I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 293

Natalie looked up and saw Samuel Thompson walking straight toward her, his face tight with worry. He must have heard about what happened at the winery. But wasn’t he supposed to be overseas?

As Samuel got closer, he took in her pale face and the way her left leg was strapped into the wheelchair. His frown deepened. He knelt in front of her, checking over the injury with gentle hands.

His eyes were full of pain and anger. When he looked up at Alexander Ramirez, his voice came out cold and hard. “Alexander, is this really how you treat her?”

Alexander’s expression didn’t change. “This is a Ramirez family issue. It’s not for you to interfere.”

Samuel gave a short, bitter laugh and stood. “Family? Natalie isn’t your family anymore. She’s my friend, and her problems are mine too. If you don’t care what happens to her, don’t blame me for stepping in.”

He bent down, carefully unfastened the strap on her leg, and lifted her out of the wheelchair. Every movement was slow and gentle, as if he was afraid to hurt her.

Natalie leaned limply against his chest, too tired to protest. She heard his soft, steady voice in her ear. “Don’t worry. I’ll get you the best doctor I know.”

She managed a small nod. In that moment, when she felt completely alone, Samuel made her feel safe again. She was so grateful for that.

Alexander stood there watching as Samuel carried her away. For a second, something complicated flashed in his eyes, but it disappeared almost instantly.

Samuel settled Natalie in the back seat of his car and fastened her seatbelt for her.

“Thank you, Samuel.” Her voice was barely a whisper.

“Hey, don’t mention it. We’re friends,” he said, glancing at her with real concern. “I’m taking you to Cabinda Hospital. I know someone in orthopedics there. He’ll make sure you get the right treatment.”

Bruce Ward? Natalie realized he must have still been worried and probably had someone follow Samuel’s car to find her.

She didn’t dwell on it.

Arianna sat down next to her, fuming. “I can’t believe Camila White tried to frame you by hurting her own child. She doesn’t deserve to be a mother.”

Natalie froze, trying to process it. “How did you know it was on purpose?”

Arianna shook her head. “Because the idea that you’d push her is ridiculous. I’d believe the world was ending tomorrow before I’d believe you’d do something like that.”