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.

message her on WhatsApp, she must have

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

*****

and reporters buzzing with excitement. Everyone knew today was the day Natalie was going to join the live auditions. After everything that had happened

Natalie today. It was practically guaranteed to go

in the sky, and sweat dripped down everyone's faces. Yet, nobody dared to leave or complain. Everyone was on

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

and the excitement was electric. But first, a line of bodyguards stepped out, tall and tough, creating a protective wall around the vehicle. They formed two neat lines,

ground. A fair, long leg stepped

with Natalie on board, their

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

a playful smile appearing

front of countless cameras, Keaton forced a smile.

her tone casual but firm, making it

wanted him to bow! Who did she think

him frozen in place, Natalie shrugged

this, he could already picture the headlines mocking him on Twitter. "Ms. Xavier!" he

live auditions later, his anger started to fade. Gritting his teeth, he bowed deeply. "Ms. Xavier, I'm truly sorry. I hope you can forgive me." Natalie paused and gave him a

moment. "Now that we've got the bow and apology, can

raised an eyebrow. "After you,

Xavier, let's go in

side by side toward the backstage, with even more viewers tuning in than the first episode. [What's the deal

this "Natalie"? She should be