Chapter 17
Natalie reached the top of the stairs, realized she’d forgotten her phone, and turned back.
When she pushed open the door, she saw Alexander holding it.
“Spying on people’s privacy is a new low, even for you,” Natalie said, her face cold as she strode toward him. Official source ıs
She tried to snatch the phone from his hand, but he held it fast. Her clear, dark eyes lifted to meet his, her expression saying, “What now p>
“Why are you getting a visa? Where are you going?” Alexander finally asked. His deep eyes were unreadable, but a current of displeasure ran beneath the surface. His low, magnetic voice made Natalie’s heart jump.
She glanced down at the phone screen, which showed the completed call.
“Not only do you spy, you answer other people’s calls, too,” Natalie said with a faint smile, not bothering to hide the sarcasm in her voice.
Alexander ignored her taunt, his gaze locked on her.
After a moment, Natalie offered a placid explanation. “That was my friend. Her relatives want to visit her, but they don’t know how to apply for a visa, so they asked me to help p>
His stare felt like a lie detector, weighing the truth of her words.
“Is that so p>
They were standing close, so close she could see her own tense reflection in his dark pupils.
“If you don’t believe me, you can call back and ask,” Natalie said, her voice steady, while internally she pleaded, “Please don’t, please don’t p>
Alexander’s eyes remained on her face, but his thumb moved across the screen, pulling up the dial pad. One more tap, and the number would be redialed.
Natalie felt like she had stopped breathing.
“Buzz-Buzz p>
Alexander’s own phone vibrated.
Natalie seized the opportunity to snatch her phone back. He glanced at her, said something under his breath, and walked aside to take his call.
She let out a long, quiet sigh of relief and quickly stuffed her phone into her pocket to keep it safe.
A moment later, Alexander finished his call.
“Get changed. The mayor’s wife is opening a new art gallery, and you’re coming with me,” he said as he walked back over, not seeming to notice her furtive movement.
Since their wedding, she had never appeared with him at any important public events. At first, it was
because she wasn’t comfortablenet with social fun ship
I he hadn’t pushed it. After their relationship soured, it was because he didn’t want her there. This was why the public had no idea he was married.
For him to suddenly demand her presence now felt completely random.
“I’m not going. I’m tired,” Natalie said.
“You don’t have a choice. Don’t forget, you’re supposed to be taking care of me.” His tone was commanding, his presence overwhelming.
Natalie pressed her lips together. Fine. In what capacity will I be attending p>
“As my secretary,” Alexander said lightly. “The Ramirez Group is working on a project, and since you studied art history, you’ll be able to connect with the mayor’s wife p>
A hollow feeling opened up somewhere inside her. What had she been expecting? Did she really think he was going to publicly acknowledge her as his wife?
The guest list for the gallery opening was exclusive, comprised almost entirely of the city’s elite. When Alexander arrived, nearly every head
turned Natalie was on his arm dressed in a formal black dress, her
long dark ham falling over her shoulders. They moved in sync toward a small group at the center of the room.
The people chatting with the mayor’s wife parted to make way for them. After a few pleasantries, the mayor’s wife looked at Natalie with surprise. “Alexander, are you married? Is this your wife p>
Alexander glanced at the woman beside him. “She’s my secretary. She studied art history in college and has a keen eye for art p>
Natalie remained perfectly composed, a polite smile on her lips. “A pleasure to meet you. My name is Natalie Watson p>
Delighted to learn of Natalie’s
expertise, the mayor’s wife praised
Alexander for his thoughtfulness and immediately struck up a conversation with her Natalie hofd her own, speaking confidently and articulately, and some of her insights earned the woman’s enthusiastic agreement.
Alexander watched them, a flicker of something bright and unfamiliar in his eyes. He was so absorbed that he didn’t realize the mayor’s wife was speaking to him until Natalie subtly tugged on his sleeve.
“Ms. White is here as well. I saw those photos of you two trending online. Are wedding bells in your future p>
Natalie instantly remembered the news article Arianna had sent her. To outsiders who knew they had grown up together, such an assumption was natural. As a “secretary,” she knew it was inappropriate to listen to her “boss’s” gossip, so she quietly stepped back.
Alexander watched her retreating back out of the corner of his eye as he replied, “I can’t believe you saw that p>
He hadn’t answered directly, but he hadn’t denied it either.
Natalie’s back stiffened. She quickened her pace, not wanting to hear any more.