**Chapter 10: Unraveled Ties** “Ms. Nicholson, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you. How may I assist you today?” Dustin’s icy demeanor masked the flicker of surprise in his eyes as he spotted Dahlia making her way towards him. His expression, warm and welcoming a heartbeat earlier, turned frigid almost instantaneously. “What an unexpected coincidence running into you here.” Dahlia swallowed hard, grappling with the carefully crafted words she had rehearsed in her mind. She had anticipated this encounter would be simple, but now, facing her ex-husband felt like confronting an avalanche—stunning and overwhelming. It seemed surreal that her mother had spoken the truth about Dustin’s new romantic involvement. Who would have believed it? Yet, despite their divorce, her heart tightened at the sight of him with another woman, a silent tempest swirling beneath a veneer of composure. “Mr. Rhys, is this woman a friend of yours?” Natasha’s eyes scrutinized Dahlia with the keen eye of a hawk. Her instincts picked up an unmistakable tension exuding from the woman before her, a pulse of animosity that crackled in the air. “She’s my ex-wife,” Dustin stated flatly, a hint of satisfaction lacing his words. “Really?” Natasha raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a disarming smile. “Hi, I’m Natasha Harmon. Such a pleasure to meet you.” She extended her hand to Dahlia, her gesture bereft of warmth, yet it buzzed with an undercurrent of intimidation. “Pleasure to meet you, Ms. Harmon,” Dahlia replied, her voice steady, though she fought to suppress the flicker of unease churning within. In her more confident moments, Dahlia would have dismissed the notion of competition. Yet here she stood, struck by the undeniable allure radiating from Natasha—stunningly beautiful, commanding, with curves that could ensnare the most stoic of hearts. no man could resist being taken in by her captivating presence. “Dustin, how long have you known Ms. Harmon? You’ve never introduced me,” Dahlia blurted out, unable to conceal the curiosity mingled with jealousy. “Were you ever interested in my acquaintances?” Dustin shot back, biting sarcasm dripping from his words. His retort left Dahlia momentarily speechless. She had hardly anticipated such bluntness from him. The air thickened, tension intertwining as they stood, separated by unresolved history and unmet expectations. “Dustin, may we speak privately for a moment?” Dahlia pressed after moments of uncomfortable silence. “About what?” Dustin responded, his face betraying no emotion. “Something personal. Can we find a quieter place?” She turned, scanning the bustling venue for a secluded spot but realized with frustration that Dustin remained firmly rooted to the spot. “Let’s address it here. I want to avoid further misunderstandings,” he insisted, his tone authoritative. “Must you be so obstinate?” Dahlia frowned. She sought reconciliation, yet it seemed Dustin was intent on furthering their discord. His demeanor was sharp, condescending, a ridiculous charade that took her breath away. “Ms. Nicholson, we’re divorced. Given your prominent status in society, it’s best if we maintain some distance to spare you any possible embarrassment,” Dustin mocked, a disdainful curl to his lips. “Why are you being such a jerk?” Dahlia couldn’t cloak her annoyance any longer; it erupted like a previously contained volcano. “Are you really asking me that?” Dustin’s eyes narrowed in challenge. “Wasn’t this all your doing?” Dahlia found herself at a loss for words. Yes, she had instigated the divorce, but why must he persist in dredging up the past, wielding it like a weapon? The frustration bubbled within her, fueled further by the sight of him so comfortably entwined with another. “Dustin, I’m aware you detest me, yet I don’t believe I’ve made any errors worth your contempt. I’ve given you chances—multiple chances!” Her voice turned icy, betrayal seeping through the façade of neutrality she so desperately tried to maintain. “And so you assert I’m perpetually at fault?” Dustin’s laughter pierced through her, saturated with derision. “I’m not here to squabble. Since we are no longer relevant to each other, you shouldn’t flaunt your new partner in front of me out of respect for what we used to have! Just have a modicum of decency!” The gravity of Dahlia’s statement hung palpably between them. “Respect?” Dustin laughed louder, the sound sharp and mocking. “What about Chris? You’ve been with him long before we ended things. What grounds do you have to demand respect?” Dahlia straightened, squaring her shoulders. “Regardless of what you think, I am innocent. My conscience is clear.” “Is that so?” Dustin arched an eyebrow, gesturing toward Chris as he approached. “Let’s have a little peek at that ‘clear conscience’ of yours, shall we?” Dahlia’s heart sank as Chris’s smile grew wider. The very man whom she had been accused of having an affair with, now walking towards them, his air of charm maliciously juxtaposed with her own discomfort. “Dahlia, why did you vanish from our conversation?” Chris’s voice dripped with a casual charm, but his gaze trailed to Natasha, a flicker of surprise alighting in his eyes. What a goddess! He had never laid his eyes on anyone as stunning as her. If Dahlia were calm water, then Natasha was a roaring bonfire, igniting desire with just a glance. She was a siren, drawing men in without even trying, an unyielding force of nature. He quickly pulled his gaze away, reprimanding himself for such folly—cannons should not be fired prematurely, especially in the presence of such radiant beauty. A good first impression was worth a thousand gambles. “Dustin! How unexpected to see you here!” Chris turned to Dustin, his expression shifting as he surveyed his rival. Envy churned within him at the sight of Natasha leaning toward Dustin, a resentment pooling deep in his gut. How had this fool managed to cozy up to such lovely women? Even after losing Dahlia, he was now flourishing in the company of another striking companion. Was luck truly showering blessings upon him? “What’s surprising about my presence?” Dustin countered, his expression stony. “I’ve heard from Dahlia that you were nothing more than a lackey at the Quine Group. With your status, you shouldn’t even be on the guest list for the Mirage. What, were you planning to infiltrate the party?” Chris’s narrowed eyes bore into Dustin. “Don’t fret over it; it’s none of your concern,” Dustin replied coolly, a faint smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. “I must be right then,” Chris sneered, turning to Natasha. “Don’t let him fool you, sweetheart. Dustin isn’t some rich heir; he’s a mere pauper not worthy of air that you breathe!” In Chris’s mind, it was unfathomable for someone like Natasha to be with a loser like Dustin. She deserved a man of stature and wealth, not an imbecile stumbling through life. “What’s wrong with that? As long as I like him, who cares?” Natasha chuckled lightly, her confidence unwavering. “Darling, with your beauty, you could easily marry into wealth. Why settle for a man like him?” Chris pressed, confusion evident in his tone. “Riches carry little weight with me. To me, Dustin is a remarkable man,” Natasha asserted, intertwining her arm with Dustin’s effortlessly. “Remarkable?” Chris chuckled in disbelief. “He lacks wealth, fame, or power. How can he be deemed remarkable?” “At the very least, he’s more handsome than you are,” Natasha shot back, her words like daggers aimed at Chris’s pride. “What use is a handsome face if he’s merely a boy toy?” Chris’s expression darkened, dissatisfaction swirling in his eyes. “I’ve warned you—Dustin is a swindler. You’ll regret it when he exploits your wealth and charms!” “Exploit me?” Natasha laughed, her amusement ringing clear as a bell. “I only wish he would take advantage of me—but it seems he’s not interested.” Her brazen words drew the ire of both Dahlia and Chris. Even Dustin struggled to contain his disbelief. This woman was nothing short of provocative, a siren with a penchant for intrigue, spinning the atmosphere out of control. As tension crackled among the trio, deep undercurrents of betrayal and hidden desires twisted through the air, marking the beginning of a confrontation where loyalties would be tested and secrets unearthed. Would there be any resolution, or was this a storm destined to rage on?