I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 118

"I'm well aware of what's between you two. You don't need to repeat it," Alexander interrupted before she could continue.

Aaron Lee hurried out of the building. "Mr. Ramirez, it's all taken care of."

Alexander gave Natalie a long, hard look. "I'm letting you go. But don't think you can just waltz back into the Ramirez family under a new title."

For Natalie to become Eugene's wife was a pipe dream. He wasn't a generous man, and he certainly wouldn't offer his blessings. Not actively sabotaging them was the greatest kindness he could offer Natalie and Eugene. He just wanted to warn her of the difficult road ahead.

He wouldn't help. He would just watch from the sidelines.

With that, Alexander turned and walked back across the street.

Natalie watched him go. If he refused to listen to her explanation, then so be it. He would see the truth for himself eventually. She turned and walked away in the opposite direction.

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The White Estate.

Camila sat at her vanity, staring at her reflection. Her beautiful face was now haggard and pale.

Alexander's words from that night echoed in her mind. He was done with her. He was going to issue a statement clarifying their relationship. She couldn't accept it.

They had grown up together. She refused to believe he felt nothing for her.

Natalie came from a fallen family, a nobody compared to her. How could she have possibly captured Alexander's interest?

Her phone vibrated on the table. It was Eric Bailey. She ignored it and turned her gaze back to the mirror.

Suddenly, her bedroom door was thrown open with such force that it slammed against the wall.

Luke White stormed in, his face contorted with rage.

"Dad…" Camila began, but a sharp slap cut her off.

"Why did Alexander Ramirez pull all investment from the White Group!"

"What happened?" Luke demanded, turning to his son.

Benjamin stammered, but then puffed out his chest. "What does that have to do with the Ramirez Group pulling their investment? Camila, don't try to pin this on me!"

"If it wasn't because of that, I can't think of any other reason why Alexander would suddenly pull his funding," Camila said, her eyes wide with feigned innocence.

Understanding dawned on Luke. He turned on Benjamin, who immediately started pleading for mercy. In the chaos, no one noticed the triumphant glint in Camila's eyes.

The second slap landed on Camila's other cheek.

"You saw this and didn't say anything?" Luke yelled, pointing at her. "You will find a way to get Alexander Ramirez to reinvest. If you don't, I'll marry you off to the Carter family! At least then you'll be worth something!"

With that, he stormed out.

Camila stood trembling, her head bowed and her lip clenched between her teeth.

"You dare to use me as a scapegoat? You were asking for it!" Benjamin snarled, kicking out at her.