Wife by Day, Boss by Night

“Look at that cutie pie!” the actress cooed at Nate while slyly peering through the car window.

Sure enough, a man was sitting inside. It was Brian, though the interior was a bit dim.

Nate glanced at the actress, who was more interested in his dad than him, feeling a twinge of irritation inside.

These ladies were always flocking around his dad. And with his mom just a stone's throw away, they still dared to come sniffing around!

His eyes darted with wisdom before he beamed at the actress and chirped,

“Hello, old Ma'am!”

The actress froze, then looked at Nate with bewilderment, pointing at herself as if she'd misheard.

Natalie coughed in surprise.

She leaned down to Nate and whispered, “That's a young lady, sweetheart. Say

“hello, young lady.*”

“But...” Nate cocked his little head. “But she looks old! Daddy says we should respect our elders and be polite.”

It was Nate's way of putting these overconfident women in their place, making it clear they were no match for his gorgeous mommy!

Inside the car, Brian couldn't help but overhear. Not wanting to cause a scene and risk seeming unkind in front of Brian, the actress played along with a strained smile, “Absolutely, politeness is key.”

Nate pondered, then asked Natalie, “Are you hungry, Natalie?” He eagerly explained, “Mr. Howard and I were just about to grab some grub! You should join us!”

Natalie glanced at Brian, understanding that Nate calling him “Mr. Howard” in public might be Brian's doing.

Sensing Nate's invitation, the actress tugged gently at Natalie, urging her to accept.

Natalie hesitated, then replied, “The young lady here hasn't had lunch either.

Maybe we should invite her, too?”

“Nope.” Nate cut her off without a second thought.

The actress face soured.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

Nate continued earnestly, “The lady who had dinner with Mr. Howard yesterday ended up with a black and blue face and then disappeared. The one before that got tied up with rope, and it was the same with the one before her. All the ladies who dine with Mr. Howard end up vanishing.” Nate was trying to say that Brian changed girlfriends like he changed shirts and had a nasty

temper.

The actress* face turned ashen as she listened. Brian's bad temper was infamous, and Nate's insinuations were chilling her to the bone.

“Then...” she swallowed nervously, glancing at Natalie.

Natalie, too, was shocked by Nate's attempt at intimidation.

Thinking Nate might be telling the truth, the actress iY) exceséd)

1“ & re oA i di fect r's calling. I better ki ” -

run. See you later!”

With that, she dashed off as if the devil himself was at her heels.

Natalie watched the woman leave and then turned back to Nate.

« ) . RT .

Let's grab a bite, Natalie!” Nate said, a triumphant look Yesresest Cal LA 5 pat on the head.

“You and your daddy go ahead,” Natalie sighed, resigned. “There's too much of a crowd here.”

“But I miss you,” Nate persisted, his face a picture of innocence and mischief.

Natalie had had a tiff with Brian the Rk ys night before and hide themood igspprer mea im. After a

3 ’

oment’s thought, she leaned