders hold far more shares than I do. Even if I wanted to give them to you, I simply couldn't." "And the Elders would never agree to let a..." He hesitated, clearly choosing his words with care. "They won't allow a woman, especially a 'low-ranking Beta' in their eyes, into the core of the Richardson Group.

If you were to actually acquire those shares, you'd become a target. All the backlash would fall squarely on you." "I didn't want you to face bullying. That's why I never gave you direct shares in the first place." He cleverly disguised his refusal as a form of protection, as he always did. "Right. We're mates," I echoed, deliberately emphasizing the hollow title. "Even if the shares are transferred to me, they're still our shared property, aren't they?" No matter how he twisted his words, I remained steadfast in my objective.

"I'm doing this for the benefit of the Richardson Group, for our 'home,' and for you." Landon fell silent, momentarily at a loss for words. Frustration simmered beneath the surface-he wanted to unleash his anger, yet found no justification. He attempted to argue, but quickly realized that neither soft nor hard tactics would sway me. His tone shifted, softening into something more somber. He began to play his best card, the emotional one. "Natalie, it wasn't easy for us to come together.

I don't want this family issue to create a rift between us." In the past, whenever he spoke about how he had defied family pressures to choose me, a "mixed-blood Beta," for the fake "Moon Goddess vow ceremony," I would relent. But this time, he wouldn't have the opportunity to finish. "Landon," I interjected calmly, "they say, a male werewolf's wealth is where his heart lies." I quoted an old werewolf proverb, letting the weight of the words sink in. "I give my all to the Richardson Group without reservation, even exhausting my own energy in the process.

I hope you can extend the same unreserved trust to me. Otherwise, I might have to reconsider my place within the Richardson family. If I leave, perhaps you'd find peace. The Elders wouldn't have any more complaints either." "Natalie, what do you mean by that?" Landon's voice was thick with shock. He understood the implication loud and clear. "Think it over carefully. There's no need to contact me until you've made your decision. I'm finally on leave, and I want this time for myself." With that, I hung up on him once more. When he called back, I blocked the line.

Turnabout was fair play, and this feeling was undeniably addictive. I could easily picture Landon on the other end, chest heaving with Alpha rage, vowing not to let me escape this time, determined to break me. Conclusion In the aftermath of our conversation, a profound shift settled within me. I had always defined my worth through the lens of my relationship with Landon, the heir to the Alpha's legacy. But now, as I stood firm in my demands, I felt an unfamiliar strength coursing through my veins.

The weight of his expectations had begun to lift, revealing the potential I had long buried beneath the surface. I was no longer the discarded Beta, clinging to the shadows of his grandeur. Instead, I was asserting my place in a world that had long deemed me insignificant. The realization that I could carve out my own identity, one that was not solely defined by my connection to him, was liberating. I was ready to reclaim my narrative, to step into the light rather than fade into blue. As I hung up the phone, a sense of exhilaration enveloped me.

I had finally taken a stand, not just for myself but for the future I envisioned within the Richardson Group. Landon's shock and frustration were the echoes of a battle I had long fought in silence, and now, the tides were turning. I understood that my worth was not contingent upon his approval or the acceptance of the Elders; it was inherent within me. The proverb I had quoted lingered in the air, a reminder of the strength that lay in vulnerability and the power of self-advocacy.