I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 128

A dark flicker passed through Benjamin's eyes, but he quickly covered it with a smile.

"I was just throwing it out there, Ms. Watson, don't mind me. This area is a bit secluded. To be safe, why don't we walk out together?"

Natalie had expected him to press the issue of the investment, especially after coming to her rescue. She was surprised when he dropped it so easily and even offered to escort her.

The earlier attack had left her shaken. "Thank you, Mr. White," she nodded.

"You're welcome, Ms. Watson."

Benjamin gestured politely, a perfect gentleman's 'after you.' His actions tonight were making Natalie reconsider her opinion of him. Perhaps the spendthrift heir wasn't completely useless after all. Maybe she had been too quick to judge.

As they walked, Benjamin suddenly called her name.

"Ms. Watson."

She turned. Something fluttered in front of her face, and a strange, sweet scent filled her nostrils.

"What—"

Before she could finish the word, her vision went black. A wave of weakness washed over her, and she found she couldn't move her mouth to speak. Her legs gave out, and she collapsed sideways.

Benjamin caught her, a low, hateful chuckle escaping his lips. "I asked you to talk to Alexander, and you refused. Don't blame me for what happens next."

Natalie was powerless. The foul odor of his breath, so close to her face, made her stomach turn. She fought to struggle, to break free, but she had no strength. All she could do was stare at him with wide, dark eyes.

"Angry?" Benjamin scooped her up into his arms. "Let me tell you the truth. That man from before? I hired him. The plan was just to scare you. If you had been smart enough to agree to get Eugene Ramirez to talk to Alexander about reinvesting in The White Group, I would have let you go. But you had to be difficult."

Natalie's mind reeled. The attacker was hired by Benjamin! That explained his sudden, heroic appearance.

But that wasn't the most shocking part. Why did Benjamin want her to persuade Eugene to speak with Alexander? What did Eugene or she have to do with The Ramirez Group's investment in the Whites' company? She desperately wanted to ask, but she couldn't make a sound.

He turned to go back inside, but a movement at the entrance caught his eye. Through the revolving doors, Benjamin White walked in, carrying a woman in his arms. Her long hair covered her face, which was buried in his chest.

The lobby manager rushed over. "Mr. White, what's going on?"

"Are you blind? My girl had too much to drink. Get me a suite, now," Benjamin snapped.

The manager, not wanting to cross the infamous White heir, immediately had the front desk prepare a room. He offered to escort them up, but Benjamin's men blocked his way, so he simply handed over the key card.

Within moments, they were gone, vanished into an elevator.

Alexander averted his gaze and pulled out his phone to call Natalie again. The call went to voicemail.

His expression darkened further. He turned and strode back toward the banquet hall.

In the hotel room, Natalie felt a soft 'click' as the door opened. She knew what was coming next, but she was powerless to stop it, watching helplessly as the door swung shut behind them. He threw her roughly onto the bed, then began to unbutton his shirt and loosen his tie.