*Chapter ten*
Natale's POV
I glanced at myself for the last time in the mirror. I was all done. I checked the time,just the perfect time to make an appearance at the party. Asher had gone to the party straight from work.I gave another glance at the time,it only been three days since we returned California and as usual it made the news. I heard the beeping sound of my phone. It was Asher.
'Are you ready? He's here.'
A smile enveloped my lips. Only the Heavens knew of how much I had dreamt of this day. Today I would be meeting my enemies, I'll be drawing the sword to their necks and the best part is they wouldn't have the slightest idea.
I made my way out of my bedroom, stopping by Skylar's room, she was sleeping peacefully on the bed, just as I had earlier tucked her in,I bent down and gave her a kiss.
A lot had changed the past year. I had changed. There was no word that could describe how grateful I am to Asher. He made me this. Within a year span he transformed a dropout into an elite business literate. I guess, having grown up with a business tycoon as my father helped quite a lot.
I was out now,waiting for Mr Lee. And there he was. I hopped into the car as he opened the door for me.
"You look so beautiful Mrs Natalie." Mr Lee said with a smile as he drove away.
"Really, thanks." I couldn't wait. It's funny how I was always so eager and desperate to meet Dave. It's still the same,only difference is then I loved him and now I felt nothing but hate.
I watched the cars move by and then we were there.
"I'll get the door for you" Mr Lee alighted, holding the door out for me. I stepped out. I could feel every eyes on me. I moved with ease,giving the press enough for tomorrow's headlines. I balanced on my heels holding my clutch. I walked in.
My eyes spotted Emma Brooke,my so called best friend. I wasn't here for her though,ignoring the attention many eyes were sparing. I found my him. Dave Anderson.
He stood over there, ever so proud and egoistic. I moved closer to him, I could feel his nerve rising. He let out a smile.
Oh! How I would melt in the past at that. But now I found it eerie and disgusting.
I moved closer,watching him take a step forward. What a fool. He no doubt thought so highly of himself.
"Excuse me" I say
"What?" He blinked,probably in a daze.
"Excuse me" I repeated. "You are in my way"
His smile broadened. "Of course,you can have this dance with me lovely lady-" He paused. His eyes widened in shock. "What?"
"You are in my way" I say,concealing the little joy I felt due to his stupidity.
He lost all color on his face. Everyone could see the abashment he felt. "Sorry" He whispered recovering himself, he moved away revealing Asher.
As usual,Asher demeanor was unreadable but I know he was enjoying this as much as I was.
"Hey honey..sorry I'm late" I went over,giving him a kiss on the cheek.
"Darling, you are here." He let out a smile. "The party was getting boring without you"
He held out a hand,which I held onto and we took the liberty to go around, meeting old friends and acquaintances. Asher made me cognizant of everything about Natalie.
Every single detail wasn't missed. I greeted familiarly.
My thought still drifting back to Dave. Knowing him,he must be furious now,cursing at the night. He may think it's the end but hell,it's just the beginning.
Hours grew by and I could still feel the sickening gaze of Dave's eyes on me. Just then he walked over.
"Hello. Dave Anderson." He said curtly. "I don't think we've made an introduction.
"Natalie Reed. " I say,much with an attitude.
"So have heard." He cleared his throat,thinking. "So...I'm pretty sure,you are aware of the business proposal sent by Krystal Group. Any thought on it."
"Honestly,none. The idea and strategy plans for your proposed resort,is not very well assurable." I say,sipping a little of my wine.
"We can make necessary amendment. And if you could kindly make Mr Reed consider and possibly accept the proposal , both companies could achieve greatly and make history with the best resort in all of California and beyond." I watched Dave pout nonstop trying to convince me.
"Mr Anderson, I was the one who personally declined it. I went over it and believe me,it wasn't eye catching." Dave widened his brows.
"I will send over,an amended plan. Could you take a look. You might find a liking to it."
"Well...do as you wish." I say when the music changed suddenly. Believe me I was astound by Dave's next move.
"Well considering our soon to be partnership,may I have this dance?"
I smiled stepping a step closer. "Sorry,but I dance only with my husband" I say,watching Asher as approach and with that I left,moving over to Asher as we proceeded to the dance floor.
From the dance floor, I could feel the heated gaze from Dave.
I smiled almost where I need him to be.
Dave Anderson, you haven't seen anything yet. You'll secund only to my will. His maddening urge to control, to possess, will be his downfall.
He'll experience experience everything I went through. Everything Jeanine suffered.
Just as she,he'll feel what stupidity felt like. He'll be nothing more than a pawn in a game he wouldn't know he's playing.
I'll be pulling the strings and he'll be nothing more than a puppet on display for all to see,a ridicule to all.
I gave in to the sneer so eager to engulf my lips.
'Oh... My beloved husband. The game is just starting.' I say over Asher's shoulder
Your lust will be your end.