Chapter 98: It Takes Two To Tango

Victor leaned back, still casual. "Now that we’re done, how about a celebratory lunch?"

"I’m busy," Natalie replied curtly, already returning to her work.

"Dinner?"

"Even more busy."

"One dinner with another man—your husband won’t mind, will he? He can’t be petty."

At Victor’s comment, Natalie’s thoughts immediately went to Justin, and without thinking, she muttered, "He’s the epitome of pettiness and jealousy."

Victor chuckled. "Then my advice is to leave him and come to me. Men like him are walking red flags."

"I know," she said absentmindedly, "but I like the way he is." The words slipped out so naturally that Natalie didn’t realize what she meant.

"Women can be truly brainless when it comes to men like that, and you’re no exception."

"I never claimed otherwise."

"Yeah, if you had any brain, you wouldn’t have fallen for that idiot Ivan Brown in the first place."

Natalie looked at him curiously. ’

She wondered if she was the only one who couldn’t see what they saw.

"Why do you always call him an idiot?" she asked, genuinely perplexed. "I was the one who wronged him on our wedding day."

Victor’s playful demeanor faded for a moment, his voice turning serious. "Some people are just born idiots, and Ivan is one of them. There’s no deeper reason."

Before she could respond, Victor stood, adjusting his jacket. "Anyway, I’m off. My time is precious."

"You don’t seem to value your time when you’re flirting with me," Natalie shot back. "But the moment we start talking about something serious, suddenly, it’s a waste of time."

Victor grinned, his charm back in full force. "Flirting with you is part of my fitness routine. It’s good for my heart. But serious talk with you—especially about your ex—is depressing. That’s bad for my health." He winked and turned to leave.

"Jerk!" she called after him.

He laughed as his voice echoed down the corridor, even though he was out of sight. "Not my fault as you have a hobby of collecting jerks!"

Natalie frowned, resisting the urge to chase after him and give him a piece of her mind. She took a deep breath, tamping down her irritation and resumed her work.

A short while later, Nora and Ella approached Natalie with a sense of urgency. "Ms. Natalie, we’re receiving a flood of emails and calls from various artists inquiring about our company and the opportunities we’re offering. But most of them are mid-scale to smaller artists."

Natalie nodded thoughtfully. "Get all their details and start arranging interviews. You and Dan will handle the interviews. As for the new staff we’re hiring, make sure that process speeds up. We’re going to need more manpower."

"Yes, Ms. Natalie. We’ve already received a number of applications," Ella responded.

"Good. Anyone who’s worked for the Ford Group or has been associated with them in any capacity—reject them immediately," Natalie instructed, her tone sharp.

Ella looked slightly concerned. "Do you think there could be a spy?"

"

" Natalie scoffed. "I’m one hundred percent sure."

"Understood," Ella nodded, fully aware of the stakes.

Just then, Nora’s phone rang. She excused herself and stepped out to take the call. As soon as she left, Natalie’s gaze shifted toward Dan.

"Keep an eye on her," Natalie said quietly.

Ella, overhearing, frowned. "If you suspect her, why not just fire her?"

Natalie’s expression remained calm, calculating. "It’s better to keep an enemy close. She might be useful later."

Dan and Ella exchanged knowing glances, and returned to their works.

-----

Exhausted, Natalie returned home, but the house felt emptier than usual. She didn’t see her grandfather and immediately dialed his number.

"Grandpa, where are you?"

"I’m staying at the hospital tonight," the old man replied, his voice calm.

Worry instantly crept into Natalie’s tone. "What happened? Are you alright?"

She heard him chuckle on the other end. "Of course, I’m fine! I just thought I’d give you and Aiden some space tonight. Let the newlyweds have some romantic time together without this old man lurking around."

"Grandpa..."

"I know, I know," he interrupted, his tone light and cheerful. "But you really should pay more attention to your husband. You’re both always so busy, but when he’s home, make time for him. Spend some quality time together." His voice became even more enthusiastic. "I’m doing this for myself, you know. I can’t wait to see my great-grandchild. You two better get to work on that!" He hung up before she could respond.

Natalie stood there, speechless.

She sighed, and slumped into sofa After a while she stood up and decided to cook something for herself. As usual the home felt empty without the two men.

She shook her head, She looked at her phone, and decided against it.

She prepared a nice meal, enjoyed it, showered after finishing some of her work and was about to head to bed, when the doorbell rang.

Her heart skipped a beat, and she sprang out of the bedroom, hurrying toward the door, her pulse quickening as she knew who it was.

Before opening the door, Natalie took a deep breath to calm herself, regaining her usual composed demeanor. Slowly, she opened the door.

As expected, Justin stood there, his imposing figure framed by the light outside in the corridor.

Natalie’s somehow calmed heart, once more raced. She did her best to hide it stepped back to let him enter the home. She didn’t know what to say or ask.

Justin wordlessly entered the home and started to change his footwear.

Natalie put the home slippers for him in front of him like an obedient wife and asked, "Would you like to eat something?"

He simply nodded, his expressions serious, and attention focussed on removing his shoes.

She could see he was unusually quiet. But not asking anything, she said gently, "Wash your hands, I will reheat the food," and went to the kitchen.

This sudden calmness between them felt strange, but she knew she was glad to see him back.