I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 124

Just as Natalie was about to protest, Alexander walked past her.

"What's the rush? Do you even know how to pick them?"

She fell silent.

Alexander stopped in front of a grapevine. "The cut needs to be close to the stem of the fruit. Make it clean and quick."

As he finished speaking, there was a sharp 'snip,' and a cluster of plump, dark purple grapes, like black pearls, fell into his hand. He held them up, examining them closely.

"You have to be quick but also gentle. If the skins break, the juice will leak and oxidize, attracting insects. Also, check for any bug bites or pecking from birds. We can't use those; they'll compromise the quality of the wine."

He spoke with the focus of someone handling a precious treasure, genuinely teaching her the proper technique. Natalie was surprised by his professionalism and seriousness, and she listened carefully, memorizing his instructions.

Time flies when you're completely absorbed in a task. By the time they finished, two hours had passed. As she set down the final basket, she looked at the rows of crates overflowing with grapes and felt a surprising sense of accomplishment—more fulfilling, even, than successfully auctioning off a masterpiece.

"Interested in tasting the local wine?" Alexander asked, pulling off his gloves.

"Yes, please."

After two hours of labor, Natalie felt refreshed and invigorated, and she readily agreed.

When she emerged from the changing room, Alexander was waiting for her. In a manicured garden on the estate, a table had been set for two. A server brought over a decanter of red wine.

"This bottle was made from the very grapes you were just picking," Alexander said, pouring a glass for her. He poured a small amount, less than a standard serving, barely enough for a single mouthful.

"I'm pretty sure I helped pick quite a few of them," Natalie remarked, eyeing the scant amount of red liquid at the bottom of her glass.

"Have you forgotten what happened the last time you drank at BlueNight?"

"What?" Natalie was taken aback. She remembered getting drunk at BlueNight three years ago and that parts of the night were a blur. Susan had told her the next day that Eugene had taken her home. Why would Alexander bring it up now? He wasn't even there.

"Never mind. If you can't remember, it's not important."

Alexander avoided her gaze, pouring himself a glass and sipping it slowly.

So, Mr. Green had chosen The Ramirez Group because of Sophia. It all made sense now.

Alexander's expression was impassive as he studied the wine in his glass. "Ms. Green, you're overstepping. The auction will feature more than just your father's painting. If you're dissatisfied, you are free to take it back."

Sophia seethed internally. She had worked hard to convince her father to switch from Billy Firth to The Ramirez Group just to get closer to Alexander. She also genuinely disliked Natalie, having sensed an unusual connection between her and Alexander that night at dinner. But now, it seemed she couldn't escape this woman after all.

"Fine, I won't ask any more questions."

Sophia shot a glare at Natalie, then moved to sit next to Alexander. "Alex, I came to sign the auction contract. You weren't at the office, and your secretary said you were here, so I came to find you."

She angled her body so that her torso was practically pressed against his arm.

Natalie discreetly looked away, realizing her presence was making things awkward. She stood up.

"About the profit share, Mr. Ramirez, we can discuss it another time. I have other things to attend to, so I'll be going now."

She turned to leave, but a cool voice stopped her. "I only have time now."