Second Chance: Marrying into Wealth Chapter 109

After Paula and I finished our barbecue, we went our separate ways, and I grabbed a cab home.

Once the weekend was over, I tidied up, put on the new clothes Paula and I had bought at the mall, and headed to work.

Since I was new on the job, my specific skills and business abilities were still under review. The project team gave me a light workload to help me gradually adapt, which was really considerate.

After a week, I could feel the goodwill from my colleagues. Whenever I had questions, they were more than willing to help, and there were no signs of office politics. The company atmosphere was great.

As Christopher had mentioned, the company valued competence. Those who were capable earned respect and even admiration.

On Friday, the project team handed me a document. "Take this to the private room at the Sincere Haven Hotel. We're negotiating a partnership with Apex Global Enterprises. Some materials need translation because they involve foreign content. After delivering the documents, you should also translate on the spot as needed. You can review the documents on the way. If you have any questions, look them up in advance."

Although they assured me it was a simple task and believed I could handle it, I was still a bit nervous.

Apex Global Enterprises was growing rapidly, and this project was significant. I was worried that poor translation on my part could jeopardize the deal, causing a major loss for the company.

Feeling anxious, I took the documents and headed downstairs to catch a cab.

A Maybach pulled up beside me. I recognized it immediately as Christopher's usual ride. I was surprised and puzzled—were they waiting for me?

I quickly dismissed the thought. As a new employee, it seemed unlikely they would wait for me specifically.

While I was lost in thought, the car door opened.

Inside, besides the unmistakable presence of Christopher, were members of the legal and planning departments. Only one seat was left next to Christopher.

"Get in," Christopher's deep voice commanded.

His face was as cold and authoritative as ever, his eyes seemingly able to see through everything.

I didn't hesitate and quickly got in the car.

The atmosphere inside was tense, likely due to Christopher's presence. Everyone remained silent.

I greeted Christopher, "Mr. Collins," then lowered my head to review the documents, too shy to break the silence.

As I read, I struggled with some technical terms. Two specific terms appeared twice, and to avoid mistakes, I decided to review the entire document first.

Suddenly, a long hand reached over and took the documents from me, quickly annotating the terms I had paused on.

"If you don't understand, you can ask. In the future, make a habit of consulting professional dictionaries," Christopher's calm, deep voice warmed my heart.

I felt a bit embarrassed, not expecting to make mistakes on my first task beside him.

"Yes, Mr. Collins, I'll get familiar with them as soon as possible." I realized I needed to study harder, having been out of touch with these terms for a while.

Seeing my guilty expression, Christopher added, "Expense it."

I couldn't help but let out a surprised "Ah," which drew everyone's attention. Embarrassed, I quickly lowered my head and continued reviewing the documents.

When we arrived at the restaurant, Paxton had already arranged everything. We got there a few minutes early, and Marcus Graham from Apex Global Enterprises soon joined us.

Thanks to Christopher's help with the terms, I reviewed the documents thoroughly and translated smoothly during the meeting.

After the contract was confirmed, during the toasting session, Marcus noticed me and offered a toast.

"Mr. Collins, you have quite the team. Is this translator new? I've never seen her before. She's young and capable. Impressive. Let's have a drink."

I couldn't refuse Marcus's toast, fearing it might jeopardize the deal. As he was the CEO of the partner company, it would be disrespectful for me, a translator, to decline.

Just as I was about to raise my glass, a hand pressed down on it and took my drink, downing it in one go. "She doesn't drink. I'll drink with you," Christopher said sincerely.

Marcus, knowing Christopher's formidable reputation, smiled and drank with him, then shifted the conversation to lighter topics.

After dinner, since Christopher and I were heading in the same direction, we shared a ride back.

In the car, I remained silent.

Christopher's eyes were closed, his fatigue evident, with dark circles under his eyes and a weary expression.

It seemed he had just returned from a business trip and immediately arranged this dinner with Marcus.

Even someone as exceptional as him had to work tirelessly for the company's growth, which made me feel a bit sorry for him.

When we arrived, I raised my hand to wake him. Knowing he was exhausted, I thought he needed to go home and rest properly.

Just as my hand reached his face, his sharp eyes snapped open, and he grabbed my wrist.

"Ouch..." He gripped too tightly, and I couldn't help but cry out.

I didn't understand why he was so alert, as if it was an instinct. It made me wonder what he had been through to develop such vigilance.

"Mr. Collins, you're awake. We've arrived. I'll get out now. Thank you for covering for me with the drink tonight." My sincere gratitude was evident in my clear eyes.

Christopher released my wrist apologetically and replied in a deep voice, "You're here to translate, not to drink. That's my responsibility."

I nodded and got out of the car.

For some reason, his voice seemed a bit hoarse.

Thinking about how much he had helped me, I decided to make some chicken soup for him and have Tiana deliver it the next day, which was a weekend.

But I didn't get the chance. Exhausted from work, I fell asleep early and was woken up in the middle of the night by a phone call.

Groggily rubbing my eyes, I saw it was Paxton calling, which instantly made me more alert. I quickly answered the call.

"Hello, Paxton? What's up?"