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?”

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

look in Natalie’s eyes turned sharp in an instant. Pinching the cigarette’s end, her hand.

hand moved, he felt a sudden, searing pain. Natalie had seized his finger, twisted it, and then flipped his hand back

hissed. “You bitch! I

Natalie couldn’t help but let a

hoping to endure the evening in deference to her grandfather’s reputation. Samuel might have wanted to use her, but whether to play along was her choice. But Shawn’s barking was too loud, too

then, respectful greetings echoed from

mention of “Mr. Howard” and

her back to the entrance,

couch, crossing his long legs, listening to the

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Chapter 6

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

history between Brian and Natalie. His sudden appearance

had cast aside, there had once been connections