From Divorce To Dominance

Darren frowned in annoyance, his eyes flashing with irritation. "What is it now?"

"This is absurd!" Howard shouted. "Sweet Love actually dared to ban me and kicked me out of the live stream!"

Who do they think they are? Howard-cursed inwardly. He was the distinguished heir of the Hinton family, the notorious pla**oy. In Greton, everyone had to show him some respect. That pathetic Director Pierce from Sweet Love? He'd be groveling at Howard's feet, and Howard wouldn't even be bothered to spare a glance. t now, just because it was an online chat, Oscar had the audacity to treat him like this. It infuriated him beyond measure.

Howard stood with his hands on his hips, glaring at the screen where he'd been booted out, brooding for a moment before rolling up his sleeves. T'll just switch to a different account!" Howard didn't w

Are you

done?" Darren snapped. "Get out and make your noise somewhere else. I'm trying to work here." Howard didn I want to go. "Can't I just stay quiet?" he asked.

"No." Darren's tone was unyielding.

Just seeing Howard irritated him. Even though Natalie was his ex-wife, just the sight of Howard sneaking glances at her was enough to grind his gears. What is this? I see Howard as a brother, but here he was, eyeing my ex-wife like she's a prize?' he thought. Seeing Darren's growing annoyance, Howard realized he was genuinely getting fed up. Things had been fine just a minute ago, but now Darren looked like he was about to explode.

Reluctantly, Howard complied. "Fine, fine! I'll wait in the reception area for you. Is that okay?

Howard quickly left, and as Darren sighed in relief, his phone buzzed again.

texted him: (Give me Mr. Harrison's bank account number.]

Howard texted

Darren: [What?)

Howard: [I

[I want to thank him for saving Nat today, so I'm sending him 300 thousand dollars.]

This was a timely reminder for Darren. Although Andrew hadn't guaranteed he'd be there, if not for him playing along, Natalie would surely have messed up big time. Darren felt grateful. After all, if his ex-wife embarrassed herself, it would make him look bad too. As for Howard, he had nothing to do with this. Darren believed it was his job to pay Andrew back, not anyone else's.

Darren picked up his phone and instructed his assistant Tony to transfer 1.5 million dollars to Andrew. A mere 300 thousand dollars wouldn't cut it. With Tony's high efficiency, he got a response in under two minutes confirming the transfer was completed.

He steadied himself and prepared to dive back into work, but Howard's messages kept flooding in.

Howard: Send me the account, please.]

Howard: [Hello?]

Howard: Emercy! Please respond!]

Howard: s going on?]

Howard: [Please!]

Howard: I need your help!]

Howard: [Come on. Darren!]

Darren was fed up. He could see Howard was stubbornly persistent, so he finally replied.

Darren: [The money has already been sent.].

Howard: [You did it for me? I'm bowing in gratitude! If Nat and get together. I'll invite you to our wedding!]

Darren: [Don't bother. No man wants to witness his ex-wife's wedding.]

Darren sent that message with displeasure, eagerly waiting for Howard's response. He waited for a full minute before a message finally came through.

[System Notification: Howard shared the song "Lying to Yourself with you.]

Darren tossed his phone aside, laughing in disbelief. He almost felt like it was a joke. He had been telling a plain truth, but. for some reason, Howard simply didn't want to accept it.

'Sure, I admitted that Natalie might not quite match up to me, but we don't look that mismatched together, right? Why is Howard being so stubbornly unconvinced?' Darren thought.

On the set of Sweet Love, the live stream was still rolling, but Room 8 was quiet.

Natalie and Andrew hadn't seen each other in years. With no one around to interrupt, they took some time to catch up and even shared a meal. Knowing that Natalie had her lunch break routine, Andrew decided he'd better head back to his training hall before disturbing her.

He came out today just to deliver some documents to Tessa, but with things going sideways, it was time to report back to Christian. Natalie didn't try to keep him and casually waved her hand, looking nonchalant.

Just then, Andrew's phone buzzed. He glanced at the caller ID-it was Darren. The earlier incident from this morning flashed in his mind. He shot a look at Natalie and then answered the call.

"Mr. Luther, Andrew said, keeping his tone respectful

"Mr. Harrison," Darren replied, his voice slick and controlled. "You did quite well today. Thanks for your help; I've already wired the payment to your account. I hope it came through."

Andrew paused, saying, "I haven't checked yet. Thank you, anyway."

Darren continued without a hiccup, There's also another matter. During the live stream, you mentioned-that Natalie would be your new endorser.

Andrew turned to Natalie, who was attentively listening with a hint of a smirk on her lips. He understood her nonverbal cue and replied with sincerity, "That's correct"

Darren, with his calm demeanor, said, "Switching endorsers at the last minute can be a h**le, so I'm adding 3 million dollars to cover the costs for the follow-up promotions. But there's one condition: Natalie must be your endorser."

A spark of mischief flickered in Andrew's eyes. "Isn't this a golden opportunity? The endorser will certainly be Natalie, and now I'm being offered 3 extra million just for her to be recognized"

"Deal," he replied, catching Natalie's nod, Thanks for your support, Mr. Luther."

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"Sure," Darren said. It struck him that none of Natalie's so-called benefactors or admirers were as thoughtful as he was. In fact, he was probably the only one willing to spend money on her while considering the full picture of the situation. What kind of cr**y taste does she have in men? She should kick all those losers to the curb! The more Darren thought about it, the more frustrated he became, and he couldn't even muster the energy for small talk before quickly hanging up.. Andrew had just put his phone away when he was immediately bombarded with questions from Natalie. you

"Aren't you going to tell me something?" she teased with a playful glint in her eyes. "Why did he call you? What are you hiding from me?"

Andrew wouldn't dare to pull a fast one on her. He recounted everything that had happened that morning, ending with a question, "He seemed oblivious to the fact that we know each other. Should I accept his money?"

"Of course!" Natalie snorted, a smile dancing on her lips. "Why not take the free money?"

"But what if he finds out we fooled him?"

""He is." He is.

With a a flick. Natalic playfully tapped his forehead. "What are we deceiving him about? Isn't Christian my master?" "Am I not the endorser?"

"You

ou are."

Then it's settled! We're just stating facts. If he wants to make things up in his head, that's on him."

"Fair point" Andrew nodded, feeling relieved. Then I'll just accept the money on behalf of Mr. Graham."

After Andrew left, Natalie prepared for her nap. Her maid had already switched everything around to her usual preferences, even bringing her personal bedding.

With only half an hour to rest, Natalie never compromised on her comfort. She slipped into her silk pajamas and put on her soothing eye mask, feeling ready to drift off. Just as she settled in, urgent shouts from the director, Oscar, broke the tranquility "Ms. Xavier, are you in there? We have a problem! A huge problem! Smooth Skin is suing us!"