"What a coincidence seeing you here," Dahlia said, stifling the prepared explanation she'd rehearsed. She greeted Dustin stiffly. Her mother's news about Dustin's new love interest hadn't been believable. Who would have thought it was true? Even divorced, Dahlia felt uncomfortable seeing her ex-husband with another woman. An awkward unease settled in her heart.

"Mr. Rhys, is she a friend of yours?" Natasha asked, sizing Dahlia up. Her intuition detected hostility.

"She's my ex-wife," Dustin replied.

"Really?" Natasha raised her eyebrows, offering Dahlia a charming smile. "Hi, I'm Natasha Harmon. Nice to meet you." She extended her hand. The gesture was friendly, but her presence felt slightly intimidating.

"Nice to meet you, Ms. Harmon," Dahlia replied politely. Despite her usual self-assurance, she had to admit Natasha was stunning. They were equals in looks, height, and demeanor, but Natasha possessed a far more voluptuous figure. Any man would be captivated.

"Dustin, when did you befriend Ms. Harmon? You never introduced me!" Dahlia exclaimed.

"Were you ever interested in my friends?" Dustin retorted sarcastically.

His sharp words silenced Dahlia. She hadn't expected such directness. Tension thickened the air.

"Dustin, can I speak with you?" Dahlia attempted after a pause.

"About what?" Dustin responded impassively.

"It's private; let's go elsewhere." Dahlia looked for a quiet corner, but Dustin remained rooted. Frustration creased her brow.

"Let's talk here. I don't want another misunderstanding," Dustin insisted.

"Must you be so difficult?" Dahlia frowned. She was trying to reconcile, but Dustin seemed unyielding, mean, and condescending.

"Ms. Nicholson, we're divorced. Given your high standing, it's best we aren't seen together. I'd only embarrass you," Dustin scoffed.

"I don't understand. Why are you being such a jerk?" Dahlia's annoyance grew.

"Are you seriously asking?" Dustin stared. "Wasn't this your choice?"

Dahlia was speechless. She had initiated the divorce, but there was no need to keep revisiting the past. Resentment simmered beneath her struggle for composure. Seeing Dustin with another woman fueled her frustration and anger, intensifying with their escalating argument.

"Dustin, I know you despise me, but I don't think I made a mistake. Besides, I gave you many chances to redeem yourself!"

Dahlia's tone turned icy. Her pride made reconciliation difficult, and Dustin's actions exacerbated the situation.

"So I'm still in the wrong?" Dustin laughed.

"I'm not in the mood to argue; we're irrelevant. However, you shouldn't flaunt your new partner in front of me if you have any respect for me as your ex-wife!" Dahlia stated gravely.

"Respect?" Dustin laughed harder. "How about Chris, then? Even before the divorce, you were having an affair with him. How can you demand respect?"

"Regardless of your belief, I'm innocent, and my conscience is clear," Dahlia retorted, head held high.

"Is that so?" Dustin smirked, pointing toward Chris, who approached. "I'd like to see that 'clear conscience'!"

Their affair had been a secret; now they were together at a charity dinner. The irony stung. Dahlia frowned, but offered no explanation; there was nothing to explain, and Dustin wouldn't believe her anyway.

"Dahlia, we were talking. Why did you leave?" Chris asked with a smile. He noticed Natasha, his breath catching at her alluring beauty. Desire flared in his eyes. She was breathtaking; unlike Dahlia's gentle nature, Natasha was a burning flame, a natural seductress. He quickly averted his gaze, knowing it was inappropriate to show his intentions so openly.

"Dustin, what a surprise!" Chris said, frowning. He was envious of Dustin's apparent success with women.

"Why the surprise?" Dustin retorted.

"Dahlia said you were just an errand boy at Quine Group. You have no right to be here. Were you sneaking in?" Chris narrowed his eyes.

"Don't worry about it," Dustin said calmly.

"I guessed right." Chris smirked, turning to Natasha. "Don't be deceived; he's not rich, just a pauper. He has no right to be near you." He assumed Dustin had lied to Natasha.

"What's wrong with that? I like him!" Natasha chuckled.

"With your beauty, you could marry into wealth. Why choose a difficult life with him?" Chris asked, perplexed.

"Wealth means little. To me, Dustin is outstanding," Natasha said, slipping her arm into Dustin's.

"Outstanding?" Chris mocked. "He has no wealth, fame, or power. How is he outstanding?"

"At least he's better-looking than you," Natasha snapped.

"What good is a handsome face? He's a boy toy!" Chris's expression darkened. "I warn you, he's a conman. You'll regret this once he uses you!"

"Uses me?" Natasha laughed merrily. "I hope he does, but he doesn't seem interested."

Her boldness shocked Dahlia and Chris, and even Dustin was taken aback. She was shamelessly flirtatious.