I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 274

Samuel’s eyes flickered when he saw the name pop up. Instantly, he remembered what Bruce had said at the auction earlier, about bringing a girl home that night.

Arianna glanced at her phone, quickly declined the call, then looked up at Samuel. “Mr. Thompson, do you need anything else?”

Samuel checked the time on his watch. “No, that's all. You can clock out. I should get going too, there’s a party tonight.”

Arianna kept her expression neutral, stood up, and left the office at a brisk pace. As soon as she stepped out, she pulled out her phone and called Bruce back.

“Why’d you hang up on me?” Bruce asked as soon as he picked up.

“I couldn’t answer just now. I’m heading down.”

Arianna went back to her own office, packed up her things, and took the elevator down to the lobby. Bruce’s Porsche was parked right out front, and he was leaning against the car like he was posing for a magazine. When he saw her coming, he actually went over and opened the passenger door for her, acting all gentlemanly. “After you.”

Samuel happened to walk out of the Thompson Group building just in time to see Arianna getting into Bruce's car. So Bruce really meant her when he said he was bringing a girl home to meet his family. Samuel’s face darkened. Not long ago, she’d confessed her feelings to him. Now she was already moving on, and apparently it was serious enough to be meeting the parents. Was it that her attempt to keep both men failed, or did she just get over him that fast? He remembered how nervous she’d been that night in his room, how she’d seemed so shy, nothing like someone who jumped from one romance to the next.

Samuel let out a silent, bitter laugh. Maybe he’d read her all wrong.

By the time the Porsche pulled away, Samuel finally got into his own car.

The Ward Estate

Arianna couldn’t help but notice how healthy and energetic Mrs. Ward looked. She didn’t seem like someone struggling with a heart condition at all.

Mrs. Ward led her to the sofa and they started chatting. Before long, footsteps echoed from the staircase. Arianna looked up to see Isabella Ward coming down.

Mrs. Ward shot her daughter a look. “Isabella, we have a guest. Why are you only coming down now?”

Isabella rolled her eyes. “You wanted Bruce to bring her home for you, not for me. Why should I rush?”

She’d watched from upstairs as her parents fawned over Arianna, and it made her blood boil. She was the princess of the Ward family, always the center of attention. Who did this woman think she was? Just another office worker, no impressive background, and her parents were divorced. Isabella had even made sure to bring up Arianna’s story to her mother before, hoping she’d invite Arianna over just to embarrass her. But instead, Isabella had walked right into a warm, happy scene she’d never expected.