Chapter 49
Natalie turned off the screen, pretending she hadn’t seen the message. She started the engine, ready to drive away.
Her phone pinged again.
She glanced at the illuminated screen. It was Alexander again.
“Don’t play dumb. If you’re not there when I arrive, you know the consequences p>
The consequences, of course, were that he wouldn’t sign the papers.
Natalie let out a heavy sigh and typed a quick reply: Fine.
Back in the ballroom, Camila and Eric Bailey saw Alexander staring down at his phone, a slight smile playing on his lips.
“Laughing at your phone now?” Eric teased. “I don’t remember you being the type to smile so much p>
Alexander looked up, pocketing his phone. “Would you prefer I cry p>
“No, that would be even more terrifying p>
Camila moved to Alexander’s side. “Alex,” she asked casually, “when should we deliver the bowl we got for Grandma to her?” Savannah Davis had specifically instructed her to present the gift to Charlotte Roberts personally. ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ ͟.net
Before Alexander could answer, Bruce Ward interrupted them. “This party is a bore. Let’s head to BlueNight for a few drinks p>
Eric shrugged. “My only job tonight is to help my dad entertain the guests.” He was out.
Bruce looked expectantly at Alexander.
“I have something to do,” he said, then turned and walked away without another word.
“Alex Camila was surprised by his abrupt departure. “Are you leaving? I’ll come with you p>
“It’s not convenient. You stay here and have fun with Bruce and the others p>
And with that, he was gone.
Camila watched him go, biting her lower lip in frustration. She had specifically asked to be his date tonight hoping to leverage his presence to make connections for the White Group, and he had just abandoned her.
Eric watched her for a moment before stepping closer. “Ms. White, you’re
Alexander’s date. Even if he’s not here, you’re still our guest of honor. Please let me know if you need anything at all p>
Camila quickly composed herself and met his gentle gaze.
Meanwhile, Natalie sat in her car, parked by the side of the road. Alexander had told her to wait at the intersection, but he hadn’t said for how long. There was a major jewelry auction at the end of the month Although another auctioneer was handling it, as Vice President, she
needed to review the preparations.
Seeing the file on the passenger seat, Natalie switched on the overhead reading
light and started to work while she waited.
Someone was knocking on her window. Natalie looked up to see Aaron Lee standing respectfully outside.
She unlocked the door and stepped out.
“Mrs. Ramirez,” Aaron said, “Mr. Ramirez is waiting for you in the car p>
Natalie followed his gaze to the Rolls-Royce parked across the street. She took two steps, then paused and turned back to Aaron. “Please don’t call me Mrs. Ramirez p>
“But you and Mr. Ramirez are not yet divorced. You are still Mrs. Ramirez,” he replied with a polite, unyielding smile.
Natalie wanted to say that they would be divorced soon, but she had no idea when that “soon” would be. And even if she insisted, Aaron wouldn’t listen to her.
She gave up and crossed the road. The spring evenings in the city were mild, but a slight chill hung in the air. Having forgotten her jacket, she shivered in her backless evening gown.
Aaron opened the rear door of the car for her, and a wave of warm air washed over her.
Alexander was sitting inside, his legs crossed. He looked up as she got in.
“You came out dressed like that? Do you enjoy being the center of attention p>
Natalie settled into her seat. “There’s
nothing wrong with wearing an evening gown to a gala. If it offends you Mr. Ramirez, you’re free not to
look.”Cher dress was actually quite modest, only showing a bit of her back. sŵnovels
BUMS
“Mr. Ramirez?” Alexander scoffed. “When did you become one of my employees? Is being Mrs. Ramirez not enough for you? Are you looking to try out an office romance p>