I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 176

Alexander turned to meet his grandmother’s stern gaze, a flicker of surprise in his eyes.

Camila continued to weep softly, the picture of a heartbroken victim. Savannah comforted her, urging her to think of the baby.

“I apologize,” Alexander said, standing up and looking directly at Camila.

Relief washed over her; it seemed he had finally changed his mind. She lifted her tear-streaked face, ready to tell him she forgave him, when his deep voice cut through the air again.

“But I’m not changing my decision.”

They would get engaged, and they would wait for the DNA test after the baby was born.

He had been heavily intoxicated that night, his memory a blur, but Camila insisted the child was his. Alexander had been raised with impeccable discipline and believed that even drunk, he would not have behaved so recklessly. But his belief wasn't proof. The only way to know for sure was to wait for the child’s birth.

“If the child is mine, I will give him the best of everything.” His gaze was unyielding, his resolve absolute. No one could sway him.

Camila’s expression froze, words failing her. Everyone knew Alexander's stubborn nature; further argument was futile.

“Camila, I’ll ask you one more time. Is the child Alexander’s?” Charlotte pressed, her eyes fixed on the younger woman.

Camila’s heart pounded with fear. If she confessed now, she would be reprimanded and thrown out, and her dream of acquiring the White Group would be over. But if she insisted the child was Alexander’s, she would have less than nine months of comfort as his fiancée. Once the baby was born and the DNA test exposed her, the consequences would be far worse than just being cast out and losing the company. She knew what Alexander was capable of. Forcing him to divorce Natalie over this… he would never forgive her.

She was trapped, and neither outcome was one she could bear.

“Well? Is it or isn’t it?” Charlotte’s patience was wearing thin.

“Grandma, the baby is Alex’s. I’m not lying…” Camila made her choice. She had worked too hard to marry Alexander to give up now. She couldn't admit the truth, not yet.

Charlotte gestured for him to sit. “I don’t like her, and I never wanted her to be part of this family. But she is carrying your child. For now, we will assume the child is yours. Can I allow my great-grandchild to be born out of wedlock, without a name?”

She let out a soft sigh, her eyes filled with weariness. “I’ve failed Natalie. I asked her to give you a chance, I persuaded her not to divorce you. And now, I am the one telling you to marry another woman.”

The bedroom was quiet for a long time. Finally, Alexander spoke, his voice low and heavy with regret. “It wasn’t you. I’m the one who failed her.”

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When Natalie returned home from work, she found the door to the apartment across the hall standing open. She could hear movement inside.

Since her discharge from the hospital, Alexander had not once returned here. She paused for a moment. He was no longer her concern. Why he was back now had nothing to do with her.

She unlocked her own door, but just as she was about to step inside, she heard footsteps approaching from the other apartment.