Chapter 56
In the dimly lit private room, Alexander Ramirez was slouched deep into a plush sofa, looking perfectly at home amidst the decadent atmosphere.
His dark gray shirt was unbuttoned at the collar, revealing a hint of tanned skin and the subtle line of his collarbone, exuding an effortless sensuality. His sharp eyebrows angled towards his temples, and his deep-set eyes were like cold stars in the night sky. When he saw her, a flicker of surprise crossed his face before it hardened into a cold mask.
Natalie hadn’t expected to see him here. Their eyes met for a fraction of a second before she instinctively looked away, a question forming in her mind. Samuel Thompson and Alexander Ramirez were bitter rivals; they rarely even occupied the same building, let alone the same room.
How could this be p>
“My apologies, the lighting is terrible in here. Wrong room,” Samuel announced casually, turning back to Natalie. “Our room is next door. Let’s go p>
Natalie nodded, acutely aware of the piercing gaze that followed her from inside the room, feeling like a cold arrow aimed at her back.
Arianna linked arms with her. “Alexander Ramirez is here too,” she whispered. “You two really are bound by fate p>
At the Ramirez Estate, he had claimed he had work to do and couldn’t drive her home.
Natalie gave a small, humorless laugh. “More like bound by misfortune p>
They spent a while chatting with Samuel’s friend, whose collection piece sounded quite valuable. They arranged a time for a formal appraisal.
As they were talking, there was a knock on the door. Expecting a server with drinks, they were surprised to see Aaron Lee instead.
“Mr. Thompson,” he said politely, “Mr. Ramirez would like to invite you and your guests to join him p>
Samuel looked surprised. “Mr. Ramirez is inviting me? That’s a rare occurrence. Well, I suppose it would be rude to refuse his hospitality.” With that, he stood up.
Natalie had a sinking feeling she knew why Alexander was extending the invitation. To him, she was like a possession; even if he didn’t want her, he couldn’t stand the thought of anyone else showing interest, especially not his greatest rival.
She stood as well. “Mr. Thompson, since we’ve finished our discussion, Arianna and I should probably get going p>
Arianna, knowing Natalie wanted to avoid Alexander, quickly added, “Natalie’s actually not feeling very well today, Mr. Thompson. We won’t impose any longer p>
Samuel nodded in understanding, not pressing the issue.
But as they reached the door, Aaron Lee didn’t move aside.
“Ms. Watson, Mr. Ramirez specifically requested your presence. Please don’t make my job difficult p>
Natalie knew there was no easy way out of this.
Aaron held the door open for them. The room was filled with men and women, all lounging on the sofas. Alexander sat in the center, swirling the liquid in his glass.
“Mr. Thompson, you certainly play hard to get,” someone quipped as Samuel entered. “Wouldn’t come without a personal invitation p>
A space was immediately cleared Thᴇ link to the origɪn of this information rᴇsts ɪn.net
for him. He sat down directly opposite Alexander. “I prefer not to impose “he replied smoothly. His
eyes then fell on Natalie and Arianna, who were about to take a seat on the edge of a sofa. “Ms. Watson is my guest. She shouldn’t be sitting over there p>
He then shifted slightly, creating an open spot next to him in a clear invitation.
Bruce Ward, one of the few in the room who knew about Natalie and Alexander’s marriage, inwardly winced. Even if Alexander didn’t like his wife, there was no way he would let her sit next to another man.
He glanced at the woman beside him. “You, move. Let Ms. Watson sit here p>
The woman, who had worked hard to get close to the wealthy heir, was clearly reluctant but didn’t dare refuse. She stood up grudgingly.
“That’s alright. We’re only staying for a little while,” Natalie said, trying to defuse the situation.
At her words, Alexander slammed his glass down on the table. “Why don’t we all just
get up and reseat ourselves?” His voice was cold and laced with sarcasm.
He was angry.
The room fell silent.
“Hey, everyone!” Bruce Ward jumped in, trying to break the awkward tension. “We’ve got a good crowd tonight. How about a game? Just drinking is so boring p>
Samuel indicated he was fine either way, and no one else objected.
Natalie wanted no part of it, but after already causing one awkward scene, refusing to play seemed childish. Besides, Arianna’s eyes lit up at the mention of a game.
“What are we playing?” someone asked.
Truth or Dare was the usual choice,
but Bruce thought it was a bit
juvenile for their crowd. He was about to suggest something more risque when Alexander spoke, his voice deceptively casual.
“Truth or Dare p>