I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 189

Seeing Alexander's unyielding stance, Gabriel pressed on.

"Arthur has known you since you were a child. Raymond Gates only got Natalie involved because of his feud with Prestige Properties. He's their only son, can't you—"

"Raymond's crimes go far beyond that one incident," Alexander cut him off, a hint of derision in his voice. "With the things he's been involved in, he'll likely be in prison for the rest of his life. Does Arthur really expect a son like that to take care of him in his old age? He's more likely to die of a heart attack from the stress."

Gabriel fell silent. He hadn't known about Raymond's other offenses. No wonder Arthur had come to him for help. It was clear that, for Natalie's sake, Alexander had dug up every piece of dirt on Raymond Gates.

Truth be told, Gabriel had wished Alexander and Natalie wouldn't divorce. He'd always liked Natalie, finding her gentle and sensible. But Camila's pregnancy had changed everything. Realizing he couldn't sway his son, he dropped the subject.

After leaving the golf course, the two went their separate ways. As Alexander approached his car, Aaron Lee stepped forward.

"Mr. Green called earlier, sir. He'd like to meet with you."

"What about?" Alexander asked as he settled into the back seat, Aaron taking the driver's position.

"He said he wants to thank you for letting his daughter go."

Sophia had been locked in the dark, silent warehouse for two days, pushed to the brink of a mental breakdown. When Mr. Green couldn't find her, he had pulled every string he could, finally getting a whisper of information from one of Aaron's subordinates. Learning that his daughter had once again provoked Alexander, he was both terrified and furious. He had swallowed his pride and sought out Alexander, pleading with him, nearly kneeling as he swore he would keep Sophia under control.

Alexander had ultimately agreed, partly because Mr. Green had once offered Natalie some assistance. The condition was simple: Sophia was never to set foot in this country again.

From the back seat, Alexander glanced at the data scrolling on his tablet. "No meeting."

"Yes, sir. I assumed as much and already declined. Mr. Green assured me that he will make sure Ms. Green never returns to Cabinda."

Alexander said nothing more.

After a moment, Aaron glanced in the rearview mirror. "Sir, there's a rumor that The Thompson Group is about to co-host an auction with Billy Firth. It's a three-day event, and Ms. Watson will be the head auctioneer."

Alexander's fingers tightened slightly, but his expression remained impassive.

When he didn't respond, Aaron asked, "The Thompson Group sent an invitation. Will you be attending?"

"You should eat more. You've barely touched your food," Arianna said, watching Natalie set down her fork and knife at the restaurant.

Natalie shook her head. "I'm honestly full."

Arianna studied her for a long moment. "Natalie, did you see the news about Alexander Ramirez and Camila White getting engaged?"

She had seen the trending topic that morning and had invited Natalie to lunch, worried she might be upset.

"Mm-hmm," Natalie replied nonchalantly, taking a sip of her tea.

"If you're upset, you can talk to me. Don't bottle it up."

Natalie managed a small smile. "What would I be upset about? We're divorced. He's free to marry whoever he wants."

Just as Arianna was about to say more, a man approached their table.