I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 143

Hearing Alexander Ramirez's words, Natalie knew exactly what he was doing.

She was speechless.

"Charlie isn't working for The Ramirez Group or Billy Firth," Natalie said. "He was just doing me a personal favor today, so we won't take up any more of your time."

Alexander’s lips curved into a faint smile. "It is my duty to be a gracious host to our international friends. How could that be a waste of time? Since he is Ms. Watson's friend, he is my friend as well."

With that, he turned to Charlie. "Charlie, I don't suppose I might have the honor of calling you a friend?"

He extended his hand as he spoke.

The Ramirez Group was a top conglomerate in Cabinda, with a significant international presence.

Charlie shook his hand. "Mr. Ramirez, the honor would be all mine."

As their hands clasped, Charlie couldn't tell if it was his imagination, but Alexander's grip was surprisingly firm, making his knuckles ache slightly.

Just as he was wondering about it, Alexander released his hand, his smile as friendly as ever.

Charlie dismissed it as a misperception.

After the auction, Natalie and Charlie headed back to Pinnacle Place. Alexander's gaze followed them, his face darkening as he watched them get into the same car.

A car pulled up in front of him, and Aaron Lee opened the rear door. "Mr. Ramirez, it's time to go."

Alexander tore his eyes away. "Postpone all my appointments for the next half hour to tomorrow."

"And where will you be going, sir?"

"To Pinnacle Place."

Aaron Lee thought, "Isn't Alexander keeping a bit too close an eye on Mrs. Ramirez?"

Just as Alexander was about to get into the car, Savannah Davis's voice called out from behind him. "Alexander."

He turned around.

"Why are you alone?" Savannah Davis asked, looking inside the car and then around the area.

Alexander seemed confused. "Who did you expect me to be with?"

Savannah was annoyed by his obtuseness. "Your collaboration with Natalie was such a success. Shouldn't you be inviting her home for dinner?"

"Well, you'd better think of something! Let me tell you, I only approve of Natalie Watson, no one else!"

Having made her stance clear, Savannah turned and got into her car without waiting for Alexander's response.

After Natalie gave Charlie a tour of her company, they went to the reception room.

They had just sat down when Ava Thompson came in.

"Nora, Mr. Ramirez is here."

As she spoke, Alexander Ramirez walked in as if it were his own office and sat down right between Charlie and Natalie.

"Charlie, we meet again. You mentioned wanting to try Kaston cuisine earlier. I happen to know a few excellent restaurants."

Alexander had angled his body in such a way that he almost completely blocked Charlie’s view of Natalie.

Natalie was exasperated. She had never known him to be so childish. If there really was something between her and Charlie, this little act of his was far too late.

Sighing in resignation, she asked Ava Thompson to bring them two cups of coffee.

Charlie, unable to see Natalie and faced with Alexander's handsome face, smiled and said, "Mr. Ramirez, thank you for your hospitality, but I've already told Nora I'd like to try her cooking."