From Divorce To Dominance

30

The man in front of her was tall and well-built, dressed in a tailored suit that hugged his form just right. His hair was slicked back meticulously, exuding an aura of a disciplined elite. His features were perfect, but his icy eyes lacked warmth. When he looked over, his eyelids lifted ever so slightly, sending a shiver down the maid's spine. The maid felt her heart race. She had to admit, this was the most handsome man she had ever seen. But no matter how good-looking he was, there were protocols to follow. Suppressing her excitement, she kept it professional and said, "Please wait in line for a date. You can't see her without her permission."

Darren amaid blurted, her eyes wide. 'I thought you were dead!"

didn't have the patience for such trivial matters. I'm her ex-husband. Go tell her to come out."

"What?" What the

Natalie had told them her ex-husband had died after a tumor grew on his brain, and even Lynn had confirmed it, urging them to mourn. At that moment, the maid couldn't help but glance at his head.

Darren's lips twitched, his voice cold as ice. "Go announce my arrival"

The maid awkwardly nodded, telling him to wait before rushing upstairs. "Ms. Xavier!" she yelled while running. "Your ex-husband has come back from the dead!"

Five minutes later, Natalie stood before Darren. She was still in her pink pajamas, arms crossed over her chest, looking up at him with a messy bow in her hair. "Mr. Luther," she said lazily, yawning slightly.

He cut her off, his expression icy enough to freeze. I heard you've been telling people I'm dead?"

"Well, not exactly," she stammered.

"Really?"

Tjust mentioned it a little," she quickly changed the subject. "So, Mr. Luther, what brings you here? Didn't you have enough of yelling at me on the phone earlier?

He had bombarded her with relentless insults before hanging up, leaving her with no chance to talk back, so she took out her frustrations in a few texts. But now, here he was, presenting himself at her doorstep. Natalie narrowed her eyes, ready for a showdown. But Darren advanced, and she stumbled back, finding herself trapped against him, unable to escape his towering presence.

"What do you want, Darren?" she asked, warily.

"Natalie, what do you want in return for letting Howard go?" His tone was serious

"What does Howard have to do with this?" Natalie was perplexed

Darren was growing impatient, his irritation surfacing. "He's 30A woman like you, divorced with a kid, doesn't deserve him I don't care if you genuinely want to date him or if you're just using him to get to me; I won't allow it." Here we Here go again. This self-obsessed jerk is at it once more,' Natalie thought, rolling her eyes in exasperation. "That's funny, Mr. Luther"

Darren ignored Natalie. "Just name your price. How much for you to cancel your date with Howard?"

'Howard is love-struck and clueless about her true nature, but I see right through her. I won't allow Howard to get tangled up and hurt by her deceit! Darren thought.

Natalie shook her head. "It's not about money."

30 million dollars"

"It's about what I want. Why would I say no to handsome guys?"

*300 million dollars Darren scoffed, "Come on, how much do you really want? Just say it."

Natalie cleared her throat, cautiously meeting his gaze. "Maybe 30 billion?"

Her vibrant, sparkling eyes tw**led with greed.

"You must be dreaming!" Darren shot her a sharp glare. "Natalic, I can't believe you really have the guts to say that!"

Natalie shrugged, feigning disappointment. "Well, if we can't come to an agreement, then there's nothing more to discuss." She gave him a nudge, intending to head toward the villa.

Suddenly, a

a brooding voice came from behind, as if Darren had carefully weighed his options. "Alright,

Natalie thought, "What a bold move!" "A thousand billion?" she asked.

"I can go on a date with you," said Darren.

What?

Darren asked Natalie.

looked at her with a smirk, as if he could see through her facade. "I'll go out with you instead of him. Isn't that what you wanted?" Natalie was stunned, her expression frozen. "There's really no need for that!"

"Still putting up a front?" Darren retracted his hand, looking her up and down. "If you're happy, just let it show. You don't need to hold it back." swear

I'm not! Natalie thought as her lips twitched; the thought of actually going on a date with Darren made her feel uneasy. After a moment, she said, "But... I don't date guys who are engaged." Darren raised an I an eyebrow as he thought, 'Here it is-the crux of the matter. He feigned ignorance, "So?"

Confident that he wouldn't agree, Natalie provocatively looked him in the eye. "Unless you break off your engagement."

"I knew it!" Darren's voice shot up a few notches, seething with anger. "You're still up to no good! This is your real aim, right? Whether it's joining a show or keeping backup options, it's all to make me break things off with Vivian!" Sure, whatever you say," Natalie e replied with a smirk. After all, he wouldn't believe her even if denied it. This arrogant man was both self-absorbed and stubborn. Darren pressed on, "So, did you come back to sabotage my wedding?"

"Oh, absolutely!" Natalie grinned widely. "So, how about breaking your engagement? Only being single means we can go out, you know."

"Not a chance!" Darren shot back, his gaze fierce. Tm going to expose you in front of Howard!"

The moment she heard that, Natalie felt a surge of delight and urged him on, "Go for it then"

She genuinely hoped Darren could convince Howard to give up. She really had no plans to be with Darren's friend.

"Fine! Just wait!" Darrerspar before speeding off in his Maserati, disappearing into the night.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

Natalie stretched and glanced at the time. It was almost 9 PM-time to hit the hay. As she entered the villa, she bumped into Arthur and called out, "Hey, Arthur "Your ex-husband?" Arthur adjusted his glasses, asking with a poker face.

Yep." Natalie replied, "He came here at midnight like a ***tic and just left."

Not

feeling down about it?" Arthur i inquired.

Natalie rolled her eyes, "After being ignored for three years, I've long since gotten over him. What's there to be sad about? Good night, Arthur

Darren drove like a maniac and pushed the door to Moonlight Bar open, instantly spotting Howard on stage, singing and dancing like there was no tomorrow Ethan waved Darren over, and he made his way to the table.

"Where have you been?" Ethan asked, raising an eyebrow. "Howard has gone crazy. He said he wanted to take your ex-wife out next week. Can you imagine the drama Darren shot him a cold clearly irked. "Stop being so gleeful about it."

look,

"Aren't you going to tell him the truth" Ethan rubbed his nose thoughtfully. "If they end up dating, won't it be super awkward for you?"

As they were talking. Howard wrapped up his performance with a loud cheer and bounded over, completely ignoring the beautiful women who were trying to flirt with him along the way. "Darren! Ethan!" He gleefully lined us drink and ch**d it down. "You two need to help me out. What should I plan for the date

Ethan glanced at Darren, whose expression had turned serious. "Howard, you can't date Natalie."

"Why not?" Howard pouted, not happy with Darren's comment. Come on, Darren, don't start trash-talking her again"

Darren was getting frustrated. "I'm not! It's just that she's been married and has a kid. She's actually my ex-wife!"