I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 125

Natalie paused, her foot frozen mid-step. Was it not obvious that she was trying to give him and Sophia some space?

What did he mean, he only had time now?

"Ms. Watson, you aren't leaving just because I arrived, are you? Are you jealous?" Sophia asked, her lips curved in a smirk that held no genuine humor. She had been pleased that Natalie knew her place and was about to leave, but the mention of a future meeting made her reconsider. She'd rather have Natalie stay and settle things now than give them an excuse to meet alone again.

Natalie saw right through Sophia's intentions. She was clearly insecure.

"Since Mr. Ramirez wants to talk now, let's talk."

Natalie sat back down.

Alexander placed his wine glass on the table. "There's no rush."

He then turned to the woman pressed against him, his expression turning cold and severe. "Your contract is being handled by the appropriate department. It doesn't require my personal signature."

His meaning was clear: she could leave.

Sophia grabbed his sleeve. "Alex, I don't trust them to handle it properly. My father entrusted this to me, and I need to see it through. I'll only feel at ease once you've signed it yourself."

Her voice was breathy, her posture pleading. Natalie marveled at her acting skills; she could perform as if they were the only two people there.

Alexander pulled his sleeve from her grasp without a hint of compassion. "Please, have some self-respect."

Sophia's face fell, her expression instantly turning ugly.

"Aaron, take Ms. Green to sign her contract," Alexander commanded.

Aaron stepped forward. "This way, Ms. Green."

Sophia's eyes welled with tears, but she fought to keep them from falling. She stood and stared at Alexander, but he refused to even look at her. His cold, distant attitude was too much for her to bear, and she ran off.

Natalie watched her retreating figure with a sigh. Sophia's prized beauty had no effect on Alexander. Not unless she could somehow replace Camila White.

"Finished with the show?" Alexander's voice cut through her thoughts.

Natalie's gaze snapped back to his, meeting a look of playful mockery. He was the one who insisted she stay, and now he was taunting her for watching the drama unfold.

She decided not to engage. "Mr. Ramirez, time is precious. Shall we get down to business?"

Alexander leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing as he studied her for a long moment. Just as Natalie was about to prompt him again, he suddenly stood up. "I just remembered I have something to do. We'll discuss the terms next time."

That evening, after work, Natalie and Arianna decided to cook dinner at home. They had just returned from the grocery store when they saw Samuel Thompson's car parked downstairs.

"Mr. Thompson, what are you doing here? Did you need me for something?" Arianna asked, hurrying forward to greet him.

Samuel got out of his car. "I was inspecting a renovation project nearby with my superiors. I just happened to see you two as I was passing by."

His eyes fell on the grocery bags in their hands. "Are you making dinner?"

Arianna nodded. "Mr. Thompson, have you eaten yet? Please, come up and try Natalie's cooking. She's an amazing cook."

Samuel looked at Natalie, his eyes lighting up. "You cook, Ms. Watson? I would be honored to try. We can count it as you treating me to that dinner you owe me."

Since he had brought it up, Natalie had little choice but to agree. "As long as you don't mind simple home cooking, Mr. Thompson."

The three of them headed into the building together.

From a distance, parked under the shade of a tree, Alexander Ramirez watched them disappear inside, his face a cold mask. He turned to Aaron.

"When will Natalie Watson's new apartment be ready?"