I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 126

Samuel Thompson was a guest, and the president of The Thompson Group at that. It would have been unthinkable to let him help in the kitchen.

Arianna made coffee, arranged all the fruit they had on the coffee table, and turned on the television. Still feeling it wasn't enough, she fidgeted, unsure of how else to properly host him. Samuel's mansion living room was probably larger than her entire apartment, and his presence seemed to make the space feel even smaller.

"Ms. Mitchell, we're off the clock," Samuel said with a gentle laugh. "You're being so formal, I'm starting to feel like I'm imposing."

Arianna waved her hands, flustered and embarrassed. "No, it's not that, I'm just… I'm just…"

Her face flushed. She was in her own home, yet she felt completely out of her element.

"Please, make yourself at home. I'm going to go help Natalie," she stammered, then fled to the kitchen.

Natalie had already prepped the vegetables. "Why is your face so red?" she asked, glancing at her friend.

Arianna touched her cheek; it was burning hot. "It must be the heat. Let me help."

Natalie thought she was acting a little strange but didn't press the issue.

Before long, a full meal of four dishes and a soup was on the table.

"I had no idea you had such skills, Ms. Watson," Samuel said, admiring the colorful and aromatic spread.

"It's just simple home cooking. You're accustomed to gourmet cuisine, Mr. Thompson, so please forgive the humble fare," Natalie replied.

The three of them sat down at the table, and Arianna opened a bottle of red wine. Just then, Natalie's phone rang. She glanced at the screen: Aaron Lee.

"Excuse me, please start without me. I need to take this call."

Natalie walked out onto the balcony to answer.

"Aaron, what is it?"

"I'm free now. Come over."

The voice was flat and authoritative, leaving no room for argument. It was Alexander.

She didn't bother asking why he was using Aaron's phone. She just replied irritably, "Mr. Ramirez, a partnership isn't something you can discuss whenever you feel like it. You may have time, but I don't."

She was his partner, not his subordinate. He was the one who had invited her, so why should she be at his beck and call?

Natalie prepared to hang up.

"Did something happen?" Samuel's smile faded, replaced by a more serious expression. He had seen the look on her face while she was on the phone.

Arianna was also surprised. "If something's wrong, you can tell us."

Natalie had already put on her shoes and grabbed her bag. "It's just that partnership with The Ramirez Group for the auction. Mr. Ramirez is free to discuss the details now, so I need to go."

Hearing her explanation, Samuel stood up. "I'll drive you."

"There's no need, Mr. Thompson. Please, enjoy the food even though I can't be here," Natalie said. As she headed for the door, she looked back at Arianna. "I'm leaving Mr. Thompson in your care."

Their meeting was set for seven-thirty, and Natalie moved quickly. She was nearing the hotel when she hit a wall of traffic. The long line of cars was at a complete standstill. Fortunately, she knew of a nearby parking lot, though it was a bit out of the way.

She turned the wheel and headed there. After locking her car, she began walking briskly toward the hotel. Suddenly, she heard footsteps behind her, keeping a steady distance.

She told herself not to overthink it. Although the area was slightly secluded, it was still part of the bustling city. No one would be brazen enough to try anything here. It was probably just someone else who had parked nearby.

She quickened her pace. The footsteps behind her immediately matched her speed.

Natalie glanced down and saw a dark shadow on the pavement behind her, growing larger and closer with every second.