I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 177

Natalie didn't turn around, pretending she hadn't heard a thing. She slipped inside her apartment and was about to close the door.

“Mrs.—Ms. Watson.” Aaron Lee appeared in the opposite doorway just as her door was closing. He had reflexively started to say “Mrs. Ramirez” before catching himself.

She felt a pang of… something. Disappointment? Surprise? She hadn’t expected to see Aaron. She gave him a polite nod. “Aaron.” Her eyes flickered toward the activity inside the other apartment. “What’s going on?”

“Mr. Ramirez won’t be staying here anymore. Since the apartment will be vacant, I’m having it cleaned.”

Through the doorway, she could just make out white dust cloths draped over furniture in the entryway. Natalie understood. With her living right across the hall and their divorce finalized, it made sense that he wouldn’t come back. Once he married Camila, they would find a new home. This place, like his properties at The Apex Residences and Sagebrush Community, would become just another asset in his portfolio.

Natalie shook her head, forcing the thoughts away. She and Alexander were in the past.

She walked to the kitchen island and poured herself a glass of water. Just as she took a sip, the doorbell rang. Assuming it was Aaron, she went to the door and opened it without checking.

“Mr. Thompson?” Natalie was genuinely surprised to see Samuel Thompson standing there, dressed in a stylish charcoal blazer and a white t-shirt.

Samuel raised an eyebrow and smiled. “Ms. Watson. I hope you don’t mind, but I was wondering if I could trouble you for a cup of coffee.”

It was still early, and since he had come all this way, there was no reason to refuse him. “Of course not. Please, come in, Mr. Thompson.”

She stepped aside to let him in, then closed the door. Across the hall, Aaron glanced over before returning to his work.

“I asked Arianna for your address. I hope my dropping by isn’t too presumptuous. I’m here because the Thompson Group would like to invite Billy Firth to co-host an auction.” Samuel sat on the sofa, his eyes scanning the apartment. It was clean and tidy, with a warm, inviting color palette.

Natalie snapped back to the present, realizing her lapse. She forced a light smile. “It’s nothing. Just thinking about something from the past.”

Samuel sensed the shift in her mood but didn’t press. “This joint auction is also a step toward a long-term partnership with Billy Firth,” he said smoothly. “The meteorite slice is said to have immense scientific value, so it should attract a lot of collectors. I heard Billy Firth has handled similar auctions before, and that you were involved. So, I sincerely hope you will accept my invitation.”

His tone was earnest. Natalie considered it for a moment. “I’ll need to report this to headquarters first. I can give you an answer after that.”

“Of course. I’ll wait for your call.”

With business concluded, they chatted for another half hour before Samuel finished his coffee and stood to leave.

Natalie walked him to the door. As she opened it, a tall figure across the hall turned toward them.