Chapter 313
Natalie Watson locked eyes with Alexander Ramirez.
“I need to talk to you. Just us p>
Alexander didn’t answer right away.
Bruce Ward grinned and waved at the group. “Alright, everyone, let’s give them some space. How about a round of cards in the next room? Loser has to lose a piece of clothing p>
“I’m in. If Mr. Ward says so, how can I refuse?” someone joked.
In no time, the room emptied out until only Alexander and Natalie were left. The door closed behind the last person.
“You followed me from the office to here. What do you want to say?” Alexander settled into the center of the long sofa, picked up a glass from the table, and stared down at the liquid, swirling it slowly.
Natalie turned to face him. “I want to explain what really happened at the winery that night. It wasn’t “
“If this is about that night, don’t bother,” Alexander interrupted, cutting her off before she could get another word out.
Natalie took a step closer, her voice rising with frustration. “But I didn’t do anything, and now you’re punishing Billy Firth for no reason p>
Alexander finally looked up, his eyes impossibly dark and steady.
“You brought this on yourself,” he said, his voice flat and unfeeling.
Natalie felt anger rush through her, but before she could speak, he continued.
“Even if your explanation was flawless, I wouldn’t buy it. No mother would ever willingly hurt her own child p>
He paused, eyes narrowing as something cold flickered in his expression. “Actually, there are mothers who can be that heartless. People like you p>
He let the words hang, staring her down.
Three years ago, she’d ended her pregnancy. She’d told him she never wanted his child, never wanted to carry his baby at all.
What else could that be but cruelty?
A bitter smile tugged at Alexander’s lips, but his eyes were pure ice. ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ.net
Natalie went still, lost for words.
Slowly, her eyes turned red. Tears started to gather, blurring her vision.
“So because of that, you’ll never trust me again p>
“A woman who can’t even love her own child won’t spare anyone else,” Alexander said quietly. He looked akyay tipped his glass back, swallowed every drop.
and
Natalie felt like someone had dropped a heavy stone right into her chest, leaving her breathless and aching.
After a long, silent moment, she steadied herself and met his gaze. “Then what do
you want from me, Mr. Ramirez? What will it take for you to back off p>
If he refused to believe her, there was no point pretending anymore.
He didn’t answer. Instead, he set his glass down on the table with slow precision, then tapped his fingers lightly against the rim. Each tap rang out sharp and clear and somehow every sound seemed to echo inside her chest.
Natalie’s eyes landed on a full bottle of liquor sitting on the table.
She walked over and picked it up. “I’ll drink the whole thing. If I do, will you agree to leave them alone p>
She didn’t wait for a reply. She twisted off the cap and brought the bottle to her lips. The harsh scent of alcohol stung her nose, making her flinch, but only for a second.
She tilted her head back and started drinking, gulping down mouthful after mouthful. The burning liquid tore down her throat, hitting ber stomach like a spark to dry tinder.
Her eyes watered from the sting, but she kept going. The bottle’s contents slowly disappeared.
Suddenly, Alexander’s hand shot out and grabbed the bottle from her.
Natalie, already lightheaded, reached out to snatch it back. “Give it to me. I’m not done p>
Alexander’s eyes were cold, his voice full of contempt.
“Did you think this would be enough p>