I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 41

Ava Thompson, who was standing beside her, rushed to help Natalie pick up the scattered papers.

Noticing how flustered she seemed, Ava asked, “Nora, are you alright? You’re on in two minutes.”

Natalie closed her eyes, telling herself that she and Alexander Ramirez were over. Seeing him again wouldn't change a thing.

Ava assumed she was just nervous because this debut auction was so important, so she didn't press the matter.

A moment later, Natalie opened her eyes. She lifted her chin, her gaze suddenly firm and brimming with confidence.

“The inaugural auction of Billy Firth's Asia Pacific Headquarters will now officially begin! Please welcome our auctioneer, Nora!”

A smile touched Natalie’s lips as she strode gracefully toward the auction podium in her cream-colored heels.

Ascending the steps, her elegant figure finally appeared before the towering podium.

“Good evening, everyone. Welcome to the inaugural auction of Billy Firth's Asia Pacific Headquarters. I'm Nora.”

At the sound of that familiar voice, Alexander Ramirez’s eyes snapped up.

Natalie was wearing an ivory dress embroidered with delicate silver patterns. Its teardrop neckline revealed the graceful curve of her swan-like neck.

Her hair was swept into an exquisite updo, and a pair of delicate pearl earrings caught the light, casting a soft glow.

Her makeup was perfectly balanced—subtle yet refined—and her beautiful eyes shone as brightly as stars.

Her pale pink lips had a dewy sheen, and a gentle smile played at the corners of her mouth.

The Natalie Watson before him now radiated a dazzling brilliance, full of elegance and composure.

He had never seen this side of her, and he certainly never imagined she had returned to the country.

“No way. Am I seeing things?” Bruce Ward rubbed his eyes and stared intently at the woman on the podium. “Is that… Natalie Watson?”

Isabella Ward was equally stunned. How had security not stopped Natalie? And wait… how was she the auctioneer?

She turned to look at Camila White, who was biting her lower lip, her gaze fixed intently on the woman on stage.

Alexander Ramirez's expression was dark and unreadable, making it impossible to know what he was thinking.

With every new bid, the guests' eyes gleamed with fervor, and the atmosphere in the room grew increasingly electric.

Finally, it was time for the fifth lot.

Natalie glanced at the large screen, checked it against the item details in her hand, and then looked up with a smile. “Our fifth lot is an antique vase. The bidding will start at twenty million, with increments of five hundred thousand.”

Paddles were still raised from the floor, but noticeably fewer than before.

“Mr. Gary is at forty-three million. Are there any other bids?” Natalie scanned the audience, spotting some hesitation.

She continued, her voice smooth, “Vases of this kind are exceedingly rare and hold immense artistic and historical value.”

“Mr. George, would you consider another five hundred thousand? Just one more try? Another five hundred thousand, and the bid will be back with you.”

Just then, a paddle went up on the second floor.

Natalie Watson looked up with a smile, but it froze on her face.