From Divorce To Dominance

Chapter 2 Welcome Home

Natalie wiped away her tears and spoke with resolve, "I want everyone here in thirty minutes." It was time to face the music. With the divorce done and dusted, she was ready to reclaim her life and take on whatever came her way.

Ten minutes later, a fleet of roaring Ferraris pulled up outside the hospital, their headlights turning the night into day.

At that moment, a private jet swooped down and landed right in front of them. Out stepped a dapper man, impeccably suited, exuding an air of sophistication.

"Good evening, Mr. Arthur Xavier!" the bodyguards greeted in unison.

The man, Arthur Xavier, adjusted his cufflinks, pushing up his glasses with a graceful hand. When his piercing gaze swept the crowd, a shiver ran through the air. "Let's go get Ms. Xavier!"

"Get Ms. Xavier!" The team was buzzing. After three rousing chants, they marched into the hospital in perfect formation.

When Tommy heard about the VIPs, he stood at the entrance, ready to greet them. But as he stepped forward, he was rudely pushed aside by a couple of burly bodyguards.

Arthur, who was leading the pack, a picture of elegance and authority, looked down at Tommy coldly. The intensity of Arthur's stare made Tommy avert his gaze. Fear clutched his throat, as Tommy thought, 'Who is this formidable figure from Greton? And which Ms. Xavier are they after?'

Dazed, Tommy got up after they left and rushed to the elevator, his mind racing, 'The twelfth floor? Isn't that where that local girl just had a baby? Who is she to rate such a grand escort? I better call Mr. Luther to fill him in!'

At a plush club's private room, Darren lounged on a couch, idly puffing on a cigarette while hot models danced suggestively nearby. They pressed close, vying for his attention, but he simply growled, "Back off!" Darren's buddy, Howard Hinton, stepped in to clear the room. "Scram, all of you! Can't you see he's not interested? His true love is on her way back to tie the knot. Forget your silly dreams!" With the crowd gone, silence fell.

Howard settled next to Darren, eager to talk. "When's Vivian coming back?"

"In three days."

"And the wedding?"

"Whenever she pleases," Darren said softly at the mention of Vivian.

"I feel for her. These past three years have been tough. This time, I'll give her everything she's owed and make her the happiest woman alive!" Darren added.

"Vivian's got looks, brains, and even saved your life. I don't get why Henry wouldn't let you marry her. Now he's making you hitch to some local nobody! That girl can't hold a candle to Vivian!"

"Don't speak of her; it's jinxed!" Darren said quietly, "And keep it from Vivian."

Howard quickly agreed, "Right! Ex-wives are like ghosts. Who talks about ghosts?"

Just then, Darren's phone buzzed. Tommy's name flashed on the screen, blinking insistently.

'Great, what now?' he thought. 'Even post-divorce, she won't cut the cord? Is she having buyer's remorse?' The notion sent a shiver down his spine. He could easily see her trying to weasel back into his life. With a scowl, he hit the answer button and barked, "What do you want?"

Tommy on the other end replied cautiously, "Mr. Luther, it's about Mrs. Luther... she just..."

"If she's stirring up trouble, I don't want the details."

"No, no!" Tommy quickly corrected. "She was taken away by someone!"

Darren paused, taken aback. "Good riddance! Just remember, she's not Mrs. Luther anymore. Keep mentioning her, and you might be job hunting."

Tommy wanted to explain what he'd witnessed, but the threat in Darren's voice made him clamp his mouth shut. "Understood!"

Darren hung up and turned to Howard, who was already pouring him a drink. "Relax! Let's toast to being rid of that local headache. Here's to single life and meeting new folks!"

Meanwhile, a private jet soared high above the clouds, cutting through the night sky. Six hours later, the jet touched down in front of a stately mansion, oozing elegance.

The staff, on tenterhooks, sprang into action. They unfurled a lavish carpet worth millions and adorned the entrance with fresh roses flown in from a private estate overseas. A royal guard, decked out in red and white, stood at attention. At the conductor's cue, they struck up a lively tune, filling the air with vigor.

As the cabin door opened, a row of perfectly aligned servants greeted Natalie with warm smiles, bowing in unison. "Welcome home, Ms. Xavier!"

Natalie, cradling her baby, had just stepped onto the plush carpet when a maid knelt to slip off her heels and replace them with bespoke crystal slippers.

"These crystal shoes were just bought by Mr. Jonathan Lightman from the Lightman Group for 50 million dollars at the auction. Hearing you were coming home, he had them flown overnight. He hopes you'll grace the scent conference in Prustine next year. He says your absence has been a loss for the perfume world." Arthur explained.

Natalie's focus quickly shifted to the spectacle before her, and she frowned, turning to Arthur. "What's with all this?"

Arthur raised an eyebrow, his sharp glasses glinting. With a playful grin, he said, "It's a little surprise from Mr. Carol Carter, CEO of Carter Tech. They've put on a show with 1,314 drones and 520 smart robots. They've improved on your designs over the past three years and are now showing off the latest results."

"And that?" Natalie pointed at the grand estate.

A towering castle stood, adorned with a huge LED display showing videos. Influencers and leaders from various fields appeared, smiling as they welcomed her back and expressed their excitement to meet her.

Suddenly, a cheerful voice rang out, "Nat, my darling! You're finally back! Mommy's missed you so!"

Lynn Xavier appeared, resplendent in a colorful medieval gown and a feathered hat. She teetered on sparkling heels worth 800 thousand dollars as she approached. Hugging Natalie, she exclaimed, "Oh! My precious princess! We're throwing a party to celebrate your divorce! You're free now, which means you can spend every day with me."

Natalie couldn't help but chuckle, "Mom, I'm feeling a bit down."

"Down? Time to bounce back!" Lynn twirled a lock of hair. "There are plenty more fish in the sea! I've lined up 365 handsome guys for you, all tall and broad-shouldered. They'll keep you company for the next year!" Natalie was speechless.

"No more moping over your ex! Come on, let's go inside and pick out a charming companion for today!" Lynn said.Belongs to (N)ôvel/Drama.Org.