CHAPTER 2

After my constructive attempt to block Laurel from shopping at the store, I figured that she would definitely find another store where she could purchase whatever it was she wanted to.

As I step outside, I chuckle out of amazement. My car had been vandalized and the word 'Bitch' sprayed over it. Laurel. She was behind it. I bring out my phone and take a quick photo, and I scan the area for cameras. Luckily, there are multiple cameras in view.

I walk to my now vandalized car, and begin to find my car key when my purse falls. "Did I leave it inside?" I ask myself.

"Here." I hear, as a toned hand, hands me my keys. I look up, and I'm taken aback as soon as I see his crystal blue eyes. I collect my keys, our eyes still focused on one another.

"Hello?" He says, snapping his fingers in the air. I snap out of it and look away. He continues, "Courtesy demands you say at least a thank you, right?"

"Thank you." I say sternly, as I begin to unlock my car.

"Not accepted. How about you tell me thank you, properly, over dinner?"

"I've done my part by saying thank you. It's your problem if you accept it or not. It has nothing to do with me. Have a good evening.” I say as I open the door.

He blocks the door with his hand. "Feisty, I like. First off, those cameras don't work, except one." He says, pointing to a building. "The camera from my house."

"The store has cameras, and why are you telling me this exactly?” I ask.

"Actually, they got ruined earlier today, so it's really not recording anything. I'm guessing, you would want proof because it looks like you'll be pursuing the case, am I right?"

"What are you implying?"

"If you want the footage, dinner. 9 pm. Maison Kayser.” He says, as he jogs off. I scoff, and turn to watch him leave.

I scan my car again, and decide it would be too shameful being seen driving it, with such a derogatory word on it. I wouldn't be caught dead driving it. I pick my phone and place a call home.

"Send me a car, please.”

***

"Where's Louis?" I ask, as soon as I step in to the house.

"He's having his bath. Mrs. Ruth arrived about an hour ago."

**

"Aunt!" I call out, as soon as I enter Louis bedroom. Aunt Ruth is cuddling him and feeding him a bottle of milk.

"My darling," She whispers, using a hand gesture to shush me. "He's almost sleeping.” She whispers. I nod, and give her a hug. After Louis, aunt Ruth was the next best person in my life.

"I'll put him in his crib now.”

After putting Louis in his crib, aunt and I head to my bedroom.

"Natalie, darling, how are you holding up? I was surprised to not meet you at home.”

"Oh, aunt. I'm better. Motherhood is at least giving me a source of joy. Louis is my entire life now.”

"Yes, I can understand. I might not be a mother, but I know all too well the bond a mother feels and shares with her child. It's how I feel about you.”

"I know," I say, as I take her hand. "And I love you dearly, aunt."

She sighs, "So? I saw the papers. Are you back together with Rocky now?"

I get up from the couch, "My time with Rocky was nothing more than puppy love, and that's over now. It's in the past.”

"So why did you attend the party with him?"

"I didn't attend the party with him, he just happened to be there, and stalked me as usual. I can't control the man, aunt.”

"

"And Luke?"

"What about him?" I ask.

"I know you like the back of my hand, Natalie," Aunt Ruth says, and gets up. She comes and stands directly in front of me. She continues, "You wouldn't have attended that party if Luke wasn't attending. You're not even the type to attend parties.”

"You're right. I had my motives for a attending the party. I wanted him to see me, the new me. I wanted to keep his face fresh in my memory, so I would always remember how he ruined my life and caused my fathers death.”

"Does he even know you delivered the baby?"

"Louis is my son alone. Luke lost all his rights on that boy the moment he denied him. Not only did he deprive me of my father, he's also deprived Louis of his fathers love and there's nothing deadlier than a scorned mother. I will bring Luke to his knees, a common street beggar and he will grovel at my feet for mercy.”

"Natalie, is this really you? How did you become so bitter? Why are you letting one man strip you of your goodness, my love?"

"This isn't Natalie, aunt. This is a mother. This is a wife. A wife who's been wronged. This is a wife's revenge." I run my hand through my hair. I really wasn't his wife. I add, "Well, technically, an ex wife's revenge."

