Chapter 26
Alexander remembered Natalie’s wish to see the sunrise from different places. He had scouted this stretch of coast a long time ago, identifying it as the perfect viewing spot. His plan had always been to bring her here after dinner.
Camila had been an unexpected complication, but she hadn’t derailed his plan. Knowing Natalie got cold easily, he had put a blanket in the car for her. When he had accidentally brushed her hand earlier, he’d felt how cold she was, which reminded him of a convenience store they had passed that sold hot drinks.
But as he returned with the water, he saw her huddled on the sand, trembling. At first, he thought she was just cold, but as he got closer, he saw she was on the phone. He heard her cry out, “Teacher Eugene,” her voice filled with a heartbreaking mix of grievance and sorrow. Then she mentioned going to find him.
Alexander’s face turned to ice, his heart even colder. He had gone to all this trouble to try and fix things between them, and the moment he was gone, she was on the phone with Eugene Ramirez.
Teacher Eugene… In her heart, she clearly never wanted to see him as an uncle. She didn’t want him to be her elder.
Alexander dropped the hot water bottle he had been keeping warm inside his coat p>
“Camila has always wanted to see a sunrise by the sea. I guess tonight was just a trial run p>
Natalie’s eyelashes fluttered. She took the blanket from her shoulders and held it out to him. “I’m leaving p>
After a long moment, he finally took it. His hand brushed against hers, and it felt as cold as ice. Natalie walked toward the road. The streetlights cast a dim, yellow glow, and the wind seemed to have picked up, whipping into the collar of her coat.
The sound of an engine roared behind her. The black Rolls-Royce sped past without even a hint of slowing down. Natalie pulled out her phone and hailed a ride.
“The Apex Residences, please,” she told the driver, then, a second later, changed her mind. “Actually, take me to BlueNight p>
BlueNight was Cabinda’s most famous club. Natalie found a seat at the bar and ordered a dozen shots of tequila. A heavy weight was crushing her chest, and she wanted to see if drinking her sorrows away was actually possible.
The club was a whirlwind of flashing lights and thumping music, crowded and chaotic. Yet, Natalie felt utterly alone, a hollow ache in her heart.
As she finished her fourth shot, someone slid onto the stool next to her. “Hey beautiful, all by yourself p>
She glanced up at a man in a burgundy shirt and ignored him.
“Drinking alone is no fun. Let me keep you company.” ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ
Up on the second floor, in a private booth with a glass wall, Eugene Ramirez was chatting with his law partner and a few friends. Suddenly one of them pointed down to the main floor. “Hey, isn’t that Alexander Ramirez’s wife p>
Eugene followed his gaze. Natalie was slumped over the bar, and a strange man was leaning in close, his intentions clearly predatory.
Eugene immediately stood up and left the booth.
Downstairs, Natalie’s head was on the bar top, the collar of her blouse gaping open from her position. The stranger craned his neck, trying to peer inside.
1.n
Suddenly, a hand grabbed his collar from behind and yanked him to the ground. “Who the hell do you think you are? the man snarled, scrambling to his feet. Before he could even see who had hit him a swift kick sent him sprawling again.
His face contorted in pain as he clutched his stomach, cursing. When he finally looked up, his eyes widened in terror. “Mr. Ramirez p>
The club manager, hearing that Alexander had arrived, rushed over. Seeing the man
on the floor and the beautiful, intoxicated woman at the bar, he quickly pieced things together.
“You dare touch Mr. Ramirez’s
woman? You’re no longer welcome
at BlueNight!” he barked, ordering security to drag the man out. Then, turning to Alexander with a sycophantic smile he suggested We have a private lounge on the third floor. Shall I have someone help the young lady up there to rest p>
“That won’t be necessary.” Alexander’s gaze never left Natalie.
The manager, getting the hint, bowed and backed away.
Alexander walked over to Natalie and glanced at the row of shot glasses. A dozen ordered, four of them empty. He was surprised. The woman who used to get woozy from half a can of beer had just downed four shots of hard liquor.
“Look at you,” he muttered, sliding an arm under her shoulders to lift her up. As he touched her, she stirred, her eyelids fluttering open.
“Jerk she slurred.