I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 46

The next evening, Natalie stood before a full-length mirror, adjusting the fit of her evening gown. She had never been fond of parties. During her time in London, work had required her to attend a few networking events, but she avoided them whenever she could.

Yesterday, however, Ava had relayed Lawrence Bailey’s message, insisting that a “very important person” wanted her to be there. Natalie knew immediately that this person was Alexander Ramirez.

It made sense. Every major player in the city feared The Ramirez Group. Well, almost everyone. There was still Mr. Thompson.

If attending this party was what it took to get Alexander to sign the divorce papers, then she had no choice but to go.

The Bailey family’s gala was held at a five-star hotel. As her car pulled up to the entrance, Natalie handed the keys to the valet and stepped out.

The ballroom was ablaze with the light of crystal chandeliers, and the gentle melody of a symphony orchestra drifted through the air like a flowing stream. Guests mingled, their faces adorned with polite smiles as they exchanged pleasantries. The moment Natalie entered, dozens of heads turned in her direction.

She wore a simple, elegant black gown that hugged her slender waist and accentuated her graceful curves. Her dark, wavy hair cascaded down her back. Her makeup was subtle yet refined, making her beautiful eyes shine like stars. She moved with a composed, effortless grace, exuding an aura of cool detachment and self-possession.

“Is that her? Nora, the auctioneer who sold that two-million-dollar piece for thirty-two million the other day?”

“That’s her. The video clip of her on the podium went viral. She became famous overnight.”

“She’s gorgeous. I wonder if she’s married…”

Dylan Bailey, who was in the middle of a conversation, spotted Natalie and immediately excused himself, striding over with his son, Eric, in tow.

After a round of courteous greetings, Dylan introduced his son. “This is Eric Bailey. I had a prior engagement, so he attended the auction in my place.”

Eric extended his hand. “Ms. Watson, your performance the other day was truly a sight to behold.”

“You know my last name?” Natalie asked, surprised. At Billy Firth, she went exclusively by her alias, Nora. Apart from those who already knew her in the city, almost no one was aware of her real name.

Eric smiled. “Alexander Ramirez and I were classmates.”

Of course. Natalie remembered now; he was the man sitting next to Alexander on the second floor.

Natalie waved her hands, caught between laughter and exasperation. “No, that’s not what I…”

“I’m joking,” he said, one eyebrow arching playfully. Just then, a waiter passed with a tray of champagne. Samuel took two glasses, handing one to Natalie.

They clinked their glasses together. Just as she brought the flute to her lips, Samuel spoke again, his tone turning serious. “Ms. Watson, you and Alexander Ramirez clearly have a history. So, tell me, are you his…?”

At the auction, though nothing was said outright, Samuel could sense the unusual connection between Alexander and the woman before him. Rumor had it that Alexander and Ms. White were going to be married, but Samuel suspected that was merely Camila’s wishful thinking. The only person who seemed to truly affect Alexander Ramirez was this beautiful, enigmatic woman.

Natalie’s hand, holding the glass, paused. He was as sharp as they said. No wonder he was one of the few who dared to go head-to-head with The Ramirez Group. But she had no intention of revealing anything to him, nor could she.

“Mr. Thompson…”

“Mr. Thompson, you seem quite obsessed with me, wanting to know my every secret.”

The voice belonged to Alexander Ramirez, who had just walked over.