I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 137

The auction, a joint venture between The Ramirez Group and Billy Firth, was being held at the convention center.

It was a major event, and Natalie felt she had to be on-site to oversee things, ready to handle any issues that might arise.

She stood on the second-floor balcony, looking down at the sea of people below.

The collaboration between the two auction houses had drawn a crowd of notable figures.

"Ms. Watson, you're an excellent partner. I can rest easy."

The voice came from behind her. It was Alexander.

Natalie didn't turn around. "I have to live up to that fifty percent profit share."

Her tone was flat and devoid of emotion. Alexander moved to stand beside her, glancing at her profile.

"So, you're trying to live up to my expectations? I thought perhaps I owed you money."

With her emotionless voice and icy expression, she looked like someone chasing down a debt.

Natalie finally looked at him, almost saying, *You don't owe me money. You owe me a life.*

Seeing the words unspoken on her lips, Alexander adopted a magnanimous tone. "If you want to curse me out, go ahead. Bottling up your anger will only give you wrinkles."

Natalie said nothing.

A short distance behind them, Aaron Lee sighed to himself.

Someone approached and whispered in his ear.

Aaron then stepped up to Alexander's side. "Mr. Ramirez," he said softly, "Ms. White is here and would like to see you."

Though his voice was low, Natalie heard him.

With Benjamin in trouble and The White Group on the brink of collapse, it was only natural for Camila to seek out Alexander.

"I'll go check on things backstage," Natalie said, turning to leave.

She knew their conversation would be private, and it was best to make herself scarce.

A hand suddenly clamped around her arm. Natalie looked up to see Alexander staring down at her. "You're staying right here."

Just then, Camila walked over.

Her eyes immediately fell on Alexander's hand gripping Natalie's arm, refusing to let go. Her expression flickered, but she quickly composed herself, her eyes welling with tears.

The auction was about to begin. She had no choice but to turn her attention back to the floor below.

Her eyes widened slightly. Savannah Davis was here, too.

Camila, feeling utterly helpless, had been about to feign a dizzy spell when she heard Alexander's words to Natalie, his tone tinged with something that sounded like affection.

A wave of jealousy washed over her. She stared daggers at Natalie's back, biting her lip so hard she could have drawn blood.

At that moment, one of the event staff ran over, looking frantic.

"Mr. Ramirez, we just got a call. The auctioneer for tonight's event was in a car accident. He can't make it!"

"How is he? Is it serious?" Alexander asked, his voice grave.

"He has minor injuries. He's been taken to the hospital."

Tonight's auction focused primarily on contemporary European paintings. The Ramirez Group had few auctioneers specializing in this area, which was one of the reasons they had partnered with Billy Firth.

But since The Ramirez Group was the primary host, the responsibility fell on them. Natalie had planned for every contingency except this.

She looked at Alexander. "I'll do it."