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.

she must have found it annoying because after a few tries,

Darren seethed, "Okay, Natalie. You've really 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

*****

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 create buzz and

practically guaranteed to

in the sky, and sweat dripped down everyone's faces. Yet, nobody dared to leave or complain. Everyone was on edge, respectfully waiting; it felt like a major star was about to

The crowd erupted in cheers, chanting Natalie's name, while reporters aimed

stepped out, tall and tough, creating a protective wall around the vehicle. They formed two neat lines, standing

bodyguards emerged from the car, carefully lifting a beautifully carved chair and placing it on the ground. A fair, long leg stepped

with Natalie on board, their show was about

reached 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

said lightly, a playful

front of countless cameras, Keaton forced a smile. "Ms. Xavier, I apologize for my

firm, making it clear there was no way out of

him to bow! Who did

in place, Natalie shrugged and

mocking him on Twitter. "Ms. Xavier!" he called after her, and then turned to Keaton with a serious warning. "If you mess this up, don't

during the 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

we've got the bow and

an eyebrow. "After you,

let's

in than the first episode. [What's the deal with Natalie? That's Oscar, and he's treating her

"Natalie"? She should be called