I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 50

As Alexander spoke, he leaned closer, so close that Natalie felt enveloped by his presence.

She pressed herself against the car door, thinking that if it were open, she’d already be on the pavement. With only inches separating them, she placed a hand on his chest. “Who would want an office romance with you?”

“Alexander, what do you want from me?”

Her hand was soft and slender against his chest, the light pressure feeling more like a caress. A sudden thirst parched Alexander’s throat, and he fought the urge to push her down onto the seat.

But seeing the wary look in her eyes, he straightened up, picked up a wooden box from the seat beside him, and placed it in her hands.

Natalie frowned. “What is this?”

“Grandma knows you’re back. We’re going to the Ramirez Estate tomorrow. Bring this with you.” Alexander took a cigarette from its case, rolling it between his fingers without lighting it.

“How does she know? Did you tell her?” Natalie’s frown deepened as she opened the box. Inside was the round, sky-blue bowl from the auction.

He placed the cigarette back in the case. “It slipped out,” he answered casually.

Natalie was speechless.

She felt a pang of guilt for leaving three years ago without a word to the family elders, especially Charlotte Roberts. She had planned to give Charlotte an explanation eventually, but she wasn’t ready to do it now. She didn’t know what to say, how to say it without breaking the old woman’s heart.

“I…”

“If you don’t go, Grandma will come find you herself,” Alexander cut her off, extinguishing her hesitation before it could fully form.

The car was silent, save for the soft hum of the air conditioning.

Fine. If Charlotte already knew, it would be terribly rude not to see her.

“I’ll go,” she conceded, “but I can’t take this.” She gestured to the bowl.

Alexander let out a soft snort, a faint smile touching his eyes. “It’s not for you. It’s something Grandma likes. I have to go out of town on business tonight and I don’t trust leaving it at the office. You’ll keep it safe for now and bring it with you tomorrow.”

Natalie stared at him.

The security system in the CEO’s office at the Ramirez Building was second to none. His excuse was flimsy at best.

“You useless widow, how dare you try to boss me around?” he sneered. “Dad let you into the White Group to help me, not so you could get a big head and start telling me what to do.”

Benjamin had been spoiled rotten by Luke White his whole life and had always treated Camila with contempt, bullying her whenever he was displeased and blaming her for his own mistakes. Luke never bothered to investigate, always taking his son’s side and berating Camila.

Camila’s eyes darkened for a moment before she hurried over, putting on an act of concern. “The White Group isn’t what it used to be. Our priority has to be making new connections. I was only trying to help you.”

“Are you saying this is my fault?” Benjamin kicked her squarely in the abdomen, sending her sprawling to the ground.

Her arm was scraped and a sharp pain shot through her stomach, making her break out in a cold sweat. Biting her lip, she looked up. “You’ve misunderstood me.”

She used the car to pull herself up. “I know you’re interested in that woman from tonight, but you really scared her. She’s not like the other girls you’ve known; you can’t force her. I’m a woman; I know how women think. Someone like her prefers a gentleman.”

Benjamin’s angry expression softened slightly. He recalled how Natalie had resisted him. “So what’s your brilliant idea? Spit it out,” he demanded impatiently.

Very few people knew about Natalie and Alexander's relationship, and Benjamin certainly wasn't one of them.

Camila smiled. “She’s an auctioneer. Doesn’t Father have a cellar full of collectibles? There’s your opportunity.”