I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 193

Natalie froze. Samuel had mouthed the words: "Do you like it?"

Was he asking if *she* liked the tiara? Like most women, she had a weakness for beautiful, sparkling things, and the tiara was no exception. The first time she saw it, it had felt like a queen standing aloof from the world, radiating a unique, noble aura that had captivated her.

But she had no desire to possess it. Even if she did, she would use her own money to buy it. Samuel's gesture seemed to imply that if she liked it, he would keep bidding.

Natalie gave an almost imperceptible shake of her head. Whatever his reasons, she didn't want to be the cause.

Almost no one in the room noticed the subtle exchange, but Alexander saw it all. His face remained a mask of cool indifference, but a storm was brewing in the depths of his eyes.

Samuel did not raise his paddle again.

Alexander's lip curled into a smirk. "Mr. Thompson, I thought you were spending a fortune for the lady in your life. Why stop now?" His tone was thick with sarcasm.

Samuel remained perfectly composed, looking languidly relaxed. "She just told me she doesn't like it."

Camila overheard him and glanced around, seeing no woman beside him. "She's here? I don't see anyone."

Samuel grinned mischievously. "Oh, she's here. It's just that…" He paused deliberately. "She doesn't like to be in the presence of mistresses."

"You!"

Camila’s face turned pale with fury. She loathed being called a mistress. She and Alexander had grown up together; if anyone was the third party, it was Natalie! But she didn't dare lash out at Samuel. The Thompson family was second only to the Ramirezes in Cabinda, and Samuel was notoriously untamed. He wasn't afraid of Alexander, so he certainly wouldn't care about her feelings.

She bit her lip and turned to Alexander. As his fiancée, she expected him to defend her honor.

Alexander looked toward the stage. "Mr. Thompson is known for his sharp tongue. He's all bark and no bite. What matters is owning the prize in the end."

Camila felt his response was lukewarm and was about to say more.

"It's time to bring the gavel down," Alexander added.

Natalie raised the gavel once more, asking for any final bids. With Samuel out, no one else could possibly compete with Alexander.

"Of course. Who else would it be for?"

He then looked at Camila with a tender, doting expression. Camila was overjoyed that he had not only confirmed it but was also looking at her so affectionately.

Natalie stood alone in the distance, watching the picture-perfect couple. Her face was blank as she turned to leave.

"'Baby's Breath' belongs to Camila now. You're not upset at all?"

Samuel Thompson had appeared at her side without her noticing.

Natalie smiled and shrugged. "The auction was a success, 'Baby's Breath' fetched a great price, Billy Firth gets a hefty commission, and I'll get a bonus. Why would I be upset?"

"In fact," she added, "I should thank you for driving up the price."

With that, Natalie walked out of the hotel. Samuel watched her retreating figure, his gaze thoughtful and deep.