I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 42

Dressed in a navy-blue suit with a subtly patterned black tie, Alexander Ramirez was the picture of a lazy panther, reclining in a leather armchair. His face was a chiseled masterpiece of sharp lines and strong contours. Beneath thick brows, his eyes were as deep and cold as stars in the night sky, hiding an abyss of emotion that was impossible to read.

His long fingers rested on the armrest, tapping a light, rhythmic beat, while a faint, almost imperceptible smile played on his thin lips.

He held her gaze, his expression a mixture of reminiscence and mockery.

Even though she had tried to prepare herself, Natalie Watson still froze for a moment when she saw him. Her heart felt as if it were being squeezed by an invisible hand.

Her prolonged silence drew curious looks from the audience.

Ava Thompson’s voice crackled through her hidden earpiece. “Nora? Nora?”

Natalie’s stiff smile relaxed slightly, becoming a bit wider than before. “Mr. Ramirez bids fifty million. The piece is currently with Mr. Ramirez. Are there any other bids?”

This artifact had already reached the highest bid of the auction so far, and buyers with limited means had long since lowered their paddles. Besides, it was something Alexander Ramirez wanted. Who would dare to compete with him?

“Any other bids?” Natalie scanned the room. “Do we have any bids from our phone or online buyers?”

No one moved.

“Fifty million, going once…”

After calling it twice, Natalie was about to bring down the gavel when another paddle shot up on the second floor.

She looked up and saw a man sitting a few seats away from Alexander, his eyes glinting with a roguish charm.

Natalie had already memorized the profiles of all the potential bidders. A genuine smile bloomed on her face, as lovely as a spring blossom. “Mr. Thompson raises the bid by five hundred thousand. The piece is now with Mr. Thompson.”

A wave of murmurs swept through the first floor. So, it was Samuel Thompson who dared to challenge Alexander Ramirez.

Alexander glanced to his right. Samuel met his gaze with a sidelong look, the corner of his mouth curved into a subtle, provocative smirk.

Natalie could feel the palpable tension between them.

“Mr. Ramirez, do you wish to raise your bid?” she prompted.

Alexander flickered his eyes toward the man behind him, and Aaron Lee immediately raised their paddle.

“Very well, Mr. Ramirez raises by five million.”

The moment the last word left Natalie’s lips, the person behind Samuel Thompson raised their paddle again. It was clear a battle had been joined.

“This is for Charlotte, Samuel! Are you really going to fight me for this too?” Bruce Ward snapped at Samuel Thompson, his voice filled with frustration.

“I’m bidding for my grandpa. Is there a problem with that?” Samuel replied dismissively.

Natalie’s gavel finally fell. “Congratulations to Mr. Ramirez on acquiring the bowl for ninety-five million.”

The room erupted in applause.

“Why’d you stop, Mr. Thompson?” Bruce Ward taunted.

“Oh, I decided not to spoil someone else’s pleasure,” Samuel said with an air of indifference.

Alexander picked up the glass of red wine beside him, swirling it gently. “You intentionally drove up the price, Mr. Thompson. A shame for you that I think it was worth every penny.”

The bowl’s collection value was immense; it would have been worth it even at a hundred million.

“You’re quite good at consoling yourself, Mr. Ramirez. If you think it’s worth it, then it is.” Samuel raised his own glass in a mock toast.

Just then, the large screen behind the stage began to change, displaying the next item.

Eric Bailey sat up straighter, his eyes fixed on the stage with a mix of anticipation and curiosity. “Finally.”

Natalie handed the details of the previous item to a staff member and glanced at the screen.

“Our next piece is ‘Rhythm of Ink,’ with a starting bid of two million.”