Wife by Day, Boss by Night by Thalia Quillspeak

Chapter 6

On the surface, tonight’s dinner was an intimate business mixer, a gathering of the local commercial elite.

The buzz of conversations at the venue gradually died down as word of Natalie and Shawn’s exchange made its rounds.

“Go on, dance.” Shawn nudged Natalie with a whisper, seeing her stand motionless. “If your can’t dance, you might as well roll out.”

A faint, unwavering smile played on Natalie’s lips as she regarded her adversary, silent.

Joseph, beside her, knew the request was unreasonable, but he had managed to set up this meeting with Shawn after great effort. And with the Wright family’s recent scandal, it would spell trouble if Natalie caused a scene.

“Miss…” he prodded, his voice barely above a whisper.

Natalie toyed with her empty wine glass, her smile intact, as she locked eyes with Shawn for a few seconds before suddenly reaching out and plucking the half–smoked cigarette from his fingers.

“I can dance,” she said coolly, “for fifty million. Will you pay?”

Shawn hadn’t expected such a retort. “You think you’re worthy of

turned sharp in an instant. Pinching

searing pain. Natalie had seized his finger, twisted it, and then flipped his hand back at him, her gaze fierce as she

and hissed. “You bitch! I swear I’ll make

words were harsh, but Natalie couldn’t help but let a small smile

intended to resort to violence, hoping to endure the evening in deference to her grandfather’s reputation. Samuel might have wanted to

greetings

caught the mention of “Mr. Howard” and

her back to the entrance, Natalie tensed at

a nearby couch, crossing his long legs, listening to the

1/2

18-44

Chapter 6

mistaken at the mall last night. It was Natalie. She had returned. She

knew of the history between Brian and Natalie. His sudden appearance charged the atmosphere

had cast aside,