I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 35

On the sixteenth floor of Pinnacle Place, Alexander Ramirez stood before a floor-to-ceiling glass cabinet, examining the collection of trophies, certificates, and photos with famous figures displayed inside.

"Sorry about that. I was on the phone with my father, so I had Mr. Austin meet you downstairs," a man in a burgundy suit with slightly curly hair said as he walked in.

Without turning around, Alexander replied, "You're the first person to make me come to them, only to be greeted by their Vice President."

Eric Bailey chuckled. "So, I'm your first time? I'm honored."

The words had barely left his mouth when a small trophy flew toward his head.

Eric caught it deftly. "Hey, this was my grandfather's favorite. Can't have you breaking it. Your temper hasn't changed a bit since college."

Alexander and Eric had been university classmates in France.

After graduation, Alexander returned home to take over the Ramirez Group, while Eric stayed in France for a few more years before recently returning to Cabinda.

They had planned to meet at BlueNight, but Eric's grandfather, Lawrence, had suddenly asked him to handle the delivery of an antique at the office, forcing Alexander to come to Pinnacle Place instead.

"It wouldn't be my fault if it broke," Alexander said, sitting down on the opposite sofa. "So, what new treasure has Mr. Bailey acquired?"

Lawrence Bailey was an avid collector who would acquire anything of value.

The Bailey family had even built a private museum, The Grand Vault, to house his collection.

"It's a piece of calligraphy he's sending to an auction next week. I don't think it's worth much, but my grandfather insists on selling it. He keeps saying he trusts the auctioneer, claiming that anything that passes through her hands is guaranteed to fetch a higher price." Eric scoffed, clearly skeptical.

Alexander raised an eyebrow. "For Mr. Bailey to be so confident, she must be quite the auctioneer. Which auction house does she work for?"

Mr. Bailey had attended countless auctions, especially for antiques and art. His endorsement was not given lightly.

"Coincidentally, the auction house is right downstairs from us. You've heard of Billy Firth, right? One of the most renowned auction houses in the world. Their Asia-Pacific headquarters is on the ninth floor of this building."

"I was planning to visit you in London, but then I was suddenly transferred to The Thompson Group's headquarters. It's been nothing but meetings and new projects ever since."

Arianna had been promoted to Sales Director, and Natalie understood completely. Her own life in London had been just as hectic.

"Natalie, did you meet any handsome men in London? Are you dating anyone?" Arianna asked, probing.

Natalie had left the country heartbroken, and Arianna desperately hoped she had moved on and found someone new.

"No," Natalie said, shaking her head.

"I've been too busy with work, and honestly, I haven't even thought about it."

Arianna immediately put down her fork and stared at her.

"Natalie, you haven't given up on love because of Alexander Ramirez, have you?"