I scan the restaurant as I enter the building. I am exactly sixteen minutes late. Had he left already? I felt relieved at the thought, but I knew that I'd actually need the footage, if I ever needed to prove my suspicion that Laurel was behind my car being destroyed. As I turn to leave, I pause, as I see someone waving at me. It is him, the guy from earlier today. I nod, distraught and somewhat annoyed. I walk towards the table where he's seated at and he stands. He takes out the chair for me.

"Okay. I must say, you look stunning." I had worn a strapless golden gown and a suit jacket over it. My hair packed in bridal style.

I roll my eyes at his compliment, even though I was amused hearing it.

He speaks, "Did you just roll your eyes at me?"

"I did. What about it?" I say, as I sit.

"Nothing, for now. I don't even know your name, beautiful."

"Don't get it wrong. I came here, because I need that footage. I didn't come here for petty chitchat."

"If that's the case then why did you dress up so nicely? Why do you have on such provocative lipstick? You could've worn pants, sneakers— but you show up in this.” He says, and sips some water from his glass.

I'm at a loss for words, as I actually wonder why I put in so much effort. This dress was worth £17,000 for God's sake. "I'm not just some rando you met on the street. The paparazzi could be anywhere, I could have my photo taken at any point. I didn't dress up for you. Besides, the restaurant has a strict dressing policy.” I say as I gesture to the waiter I see. "Red wine, please.”

"It's Alex. Alex Robinson.”

"May I have the footage, please?"

"That's too long for a name, don't you think? I'll hand it over after dinner.”

"Natalie Carr— Natalie Richardson.”

"I'm guessing that was formerly your name? Your marital name?"

"It's none of your business, but how can you tell?"

"I have an IQ of 155. I'm a smart man, Miss. Richardson."

"Well, if you're so smart, you should know that I'm not liking this and I'm overly irked by your persistence."

He chuckles, "That was good, that was good. So, what would you like to have?" He says, as the waiter arrives with my glass of wine. I take it and sip some.

"Mozzarella sticks is all I'll have, thank you."

"I'll have the same, thank you."

"Let me ask you a question. What exactly is your game here? What are you after?" I ask, as I begin to wonder. Perhaps, he was sent by Luke? I wouldn't be surprised, Luke was in fact capable of stooping so low.

"I want to get to know you. I'm new in town, formerly lived in Canada, but now I've decided to return home, for the family company."

"Family company? No wonder, I was wondering how you could afford such an expensive restaurant."

He chuckles, "What? That's embarrassing. First time someone's ever looked down on me."

"You're merely a pretty boy, and if you think your small cash, chicken change, may I say, can woo me, then you're dead wrong, Mr. Robinson."

"I love how feisty you are and it's amusing because, truly, no one’s ever not intimidated by me."

"Safe to say you've met your superior, right?" I respond.

"You did it again. Does that mean we're officially friends?"

I roll my eyes again and a laugh somehow escapes my lips. I begin to drink my wine.

The Mozzarella sticks arrive. I take a bite. Alex takes a bite.

"So, what makes you happy— who makes you happy?" He asks.

"My son." I say

I can see the shock on his face, but he doesn't make it obvious. "You have a son. How old is he?"

"He'll be one soon. I had him a few months ago.”

"I hope he makes you smile often?"

"He does. Every moment I'm with him. Louis’ my miracle, without him, I don't know where I'd be." I say. Suddenly, my phone beeps. I take it out and it's a text from the PI. "Excuse me for a moment,"

I open the text and I'm relieved and pleased at the good news I'd just received. The PI had gotten signatures from two frail board members of Carrington Industries. I knew those seats would cost my bank account, but in order to infiltrate Luke's businesses to sabotage him, I had to get into the company, by whatever means possible.

"You look like you just got good news. Am I correct?"

I nod, "I'm forced to believe that you really do have a high IQ. Indeed."

He laughs, "You have a way with words, Ms. Richardson. I like that about you. It's fascinating."

"Give me the footage. I think you've had your fun now."

He chuckles, "Why were you so gullible?"

"Excuse me?"

"The Lux is a luxury atelier and luxury store. How on earth could you think their cameras would malfunction for even a minute? Don't you think they would've been robbed already?"

I chuckle, "What? You played me?"

"I must say, I was scared when I first asked for dinner. I thought you would catch on and decipher the lie, no offense."

"Offense taken, how dare you bother me and waste my time? Do you realize my son is in bed, alone?" I say, almost irritated, but still amused. This man was truly becoming a thorn in my foot.

