I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 285

Arianna knew that if she accepted Bruce’s gesture, she’d be expected to return the favor, and after what happened at the hotel, the last thing she wanted was any more ties to him. She hated owing people, especially men.

She picked up her phone and typed, Thank you for your kind offer, Mr. Ward, but tonight’s dinner was for welcoming Natalie back. There’s no need for you to pay. Then she sent the payment, following it up with another message. Please accept this. If you don’t, I’ll send the money to Mrs. Ward and explain everything.

With the messages sent, Arianna finally felt a bit lighter. She turned to Natalie and said, “Let’s go.”

At the same time, Bruce was sitting in his private room, staring at his phone. The messages and the transfer glared up at him, every word stiff and polite, especially the way she kept calling him “Mr. Ward.” He could almost see her face, set and determined as she typed it out. She clearly wanted nothing more to do with him, and her last line was basically a warning.

Bruce couldn’t help but let out a quiet, amused breath. This Arianna Mitchell… she was something else. Most women he met were drawn to his money or his status, but she treated him like he was contagious. He had to admit, though, his impulsive move the other day probably had scared her off.

Still, he didn’t feel rejected, just that his approach had been all wrong. He pressed accept on the transfer and watched the confirmation appear. In his mind, he thought, Arianna Mitchell, I’m not about to give up.

Back at the table, Camila kept sneaking glances at Alexander as she placed food on his plate, trying to read his expression. He stayed calm and distant, like running into Natalie out in the hallway hadn’t rattled him at all. The more unbothered he looked, the more unsettled Camila felt.

“Alex,” she ventured, “I’m thinking about hosting a banquet for The White Group in a couple of days. Do you think I should invite Natalie Watson? She’s the VP at Billy Firth, so it would be weird not to include her.”

Camila had officially taken over The White Group, although Luke White’s announcement to the media hadn’t quite made it real in everyone’s eyes. Throwing a banquet would be her chance to introduce herself to Cabinda’s elite and start making important connections. It was also the perfect chance to test Alexander’s reaction.

He turned, giving her a cool look. “You’re the head of The White Group. Who you invite is up to you.”

“Luke White named Camila as the new president,” Arianna said, shaking her head in disbelief. “Everyone knew he always favored Benjamin, so most people thought he’d be the one to take over. I guess Camila just got lucky, or maybe it was perfect timing. She’s engaged to Alexander Ramirez, now she’s inherited the family business… She’s probably the most talked-about woman in town right now.”

Natalie smiled softly. “Maybe so.”

Camila was marrying into another powerful family, and even though the wedding hadn’t happened yet, she was already running The White Group. It was no wonder every socialite in Cabinda was jealous.

A few days later, Natalie received Camila White’s invitation in the mail.