I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 122

"What do you think you're doing?" Sophia glared. No one had ever dared to stop her before.

Aaron offered a polite smile. "Ms. Green, Mr. Ramirez has other business to attend to. It's not convenient for him to give you a ride."

Sophia scoffed. The man was just an assistant; she didn't need to speak to a subordinate. Besides, Alexander hadn't said a word.

She tried to push past Aaron but couldn't budge him. Leaning down, she peered around his arm. "Mr. Ramirez, you..."

"Aaron, give Ms. Green money for a cab."

Alexander stared straight ahead, his features looking cold and unforgiving in the dim light of the car. He had been so different in the private room, even complimenting her on her directness.

Sophia felt a wave of indignation and bit her lower lip.

"Ms. Green, shall I call a taxi for you?" Aaron asked, already holding out some cash.

Sophia slapped the money out of his hand. "Since Mr. Ramirez is busy, I won't disturb him any longer."

She turned and walked away. Hearing the car start behind her, she glanced back.

"He really left!"

Sophia stomped her foot in frustration. She was a famous actress, adored by everyone. When had she ever been treated like this? As the taillights vanished, however, a smile crept onto her face.

He was Alexander Ramirez, after all. If he were as fawning as all the actors and directors who tried to curry favor with her, what would be the fun in that?

She turned and walked to the curb, getting into her own Porsche.

In the back of Samuel's car, Natalie stared out the window, watching the streetlights blur past.

"Where to, Ms. Watson?" Samuel's voice broke through her reverie.

Natalie snapped back to the present and gave him the address of Arianna's residence.

"Thank you again for tonight, Mr. Thompson."

"You've said thank you many times already," Samuel said with a light sigh. "I'm not sure how many more times I can say 'you're welcome.'"

Natalie smiled, a little embarrassed. "Alright, no more thanks. I'll treat you to dinner next time to make up for it."

"If it’s that spicy food again, then I'll have to pass. I must admit, Ms. Watson, your tolerance for heat is something I can only admire from a distance," he teased.

"You can pick the place, Mr. Thompson. I'll leave it entirely up to you."

The cheerful atmosphere in the car helped Natalie relax, and a genuine smile touched her voice, making her sound as bright and carefree as a young girl. Samuel found himself captivated for a moment as he looked at her beautiful face.

After watching Samuel's car drive away, Natalie and Arianna went upstairs. Changing into comfortable loungewear, Natalie finally felt at ease.

"I thought you were meeting with Mr. Green from The Green Group about the auction tonight. What was Samuel Thompson doing there? I haven't heard about our company collaborating with them."

Arianna handed her a glass of water.

"It wasn't just Samuel. Alexander Ramirez was there too," Natalie said, taking a sip. If she had known Mr. Green had also invited Alexander, she wouldn't have gone. It wasn't that she was afraid to see him, but she wanted to avoid any unnecessary interactions.

However, the dinner served as a reminder. The Ramirez Group also had an auction house, making them direct competitors. Encounters were inevitable.

Natalie knew she needed to adjust her mindset. She didn't owe him anything, except for a failed marriage.

The next morning, as Natalie was reviewing some documents, Ava Thompson rushed in.

"Nora, Mr. Green's painting was just consigned to The Ramirez Group for auction."

At the same moment, her phone buzzed on the desk. She picked it up. It was Alexander.

She answered, and his magnetic voice came through the line.

"Interested in a partnership?"