I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 37

Just as Natalie was about to call the police herself, they arrived.

After a brief investigation, the officer concluded that the Mercedes driver had caused the collision by changing lanes improperly.

He was also ticketed for obstructing traffic after the accident.

The driver received a stern lecture, a fine, and points on his license, and was ordered to pay for the damages.

The road was quickly cleared.

Natalie felt a tinge of frustration.

Her brand-new car now had an insurance claim against it and needed to be taken back for repairs. The London headquarters was placing immense importance on the inaugural auction of Billy Firth's Asia-Pacific division.

The collection of items had been meticulously curated, including several treasures from renowned collectors.

Natalie was not only in charge of the entire event but was also serving as the auctioneer, meaning she had to personally inspect and study every single item.

Since her return, her days were spent either in the office or at the exhibition center examining the lots.

She stood before a hanging scroll of calligraphy.

The file indicated it belonged to a local collector, Mr. Bailey.

Compared to the other items, the value of this piece, 'Rhythm of Ink,' was not particularly high. "This piece normally wouldn't have made the cut for the inaugural auction, but the commission rate Mr. Bailey offered is very high. He said he's certain you can get a good price for it," her assistant, Ava, explained from behind her.

Given the importance of the event, the minimum value for any item was set at five million. However, experts had appraised this scroll at only two million. It also wasn't very old, meaning it would likely attract few buyers and might not even sell.

But Mr. Bailey had stipulated that regardless of the final price, he would pay the highest possible commission rate.

This was one of the reasons the London office had insisted she act as auctioneer for this event. Billy Firth's Asia-Pacific division had to make a spectacular debut; a single unsold item was not an option.

Natalie looked up at the scroll. "I'll do my best."

That weekend, Alexander made his routine trip to the Ramirez Estate for dinner.

The moment he walked in, a cane swung at him. Alexander reacted instantly, stepping back and catching the metal cane in his hand.

"Grandma, are you trying to murder me?" Across from him stood his grandmother, Charlotte Roberts, her silver hair immaculate as she brandished her cane. "Who told you to invite Camila White here? Who else should I hit but you?"

"Not until you promise not to hit me."

"Are you negotiating with me?"

Just then, Savannah Davis and Camila White walked in from the back garden, laughing and chatting like a mother and daughter-in-law.

Seeing Charlotte about to strike Alexander, Savannah rushed over. "Mom, what's going on? What did Alexander do to upset you now?"

Since Alexander had denied inviting Camila, Charlotte had a good idea who was responsible. She turned away, displeased. "You're all ganging up on me! The one I want to keep won't stay, and the one I don't want to see keeps showing up!"

Savannah was baffled at first, but then she understood.

Charlotte was still holding a grudge over Natalie's departure. But that had nothing to do with them. Natalie had left of her own accord; no one had forced her.

Besides, Savannah had never been particularly fond of her anyway. She was glad Natalie was gone, freeing up the position without having to deal with her refusal to have children.

Just as Savannah was about to reason with her, Camila walked up to Charlotte's side with a gentle smile.