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

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

*****

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

even 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

everyone's faces. Yet, nobody dared to leave or complain. Everyone was on edge, respectfully

The crowd erupted in cheers, chanting Natalie's name, while reporters aimed their cameras at the fancy

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

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 she appeared, it felt like the sunlight dimmed a

board, their show

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

over with," she said lightly, a playful smile appearing as her

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

Natalie said, her tone casual but firm, making it clear there was

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

place, Natalie shrugged and started

the headlines mocking him on Twitter.

felt 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, he bowed deeply. "Ms. Xavier, I'm truly sorry. I hope you can forgive me." Natalie

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

eyebrow.

let's go in

with even more viewers tuning in than the first episode.

She should