Chapter 4

Ricardo sat in the back of his Rolls Royce, staring at his phone. He was watching a video of Natalie that had gone viral, his frown deepening with every second that passed. The video had reached the part where Natalie was hit in the mouth for the second time, and he paused it, his jaw tightening in anger.

He grabbed his second phone and dialed a number. The person on the other end picked up. "Are you sure you have all the information I requested?" Ricardo demanded, his voice tense.

"Of course," the person replied.

••••

"Miss Natalie,this is your one shot at making a comeback,your performance in this shoot determines that. Here's your new contract" Miss Axella says and passes over some documents to Jean. While Natalie looked around.

The trio were in a spacious office owned by Axella the owner of emeralds entertainment, Natalie sat directly opposite Axella,a big table in-between them,some documents stacked on it. Pictures of top models hung on the walls.

"You are not in any relationship are you? It's important I know that incase of any scandal regarding a man in future" Axella directed the question at Natalie, snapping her from her thoughts.

Jean and Natalie both stare at each other. Nat let out a soft smile "actually I'm married" 

Jean wasn't as surprised as Natalie thought she would, Miss Axella on the other hand was shocked.

"I hope he doesn't interfere in your career and he isn't a liability,who is he by the way?"

"I think that would be revealed in due time,Miss Axella." Jean says cutting Natalie off. Axella Probing Natalie about her relationship status was unprofessional. And calling the lucky man a liability was uncalled for. Even though she might not know him.

Natalie stared at Jean and was impressed.

"Okay if you say so. It's important I know though."

"What about you Miss Axella,you married?"Jean asked not taking her eyes away from the contract before her. 

Axella's face lit up at the question "no not yet I feel like Ricardo Rodriguez will come soon."

Wait!

The hell!

Did she just call the Don of the most dangerous Mafia by his name?

Jean stared at Natalie looking for a reaction but got none. Nat was on the other hand texting someone.

Jean stared at Axella like she had lost it. 

"I believe we are destined to be together, I mean he has business with the Mafia and so does my dad,one day Ricardo will definitely need help and run to my father."Axella said dreamily. 

"Your dad has business with the Mafia? I don't think you should go around announcing it." Jean warned

Natalie laughed lightly and earned a glare from Axella.

"Oh! I'm sorry it's just this meme that pop up right in my face." Natalie says when she noticed a pair of eyes were glaring at her.

Jean's eyes widen as she tried to stop herself from laughing. Did Nat just openly say Axella was making a joke out of herself.

"Well there's no way he'll leave me and go for a down graded model." Axella rebuffed taking a sip of water.

"I wouldn't replace my man for anyone else even if the option was Don Ricardo." Nat replied absentmindedly still toiling with her phone

Jean stared at the woman beside her and almost let out a scoff. She was making it look like she has a relationship with Ricardo. Jean was sure this was going to cause trouble for whoever Nat was married to. Axella burned in anger at Natalie's last words,her seat became uncomfortable and she stood up. Axella was angry that she couldn't get Natalie angry. 

The trio were silent for a long period of time,just the occasional drumming from Jean was heard. 

"What is she doing here, Axella?" An A-grade model who had just entered the office asked. 

Well the lady who just asked this question was Toria ladi a 19 year old who was doing surprisingly too well in her career, she obviously has her tricks. She started three years ago and apparently she has almost reached a stage of being a super model. And apparently she wasn't a fan of Natalie. With Natalie around she knew there was no way she'll attain her goal,her secrets may be revealed soon.

"I thought the rumors were false,only for me to come here and see it's true." 

"Ladi! Where are your manners,did you just call me by my name remember you can mix business with pleasure"

Jean froze at the last statement, Natalie's eyes remained close like nothing was happening around her.

Axella's eyes widen, realizing the statement she just used "I-i mean we're friends you might call me by my name when we are outside this comp-any, that's w-hat I- m-an and nothi-ng el-se" she stuttered.

"I think we're done here"Jeans says and signs up the contract handing a copy back to Axella keeping one for herself.

Jeans stands up to leave and so does Natalie.

"While you are herr stay in your lane and mind your business unless you'll be worse than a c-grade model." Ladi says blocking Natalie.

Ladi actually meant Natalie shouldn't surpass her.

Nat maintains a cold expression knowing what ladi really wants to say and decided to toil with her a little "Oh! Miss what's your name? Nevermind don't tell me it doesn't matter" Nat shrugged and passed her.

"See you later Miss Axella!"

~~~~

Outside the building

"Woah that was cool!"Jean says excited

"Run a background check on both of them,they don't want me progressing? Let's see who falls first,you can go someone's picking me up and have a good night rest, don't go dancing in that club you do go to."

Jean glared at Natalie "that was then I've changed" Jean scoffed stomping her legs something she does when she's lying. Natalie let's out a laugh and mutters "liar" Jean walks away feigning anger. Natalie watches her leave before she works a few meters away from the company building and just as she guessed his Rolls-Royce was there....

.