Wife by Day, Boss by Night

Chapter 165

As she pulled her gaze away from the distant view, she suddenly locked eyes with Natalie seated in the

corner of the row ahead.

Natalie? No way

Gracia halted mid–step with disbelief on her features. How could someone who had spent four years at

some no–name college abroad possibly deserve to be there? It was like seeing a ghost in broad

daylight!

Their eyes locked for a few tense seconds, and Gracia couldn’t believe her eyes.

“Now,” a voice boomed from the stage, “I have the honor of presenting the jury’s prize, awarded

unanimously for a performance that struck us as extraordinary despite the actor’s youth. The script, the

story, and the acting talent deserve this prestigious recognition.”

At this moment, a deep, magnetic voice filled the room.

“Natalie?” the director beside Natalie whispered, nudging her gently, “Get ready. You’re about to go up.”

Natalie promptly averted her eyes, turning to look at the dapper man on stage. She hadn’t expected

Brian to be the one presenting the award.

Slightly bowed head, Brian was examining the card handed to him by a staff member.

The award went to an indie film called ‘Palm‘, a work of Country Bluestar Productions.

The card listed the director’s name, along with the lead actors.

Brian’s gaze lingered on the name of the lead actress.© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

Natalie. She had made something of herself.

She’d done so well abroad yet returned home to play a supporting role.

Any actor with a shred of ambition wouldn’t settle for that.

To him, Natalie’s choices didn’t add up.

As Natalie rose from her seat, she felt Brian’s piercing gaze from the stage, fixed intently on her.

She bowed slightly, pretending ignorance, and joined the director and lead actor on stage. She

positioned herself in the corner deliberately, remaining silent during the acceptance speech. All she

wanted was for this to end soon so she could get off the stage and leave this place.

?

During the award and bouquet presentation, Brian handed the trophy to the director and then naturally

stopped in front of Natalie with a rose in hand.

His left hand held the bouquet out for Natalie while his right hand subtly reached for her waist,

suggesting an embrace.

Natalie stared at him, unmoving. All she could think of was the scene of Gracia lying on the messy

couch, undressed, with Brian showering in the bathroom.

She didn’t want his touch. It felt disgusting.

Noticing Natalie’s stiffness, the director sensed some history between her and Brian. Just as he was

about to smooth things over, Brian abruptly thrust the bouquet into Natalie’s arms, wrapping his other

arm around her waist and pulling her in forcefully!

Teetering in her high heels, Natalie nearly lost her balance before steadying herself against

Brian.

He leaned in, whispering at the perfect height for her ear, his breath hot and tense.

“After the event, come to my room. We need to talk,” Brian murmured through clenched teeth.

Natalie bit her lip, refusing to respond.

Brian’s tall frame shielded her from the prying cameras of the audience. No one could see the

tension between them.

Natalie felt as if the hand he had gripped was being crushed.

It was not until the director reached out to Brian that Brian released her, his expression indifferent.