I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 69

Natalie and Eugene Ramirez sat on opposite sides of the conference table, each signing their respective copies of the contract.

“Here’s to a successful partnership,” Natalie said, and after they handed the documents to their assistants, the two shook hands.

As they left the conference room, Eugene checked his watch. It was lunchtime.

“Would you like to get something to eat?” he asked.

Natalie smiled politely. “I’m so sorry, Professor Ramirez, but I have a lunch meeting with a client today.”

“No problem at all. We can reschedule for another time,” Eugene replied with a gentle smile.

After seeing him off at the elevator, Ava Thompson turned to Natalie, confused. “Did I get the schedule wrong? I don’t think you have a client meeting for lunch today.”

Natalie didn’t. The refusal had been reflexive. She wasn’t sure if it was because she’d been subtly influenced by Alexander's words, but she found herself instinctively wanting to maintain a professional distance from Eugene.

“By the way, is Eugene Ramirez really Alexander Ramirez’s uncle? He looks so young and charming. And he’s such a gentleman, not like a lot of those arrogant rich kids,” Ava gushed.

Her words suddenly reminded Natalie of something. She turned to her assistant.

“You seem to know a lot about these families. Is it because of Samuel Thompson? Do you have a crush on him?” She hadn’t forgotten how happy Ava had been when Samuel visited.

“Of course not!” Ava’s face changed instantly. She waved her hands frantically, nearly jumping out of her skin. “How could I possibly like him? He’s my cousin!”

Natalie had never considered the possibility that her assistant, Ava, might be related to Samuel Thompson, despite having the same last name. She was genuinely surprised.

“Nora, I didn’t mean to hide it from you. I just didn’t think it was necessary to mention. I’m here to work, not to show off my connections. I was also worried people might think I only got this job because of Samuel.”

Natalie nodded in understanding as they continued toward her office. After a moment, she asked, “You don’t tell Samuel everything, do you?”

-

At The Thompson Group, Samuel Thompson dismissed his secretary after her report. He had spent two days recovering at home from the spicy food ordeal. Thinking about that night brought Natalie Watson to mind.

He had met many socialites, each beautiful in her own way. But this woman was different. She had a breathtaking kind of beauty that any man would notice, captivating even with minimal makeup.

Samuel picked up his phone and pressed an internal line. “Have Ms. Mitchell from the sales department come to my office.”

Soon, there was a knock on the door.

Samuel smiled. “It was thoughtless of me to ask. The thought just crossed my mind. That’s all for now. You can go.”

Arianna got up and left.

The smile vanished from Samuel’s face. His gaze turned playful and deep. He let out a soft scoff.

“So, there really is something going on between them.”

That Saturday, Natalie made plans with Arianna to go look at apartments. A new development had just opened up not far from Pinnacle Place, which would be convenient for work.

“You know, you could just move in with me,” Arianna said. “We could keep each other company.”

“Once I buy a place, you can move in with me,” Natalie offered.

As they entered the sales office, a real estate agent greeted them with a practiced smile and asked what kind of unit they were looking for.

“Camila, I heard Mr. Ramirez is buying you a house!” a familiar voice chirped from behind them.