"Forgive me. It was not my intention to get you riled up or insult your intelligence. I honestly just wanted to have dinner, that's all."

"I never want to see you again. If I do, you owe me a favor and a very very huge one. I hope you have a disastrous evening." I say and take my exit.

As I exit the building, I place a call to Lee Martins, my personal private investigator.

"Did you ensure they signed the transfer documents?" I asks. He responds with a positive reply and so I'm calm. "Alright. Please I need those documents and I might need you to hire a lawyer for me. I might have a case I'd like to take up in court." I say, referring to the incident with my car. If Laurel really was behind my car getting vandalized, she would surely hear from me, and my lawyer.

Wearing my expensive Gucci sunglasses, I alight from my car. I inhale the fresh air, as soon as I step out of the car. I open my eyes and take in the scenery. I'd almost forgotten how the place looked like but now, my memory had been revived.

Walking gloriously into the building, I'm a bit nervous at how everyone seems to notice me. I regain composure, and deep down, I love the attention. The old Natalie wouldn't have called so much attention. Definitely, people would have noticed the old me, but not for my looks. My innocence did the talking. My innocence called out to people, it was visible, plastered on my face. Those doe eyes, soft lips did the charming. However, this Natalie, the new me, my aura spoke for me. It was chilly. The aura surrounding me, was my weapon. There was just something about it, it didn't scream vengeance or anger or hatred, I couldn't particularly give a name to it, but it was most likely related to my newfound sexual appeal and the fact that nobody could tell what was going on in my mind.

The elevator opens and I step out. The whispers continue and someone calls me.

"Mrs. Carrington?"

"It's Richardson now." I say as I head straight for the board room, where according to Luke's schedule, he would be. I open the door and walk straight in. All eyes are on me.

"Good morning!" I say in the chirpiest voice I can use. "I assume this belongs to Mr Holmes and this to Mr. Burton?" I ask, as I point at two empty chairs. I take off my shades and look straight at Luke. "I assume I'm correct." I say, as I sit on one chair. "My bag will be taking the second chair, thank you. So, what are we discussing today?"

"What the hell are you doing here?" Luke asks, already annoyed. I can tell from his red eyes.

"Incase you've forgotten, I own thirty percent of this company, Luke. No, let me rephrase, I owned thirty percent of your company, now, I own forty percent, from Mr. Holmes and Burton. I'm the highest shareholder, even more than you. I own majority of Carrington Industries now, Mr. Carrington, so please, I beg you, speak to me with some respect or you will end up regretting it."

"How do you own more shares? Where's Mr. Holmes?" Someone asks.

"I bought them, and as we speak, both Mr. Holmes and Burton are heading for another country, with your private jet." I say as I point at Luke. "Enough with the questions, please. Shall we begin the meeting? Can someone brief me?"

"I need a moment with my ex-wife, please." Luke says and amidst the murmurs, the board members begin to leave.

As soon as they leave, he gets up. I sit, trying to hide my nervousness.

"What exactly do you think you're doing?" He asks, and I resist the urge to close my eyes. This man still had the capability to make me tremble.

"I could ask you the same, why did you disrupt the meeting?"

"You really have no shame, do you? I'm capable of doing so many things to you, I can make you disappear, Natalie."

"Is that a threat?" I ask, as I get up, walking in his direction. "I'm not afraid of you, Luke. I'm just as powerful as you are. Before I married you, my family had some influence too, I was somebody, before you and I still am. As far as wealth goes, I might not be as rich as you are, but, I'm still an equal, you can't deny that."

"Your presence disgusts me, because you know, you're a loose and immoral woman and every time I see you, bile rises to my throat. You have no dignity left and you still show your face here?"

Luke's words annoy me. They are like a piercing hot knife, being pushed into my heart. "You know, if there's one thing I regret, it's letting you touch me and letting you be the father of my son. You're a bastard and not worthy to be Louis’ father. Gutter trash will always be gutter trash. You were from the slums, were you not? Pathetic little boy from the gutter who found his way to riches. Riches you got by demeaning and selling yourself, selling your soul. Who's disgusting now?"

"What the hell does that even mean?" He asks. I could see his reaction clearly, and I knew that there was in-fact some truth in what the PI sent to me.

"Ask yourself that, after all you did it, right?"