From Divorce To Dominance (Natalie Xavier)

Chapter 10

That evening, a Rolls-Royce glided to a stop in front of the Luther residence. Darren emerged and was greeted by the family

butler.

"Welcome home, sir," Kate Jenkins, the maid, said with a courteous smile. "Mr. Luther is upstairs in his study, expecting you. He's quite upset-he spotted some unkind remarks about your wife online."

Darren sighed and corrected her, "She's not my wife anymore, We've parted ways."

Kate wavered, on the verge of speaking, but chose to remain silent. Truth be told, she harbored affection for Natalie-she was lovely and kind, a stark contrast to Vivian.

Without waiting for Kate to add more, Darren headed upstairs. The study door was ajar, so he pushed it open and entered. "Grandpa."

Henry Luther let out a heavy sigh, spinning his computer screen to display that article. The headline detailed how Natalie's image as a wealthy socialite had crumbled. "Natalie is all over the internet, and it's not positive. You need to remedy this." Darren took a deep breath, attempting to suppress his irritation. Grandpa, we've ended our marriage. I'm no longer accountable for her issues."

"Ended? Did I give my consent?" Henry retorted with a snort. "Did you even bother to consult me?"

Feeling cornered, Darren maintained his composure. "You didn't seek my input when I got married."

"Your input matters?" Henry said in a low tone, "The fact that Nat would even glance your way is a boon. She chose to wed you, so quit grumbling and be grateful. You shouldn't even think of voicing your opinion."

Darren couldn't help but ponder if he truly belonged with the Luther family. He suspected that Natalie was Henry's genuine granddaughter. Henry defended her without question for three straight years.

Darren loosened his tie and sat opposite the desk. "Grandpa, what do you see in Natalie? Why are you so protective of her?" "She's the granddaughter-in-law I've handpicked, so whom else should I back?" Henry declared sternly. "You better treat her right, or you'll rue the day."

Darren decided to be blunt. "I mean her background and her origins. There are some... complexities."

"Why are you querying me about your own wife?" Henry interrupted, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "It's comical how, after years of marriage, you're eager to learn more about her."

Darren rubbed his forehead, feeling exasperated. "Grandpa..."

"Don't ask me! If you're so inquisitive, discover it yourself," Henry said, his tone severe. "As long as I'm alive, Vivian will not set foot in the Luther family. I only acknowledge Nat as my granddaughter-in-law!"

Every time Vivian was mentioned, Henry's resolve was unwavering. If not for Henry's refusal, Darren and Vivian would have been united a long time ago.

Darren bit his lip, his voice softening. "Understood. If there's nothing else, you should rest, Grandpa."

Henry dismissed him, but as Darren turned to leave, he called out, "Hey! Nat posted a video. Come here!"

Natalie's video had nothing to do with him and he had no desire to watch it. Darren's expression darkened. Out of respect for his grandpa, he reluctantly approached the desk.

this video isn't free! You need

to pay to view it. He complained in his heart, What kind

for short videos, and even though they'd introduced a paid feature, hardly anyone used it. It had almost been

up! I need to leave

expression darkened as he quickened his pace, witty empleng the payment. The Blurry serven gradually came

skin stond run against the derknece. The wind played with her long hair, making her seem like a fairy about to take flight. Suddenly, she

pure, like fan in the wild Just then, the blinked, and in an instant, she smiled. Her naivety vanished, replaced by

he instinctively wanted

Nat's video! You can head home and

Darren nodded and quietly left

trying to achieve

Luther. Tony's voice broke into his thoughts. Tve looked into Natalie, but there's very little info. All I could find is that she's from

anything about

"Nope

skilled hacker. If he couldn't find anything, it meant Natalie's past was definitely

mystery.

his phone screen. "Got it. What about the

"People are all bashing her, but then she posted a video.

coughing a bit

the comments

Natalie's video. He quickly paid for access, hit play, downloaded it. and then scrolled through the comments. In just half

so gorgeous, my

face all day. I need to download this and

[What a goddess!)

these absurd

realized he had to pay to view it. He complained in his heart,

was typically free for short videos, and even though they'd introduced a paid feature, hardly anyone used it. It had almost been forgotten, yet here was Natalie, expecting people

need to leave a comment

he quickened his pace, swiftly completing the payment. The blurry

woman appeared in profile, perfectly framed. Outside the window, the night was dark, and shadows danced in the car. Her radiant skin stood out against the darkness. The wind played with her

the wild. Just then, she blinked, and in an instant, she smiled. Her naivety vanished, replaced by a playful allure.

throat; he instinctively wanted to watch it again, but he was

to comment on Nat's video! You can head home and get some

nodded and quietly left the

got into the car, thoughts of Natalie from the video flooded his mind. He thought, 'What is she trying to achieve by posting something like that? It hadn't been long since our divorce; is she really

thoughts. "I've looked into Natalie, but there's very little info. All I could find is that she's from Southoak Mountain, and