Ivan Brown, he was looking for his friend Steve Davis but happened to stumble with Natalie who was clearly displeased to see him. He briefly observed her.
He paused, his gaze sweeping over her as if seeing her for the first time in a long while, and briefly observed her.
The double-breasted blazer, with gold buttons adding a touch of sophistication. Underneath, she wore a delicate ivory silk camisole that peeks out subtly, offering a soft contrast to the structured jacket.
High-waisted slim-fit trousers, made from matching fabric, tapering gracefully to just above the ankle, showcasing her black pointed-toe stiletto heels, which elevate the entire look with understated glamour.
Her hair was neatly styled into a low, sleek bun, emphasizing her sharp features and adding a polished, refined touch to her overall appearance. A soft nude lip, a hint of blush for a natural glow, and subtle eyeliner to define her eyes completed her look—minimal yet flawless.
She wore simple, delicate jewelry: pearl earrings and a thin gold bracelet that complemented her refined, modern aesthetic.
Though others might overlook her understated elegance, to Ivan, she suddenly looked strikingly beautiful.
Natalie, ignoring him, was about to change her path when Ivan called out, "What are you doing here?"
"None of your business," she shot back, her tone icy.
"Just because you’re the CEO of a failing company doesn’t mean you deserve to be here," he retorted, attempting to mask the brief attraction he felt by attacking her with a bitter remark.
He reminded himself—Briena was far more beautiful than Natalie.
Natalie’s eyes narrowed. "Being the CEO of a company that was nearly bankrupt but was saved by my perfume creation gives you no right to mock me either. Also, if I can save one bankrupt company once, I can do it again. But what can you do, rely on your current finance to create a miracle product for you?" Natalie scoffed, "Given how smart she is, I doubt."
Her sharp response caught Ivan off guard. He stood speechless for a moment. Ever since their disastrous wedding day, Natalie had directed all her anger at Briena, which he had assumed was because Briena had ended up engaged to him. But now, Natalie’s words were directed at him—cutting and direct.
He scoffed, trying to regain control. "You betrayed me with another man, and you still have the nerve to talk back like this?"
"I am glad I chose another man over one who didn’t trust me and got rid of me the first chance he got," Natalie spat out angrily.
She recalled the same words Justin said and wished to check Ivan’s reaction by using them on him.
Ivan’s expression faltered, her words hitting deeper than he expected. For a moment, he looked confused, as if what she said rang true.
Feeling her own heart ache, Natalie asked, "You never truly loved me, did you?"
Ivan stared at her, struggling for a response, but before he could say anything, Briena appeared by his side. "Ivan, what are you doing here? Grandma’s waiting to meet you."
He nodded, his gaze lingering on Natalie for a beat longer before walking away with Briena, as he heard Natalie curse, "Jerk."
Just then, Mia returned with a dish full of desserts. She sat down and commented with a smirk, "I just saw a dog walking away with his bitch."
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