I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 144

Alexander merely smiled without speaking as Charlie continued.

"Back in London, Nora would often invite me over for Kaston food. My taste buds remember it vividly to this day."

Alexander glanced back at Natalie, a meaningful glint in his eyes.

Often invited him over? Was that something a mere friend did?

Ava Thompson returned with the freshly brewed coffee, and Natalie personally placed the cups in front of them.

"I was living with Madelyn back then. Charlie was a friend of hers, which is how we got to know each other."

Alexander's expression softened considerably. He took a sip of his coffee and commented casually, "Not bad."

Then he turned to Charlie. "Ms. Watson and I have known each other for years, and her cooking is indeed excellent. I know a restaurant with a wonderful atmosphere. We can have Ms. Watson cook for us there."

After hearing this, Charlie asked Natalie, "Nora, we're not going to your place?"

"Ms. Watson is still staying with her friend, so it might be a bit inconvenient. In any case, you'll still be eating Ms. Watson's cooking. Does it really matter where? What do you think, Charlie?"

Before Natalie could answer, Alexander had already spoken for her.

Yesterday, Natalie had moved from Arianna Mitchell's place into her new apartment, but with Alexander saying this, she had no choice but to nod along.

"Yes, I'm still at my friend's place."

Charlie shrugged, looking a little disappointed. "I even brought you a gift. It's a painting by Karen that was deaccessioned from the royal collection. It would look perfect in your home."

"No problem, Charlie. You can give it to me, and I'll hold onto it for Ms. Watson until she moves," Alexander interjected once again.

What was supposed to be a reunion between Natalie and Charlie had turned into a deep, heartfelt exchange between Alexander and his international friend.

When they arrived at the restaurant Alexander had mentioned, the manager personally escorted them to a private room.

The manager had been informed beforehand that Natalie would be cooking personally.

"Ms. Watson, all the ingredients you requested have been prepared. Please, follow me."

Natalie thanked him, gave Charlie a quick nod, and headed to the kitchen.

The large island counter was filled with ingredients. She took a closer look and saw various organ meats, with only one or two simple vegetables.

Seeing her angry only seemed to delight him further.

The manager, sensing the tension, discreetly excused himself.

"This is the true delicacy of Kaston. Foreigners don't eat it because they don't know how to prepare it. Since Charlie is here, how can we not let him taste authentic Kaston cuisine?"

As he spoke, Alexander took off his suit jacket and rolled up his shirt sleeves. "I'll be your assistant. If you don't know how, I have recipes right here."

It wasn't that Natalie couldn't cook these dishes, but she rarely did. Fortunately, her culinary training had been comprehensive, or she would have been completely stuck.

Ignoring Alexander's ridiculous argument, she decided to cook anyway. It would be a waste of food otherwise. She would just have to explain everything to Charlie when the food was served.

The restaurant kitchen was fully equipped, and some of the more time-consuming ingredients had already been partially cooked.

An hour later, several dishes were ready.

Natalie was about to hand them over to the manager to be served when Alexander suddenly stopped her.

"Wait, you're missing something."