The next day at the office, Natalie had just finished a congratulatory call from headquarters when Ava Thompson knocked and entered.
"Nora, someone from The Ramirez Group is here to handle the final transaction."
Typically, the handover process took five to ten business days to give both parties ample time. It was surprising that The Ramirez Group sent someone the very next day. But then again, 'Baby's Breath' was no ordinary piece. It was only natural that Alexander would want to finalize things quickly to please Camila.
Natalie kept her head down, reviewing a document. "I see," she said calmly. "It's a tight schedule, but make sure everything is handled meticulously."
When she heard no response, she looked up. Ava was still standing there, looking conflicted.
"What is it?" Natalie asked.
Ava hesitated. "The representative from The Ramirez Group said they require you to deliver the item in person."
"In person?" Natalie was taken aback.
Ava nodded. She had been just as surprised. Natalie was the Vice President of Billy Firth; it was unheard of for her to act as a delivery person. Ava had immediately refused, explaining that they would arrange for their most trusted personnel to handle the transport.
But the representative had a ready reply.
Ava relayed the message to Natalie: "He said it was Ms. White's specific request. She mentioned that Billy Firth promises to do its utmost to satisfy customer needs. She doesn't trust anyone else with the delivery and insists that you bring it yourself. That is her demand."
It was true that this was part of Billy Firth's service policy. But Camila’s request clearly wasn't about trust.
Natalie closed the file. "Tell them we have a dedicated transport team with a perfect track record. If she's still concerned, she is welcome to come and pick it up herself whenever she's available."
"Alright, I'll let them know," Ava said, turning to leave.
Camila wanted to flaunt her victory and provoke her. It was a transparently petty move, and Natalie had no intention of playing along.
She moved on to the next document. A few moments later, her desk phone rang. She answered without looking at the caller ID. "Hello?"
"What, is Billy Firth's famous customer service policy just for show?" Alexander's cold, mocking voice came through the receiver.
Natalie paused, realizing he was calling about Camila's demand.
"Mr. Ramirez, if you're so concerned, why not pick it up yourself? I'm sure Ms. White would be even happier to receive it directly from you."
Natalie walked through a garden filled with blooming flowers and saw that the front door of the villa was open. It sounded like a party was going on inside.
She pushed the door open and stepped into a brightly lit living room. A group of people were mingling, some sitting on the sofas, others standing around with glasses of red wine.
Camila was sitting in the center, her arm linked with Alexander's, a sweet smile on her face.
"Alexander, congratulations to you both," someone said, raising a glass to him.
Alexander offered a faint smile while Camila blushed.
"It's about time these two lovebirds finally got together. Those last six years were such a waste. You should have been together from the start. I'm telling you, growing up together is the best. Camila is a million times better than Alexander's ex-wife."
The speaker was one of the few people who had attended Alexander and Natalie's wedding and knew about their secret marriage.
Camila feigned embarrassment. "Please don't say that. Ms. Watson is a very accomplished woman."
"She can be the best in the world, but Alexander still doesn't like her. Isn't that right, Alexander?" the person pressed.

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