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.

he could message her on WhatsApp, she must

done it now. You cannot run away from me forever. Tomorrow you're on that Sweet Love live stream, and I might as well just knock you out

*****

of fans and reporters buzzing with excitement. Everyone knew today was the day Natalie was going to join the live auditions. After everything that had happened recently, Natalie's popularity shot up-she was practically as famous as top celebrities. Just her showing up would

better, word was that Keaton was going to publicly apologize to Natalie today. It was practically guaranteed to go viral. Many reporters had already written their articles and were just waiting to snap some photos for

nobody dared to leave or complain. Everyone was on edge, respectfully waiting;

a stretched Lincoln pulled up slowly. The crowd erupted in

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

A fair, long leg stepped

that with Natalie on board, their show was about to explode in popularity. His voice carried

out her hand, and Arthur quickly stepped in to help her, guiding her to the chair. The simple gestures showed off her elegance, highlighting her status as a rich heiress. Oscar eagerly stepped forward, nudging Keaton next to him. "Keaton wants to apologize to you in person, hoping you'll

a

forced a smile. "Ms. Xavier, I apologize for

casual but firm, making it clear there

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

him frozen in place, Natalie shrugged

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

the live auditions later, his anger started to fade. Gritting his teeth, he bowed deeply. "Ms. Xavier,

got the bow and apology, can we

eyebrow. "After

let's go

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 be called Ms.