I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 138

Natalie twisted her wrist, signaling for Alexander to let go.

"This isn't your area of expertise," Alexander said, not releasing his grip, his expression serious.

Natalie had made her name in antique auctions, and that was how she had become famous in Cabinda. This event featured contemporary European art. It was a different field entirely, and there was no guarantee of success.

Furthermore, any mistake could damage her reputation. Alexander was thinking of her career.

Natalie understood his concern, but her gaze was calm and steady, neither arrogant nor timid.

"It may not be my specialty, but that's only relatively speaking. If the auction suffers because of my mistake, I'm willing to return twenty percent of the profits."

This would change their fifty-fifty split to a seventy-thirty split, with her taking the smaller share.

Alexander was silent for a moment, then released her hand. "Go on."

Natalie turned and headed for the elevator, simultaneously instructing her team to notify the backstage makeup artist and to send all the lot information to her phone.

Under her command, the team quickly regrouped, working in a calm and orderly fashion.

After Natalie left, Camila stepped forward, dabbing at her eyes. "Alex, I envy Natalie so much. She doesn't have a father who plays favorites, she has a good job, and most importantly, she has…"

Camila paused, looking up at Alexander, her meaning clear.

"I'm nothing like her. I've always just been a tool for arranged marriages. My father despises me, and whenever something goes wrong with the family, it's all my fault. People call me Ms. White, but who knows the misery I endure?"

She let out a few soft sobs.

After Natalie had gone, Alexander's gaze had followed her to the floor below, and it hadn't moved since.

"Her parents are dead, and the only relative she had has also passed away. She built her career on her own. And as for me…" Alexander watched as Natalie spoke with someone, then paused. "All I've ever done is hurt her. So you have no reason to be envious. She has never been a flower that depends on others to bloom."

Natalie was now backstage. Alexander finally tore his eyes away and looked back at Camila.

"The Ramirez Group will not be making any further investments in The White Group. It's time you learned to fight for yourself."

Camila's eyes trembled, filling with moisture. "Alex, can you really be so heartless?"

In the audience, Savannah Davis watched the woman on stage, a dazzling star whose brilliance completely overturned her previous impressions.

"This auctioneer is as beautiful as she is brilliant. With just a few words, a painting is sold."

"She's not just any auctioneer. I heard she's the Vice President of Billy Firth in Cabinda, with a huge reputation overseas."

The two women with Savannah Davis were chatting, and one of them sighed.

"Oh, I wish I could have such an outstanding daughter-in-law!" She then turned to Savannah. "Savannah, don't you agree?"

Before she could answer, the other woman chimed in, "Well, we'd better start making inquiries to see if she has a boyfriend. If not, I think she and my son would be a perfect match."

The two friends who had come with Savannah were also from prominent Cabinda families.

Savannah glanced at her friends.

"She's already taken. You two can stop fighting over her."