From Divorce To Dominance (Natalie Xavier)

Chapter 17

It was a message from Howard: [Hey, Darren! Am I seeing this right? Why are you in my Nat's backup boyfriend group?]

Darren: [You're in it too?]

Howard: [Of course! Who wouldn't love Nat? I'm number 3011 Pretty cool, right?]

Darren: [What's so great about that?]

Howard: [Wait a minute, bro! You're about to marry Vivian, and how you're switching sides? Don't try to steal Nat away from me!]

Darren rubbed his temples in frustration. He thought hopelessly, 'What is with all this drama?"

Darren: [Natalie isn't my type. I'm not interested in her. I just wanted to meet her once, and then she pulled me into this group.] Howard: [If you're not interested, why even meet her?]

Darren: [It's not me. Grandpa wants her to come to dinner at our place.]

Howard: [No way. I AM SO Shocked.]

Darren: [Are you filled with nonsense? Get lost!]

Darren tugged irritably at his tie. Ever since Natalie returned, it felt like nothing was going right. Business at the company was dull, like some hidden force was working against him. His plan to marry Vivian was also falling apart. Without Henry's approval, Darren felt completely stuck. And now he couldn't even handle Natalie.

He wanted to ask her out, but ended up in this annoying group instead. Plus, he just found out his buddy is trying to go after his ex-wife. Even though he didn't have feelings for Natalie anymore-she was just his ex-it still made him uneasy to think about his friend and her together.

Anyway, everyone knew Howard was a player. He switched girls almost every month, the longest relationship barely lasting a few weeks. Considering this, Darren decided not to mention that Natalie was married and had a kid. Instead, he tried once more to reach out to her. But no luck.

was still blocked, and even though he could message her on WhatsApp, she must have found it annoying because after a few tries, he was blocked

away from me forever. Tomorrow you're on that Sweet Love live stream, and I might as well just knock

*****

of the Sweet Love, a mix of fans and reporters buzzing with excitement. Everyone knew today was the day Natalie was going to join the live auditions.

today. It was practically guaranteed to go viral. Many reporters had already written their articles and were just waiting

down everyone's faces. Yet, nobody dared

a.m., a stretched Lincoln pulled up slowly. The crowd erupted in

and the excitement was electric. But first, a line of bodyguards stepped out, tall

a beautifully carved chair and placing it on the ground. A fair, long leg stepped out, followed by a stunning face that seemed to shine like the sun. The moment

the first to greet her, knowing that with Natalie on board, their show

and Arthur quickly stepped in to help her, guiding her to the chair. The simple gestures showed off her

said lightly, a playful

of countless cameras, Keaton forced a smile. "Ms. Xavier,

making

sour. Apologizing publicly was a big deal; now she wanted him to bow! Who did she think she was? Just

Natalie shrugged and started to turn

sight. Natalie was not someone to mess with. If she walked out like this, he could already picture the headlines mocking him on Twitter. "Ms.

completely frustrated, but as he thought about all the chances he'd have to put her in a tough spot during the live auditions later, his anger started to fade. Gritting his teeth,

that we've got the bow and apology, can we move on to the

raised an eyebrow.

let's go in

by side toward the backstage, with even more viewers tuning in than the first episode. [What's the deal with Natalie? That's Oscar, and he's

this "Natalie"? She should