Second Chance: Marrying into Wealth Chapter 132

Paula was way more excited than I was when she found out I was getting out of the hospital.

And she was being all secretive about it. "Awesome, I'll pick you up tomorrow. Oh, and I've got a surprise for you." 

I tried to get more out of her, but Paula was dead set on keeping it a secret.

After some playful back-and-forth, we finally hung up.

Not long after, I got an email. It was about Quantum Dynamics Corporation and Horizon Innovations Group.

Quantum Dynamics Corporation wanted to invite Summit Innovations Group to join them in acquiring Horizon Innovations Group. This was part of the info I had someone send over.

I hadn't been able to gather much, but I pulled together what I had found over the past few days and sent it to Christopher.

During my hospital stay, once I started feeling better, I mostly communicated with Christopher through email to handle some of my work duties. Vincent and Glenn already had a heavy workload, and my illness had added to their burden. I felt bad for them and wanted to get back to work as soon as possible to lighten their load.

To my surprise, Christopher called me even though it was late.

"What's your take on this acquisition?" Christopher asked.

I had a feeling he was trying to help me develop my independent thinking and judgment skills, so I didn't mind at all.

I thought for a moment and then said, "Quantum Dynamics Corporation's main business is real estate, but the market's been down in recent years. They see this and are eager to pivot. Horizon Innovations Group focuses on artificial intelligence and tech development, which are booming fields. I think Quantum Dynamics Corporation wants to acquire Horizon Innovations Group to quickly complete their transition."

"However, Horizon Innovations Group's research has stalled, and they've lost a lot of talent. Quantum Dynamics Corporation, being new to this field, might not handle the acquisition well. If things go wrong, it could backfire and hinder their transition." I wasn't very confident in my analysis since my information was limited.

Christopher paused before continuing, "Is that all?"

Our company specialized in investments, so we had a dedicated research department. Their findings weren't in yet, so my input was just for reference. The final decision would be Christopher's, based on the research results.

With that in mind, my initial confidence wavered. "From what I've gathered, Horizon Innovations Group might be hollowed out. Their financial audits have been irregular, and the severe talent loss suggests management issues. It's possible that key personnel have left to start their own ventures, leaving Horizon Innovations Group as an empty shell. For Quantum Dynamics Corporation, desperate to pivot, this acquisition might be more trouble than it's worth."

After saying all this, I couldn't think of anything more.

Christopher acknowledged my effort, "You've done well to gather and analyze this while hospitalized. But Melinda, you might not fully understand your role. You still see yourself as an assistant, but Paxton personally trained you to be his successor, a special assistant."

His words made me realize my mistake, and I felt my face heat up.

Before I got sick, my work was more like an assistant's tasks—setting up meetings, passing along Christopher's messages, and handling paperwork. The core responsibilities of a special assistant had been taken on by Vincent and Glenn, adding to their already heavy workload.

Despite this, they never complained, showing great generosity. Christopher had also been lenient with me, considering I was new to the company.

"I'm sorry. I'll adapt to my role as a special assistant as soon as possible," I apologized, feeling ashamed.

Christopher's tone was calm, not reproachful. "Good. Once you're discharged, get back on track quickly."

"Yes, Mr. Collins! I'm getting discharged tomorrow," I said, my tone lighter at the thought of leaving the hospital. I'd been cooped up there for so long.

"Tomorrow?" Christopher asked suddenly.

"Yes!" I confirmed.

I figured he was just glad I'd be back at work soon. I certainly didn't expect the busy Christopher to come pick me up himself.

After that, Christopher didn't say much more and hung up.

I packed my things and went to bed early.

The next day, Paula arrived and took care of my discharge paperwork, then helped me pack up my belongings.

I had joked on the phone the day before about how Tiana's daily deliveries had made me gain weight.

After helping me pack, Paula scrutinized my face and pinched the uninjured side. "Not bad, you've put on a little weight, but you're not fat. Actually, a bit more would make you look even better. With your figure, you'd have a killer body. Don't even think about dieting."

I blushed. I knew she was just being a good friend, but her compliments were a bit much.

I pushed her hand away from my face. "I can't control my weight gain. It's not up to me. And I know my body well enough."

I had a good figure, but not as exaggerated as she made it sound.

I usually dressed elegantly and comfortably, unlike Clara's bold and flashy style, which was one reason Lawrence was attracted to her.

Paula ignored my modesty and examined the scar on my injured cheek.

The cut hadn't fully faded yet, and she looked at it with concern. "That bastard Lawrence really did a number on you. I hope it heals completely without leaving a mark."

I smiled and reassured her, "Don't worry. The doctor said it wasn't deep. The scar will fade over time and eventually be barely noticeable."

Paula seemed relieved. "Good. Otherwise, I'd have to give Lawrence a piece of my mind, even if he's sentenced to death."

Hearing Lawrence's name no longer stirred any emotions in me. Even if he wanted to see me, I wouldn't be interested.

I was more curious about the surprise Paula had mentioned. "You said you had a gift for me. Where is it?"

Paula had come empty-handed, after all.

She gave me a mysterious smile. "You'll find out soon enough. Let's go."