From Divorce To Dominance

Chapter 5 Hit Him

Darren thrust her away, his face a mask of frost as he bit out, "Natalie, don't test me!"

Natalie blinked innocently. "Mr. Luther, playing hard to get much? We ended on a clean slate, like strangers. I'm just returning the favor." She tilted her head, mischief dancing in her eyes, a teasing grin making her all the more captivating. Darren's expression clouded. His throat constricted, his temper souring. "If you're so well-behaved, why haven't you left Greton?"

Natalie tugged at her hand, still clamped in his grip. "I left, but now I'm back. Shocked? Didn't anticipate that, huh?"

"Natalie!" Darren barked. In the past, she'd follow his lead, never meeting his gaze so defiantly.

His hold tightened in frustration. "Don't push me! Whatever brought you back to Greton, you need to head back to that mountain right now. Or I'll make sure you can't stick around. You've got twenty-four hours. Don't be within my sight tomorrow!" Natalie clicked her tongue, her eyes icy. "What if I refuse to leave?"

Darren regarded her with disdain, a smirk of cold sarcasm on his lips.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

"What? Did I give you 30 million dollars and now you think you can challenge me? Natalie, in this town, I can make or break you. Remember, you can't outplay me!" He gritted his teeth.

"Let's see who plays their cards right," she retorted, tucking a loose strand behind her ear, her voice steady and confident. "Mr. Luther, don't get ahead of yourself."

Darren forced a laugh through his fury. "Fine, but don't come crying to me later!" He released her and stormed off, not looking back.

Vivian's skin was already marring from their brief tussle. She rubbed her wrist, frustration surging, then spotted him walking away. "Stop!" she called. "Wait!"

Darren slowed his pace, not stopping. He figured she was second-guessing her boldness. After all, she knew his clout; she must be wanting to apologize, to beg for leniency.

He wore a calm smile, relishing the control, the panic in her voice as she pleaded, feeling more at ease.

The tap of her high heels echoed, growing louder.

A sharp pain throbbed at the back of his head. Something hard and pointy had nailed him, a jolt of shock coursing through his body.

Darren felt lightheaded, rubbing the back of his head. His eyes bulged when he saw Natalie nonchalantly pulling her bag back.

He glanced at the bag-small, black, studded-and his head spun. "Did you just hit me with that?"

Natalie chuckled, her tone light. "Truth? That 1 million dollar studded bag packs a punch!"

Darren was seething. "What kind of madness is this?"

With a fierce glare, Natalie shot back, "I told you to stop. Didn't you hear me? If you did, why didn't you stop?"

"So hitting me with your bag is your solution?"

"Next time, it might be my heels," she said with a smirk. "So listen up when I say stop."

"Are you even allowed to talk to me like that?" he demanded, disbelief and anger mingling on his face.

"Oh, not a fan? Get used to it; you will," she smiled sweetly, adjusting her bag with an elegant flair, towering over him in her heels, eyes locked. "I've got a few things to say, so lend me your ears." "1..."

"First, to be clear, I'm in Greton for a show. I couldn't care less about your wedding plans. Marry a dog, for all I care. Just give me a heads-up-I'll send my best wishes."

Darren's fists clenched, but Natalie was oblivious to his rage.

"Second, I used to have a thing for you, but that's ancient history. Face it and quit kidding yourself-it's absurd."

Darren said nothing.

"Third, from now on, it's Ms. Xavier."

Darren felt a rage he'd never known in his twenty-seven years. Grinding his teeth, he barked, "Natalie Xavier!"

"Shh-" Natalie placed a slender finger on her lips, shaking her head in playful reprimand.

His glare could have cut glass. With a sarcastic grin, he said, "Alright, Ms. Xavier, you've pushed me too far. You'll regret this." With that, he turned and strode off, anger rolling off him in waves. Natalie watched Darren leave, unfazed.

With the minor drama behind her, she slipped into the venue just in time. The red carpet video of her went viral in a flash. The moment she appeared on screen, cameras closed in from all angles.

The online reaction was explosive; the director was thrilled. "Let's seize the moment!" he shouted from backstage. "We're going live while the iron's hot!"

The first segment of the Sweet Love show was a self-assessment.

Each female guest had to rate herself before the competition. The scale ranged from S to E, with S at the top and E at the bottom. The seating reflected their score S got the plush couch, while E perched on a tiny stool.

One by one, contestants took the stage to rate themselves. The director kept the audience hooked, often focusing on Natalie.

Every time she was on screen, the comments went nuts. She was an enigma that everyone wanted to solve.

The chat was flooded with her name, and the director was ready with several hot topics for when it was her turn.

Natalie had never been in the limelight, but she wasn't fazed. Having seen bigger stages, she remained poised and graceful. Seated among the contestants, she sat with perfect posture, watching others with keen interest, clapping politely-refined yet aloof. [Help! I can't look away from Queen Natalie! She's drop-dead gorgeous, and that aura? Unmatched!]

[Serene yet stunning, like a wealthy heroine from a page-turner!]

[I totally buy her rich family story; she's just oozing that money vibe, just sitting there!]

[Did you see her getup? To. Die. For. Are those gems even real?]

Finally, it was Natalie's moment. The crowd leaned in when they heard "Queen Natalie." She stepped into the spotlight, following the routine to introduce herself before the judges spoke.

Vivian, the reigning star and host, smiled warmly as Natalie finished.

Vivian's features were soft, giving her a youthful glow. "Queen Natalie, it's such a treat to see you in the flesh. I had no idea you'd be this stunning. You've been making waves online, and I adore your vibe. So, Queen Natalie-oh, what a mouthful! Can I call you Nat?" Vivian's friendly overture was something many would envy, and everyone admired Natalie's luck. But to their shock, Natalie smiled and shook her head, "No, please, it's Ms. Xavier."