I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 97

Natalie knew Alexander was participating in this auction. The piece of jewelry he had entrusted to her was scheduled to be sold today. However, the registered bidder on the list was Aaron Lee.

After Samuel asked his question, Alexander's gaze shifted to her as well.

“Alexander's people?”

If nothing had ever happened between them, if things were still as they once were, Samuel would never have had the chance to ask such a question. But that wasn't their reality.

No one knew about their secret marriage. The world was eagerly anticipating the wedding of Alexander Ramirez and Camila White. One had waited faithfully, the other had overcome obstacles to return to him. How could she possibly be one of Alexander's people? She was just a pawn in their love story.

Besides, she couldn't admit to anything in front of Samuel Thompson.

"Mr. Thompson, you must be joking. I could hardly be considered Mr. Ramirez's people," Natalie said with a composed smile, her eyes calm.

"Is that so? I thought, from the way Mr. Ramirez spoke, that you must be."

Samuel seemed pleased with himself as he shot another glance at Alexander.

Alexander's expression remained impassive. He sat down in the single armchair on Natalie's other side, crossed his long legs, and stared down at the auction stage. "Then you're really overthinking it."

Natalie briefly lowered her gaze, then had the staff bring out fresh drinks and another fruit platter for him.

The atmosphere on the floor below suddenly buzzed with excitement. The necklace Alexander had brought in was now up for auction.

Among all the items today, the blue diamond necklace, named "Starry Sky," was the most valuable. After a detailed introduction by the auctioneer, many attendees raised their paddles.

"Thirteen million! Do I have any further bids?" the auctioneer called out, scanning the crowd.

It was already a high price, and no one else seemed to be bidding.

"Thirteen million going once... thirteen million going twice... thirteen million..."

Just as the auctioneer was about to bring the gavel down, a paddle went up in the second-floor VIP section.

Samuel Thompson's voice was tinged with mockery. "I never thought I'd get to witness such a grand gesture from you today, Mr. Ramirez. A jewel for a beauty. I wonder who you're planning on giving it to?"

Alexander leaned back against the sofa and scoffed. "You're so concerned, Mr. Thompson. Why don't you trade that piece of land in the North District for the answer?"

A plot of land near the suburbs in the North District was slated for development as a tourist resort. Both The Thompson Group and The Ramirez Group were vying for it, each determined to win the project. Other companies were interested, but none could compete with the two giants.

Samuel sneered. "Mr. Ramirez, your proposition is as beautiful as Ms. Watson's face." The unspoken meaning was clear: *dream on*.

Natalie was busy coordinating the post-auction handover with the staff behind her and didn't catch Samuel's last remark.

Twenty minutes later, the auction concluded. Natalie walked downstairs with Alexander and Samuel. The media was already waiting with cameras raised. The moment they saw Alexander, they swarmed forward.

Security guards rushed to maintain order, but the narrow corridor was completely blocked.

A reporter shouted a question over the chaos: "Mr. Ramirez, you spent thirty million on 'Starry Sky'! Who is it for? Is it for Ms. White?"