Second Chance: Marrying into Wealth Chapter 133

When we got to the hospital entrance, Paula asked me to hang on for a sec.

I had no clue where she went, but she came back with a box in her hand, looking all excited as she walked over to me.

"Check this out! Do you like it?" she asked, practically shoving the box at me to open.

As soon as I cracked it open a bit, a fluffy, golden head popped out and nuzzled my hand.

So cute! It was a puppy. And it seemed super friendly, even nuzzling me on its own.

Overjoyed, I couldn't help but ask, "Can this little guy guard the house? It's so small and friendly. If there's a real threat, it might be more scared than I am."

Paula protested, "You say that, but this little guy was pretty fierce with me. How come it's so soft and cuddly with you? It must be fate! Don't be fooled by its size; it's a Golden Retriever. They grow fast and become big dogs. They're gentle and easy to train."

Hearing it was a Golden Retriever, I couldn't help but smile.

Just then, a Maybach pulled up in front of us. The window rolled down halfway, revealing Christopher's handsome, aristocratic face.

"Hop in. I'm heading home and can give you a ride," Christopher's cool voice said.

The car was right there, and Paula's car was restricted today, so we had planned to take a cab home.

Paula nudged my waist where Christopher couldn't see, signaling me to accept the offer.

Christopher's house was right next to mine, so it was super convenient to catch a ride with him.

Though it felt a bit like imposing, I figured I'd already troubled him enough, so one more time wouldn't hurt. I opened the car door and got in.

I intended to sit opposite Christopher and next to Paula, but Paula's eyes signaled that her box needed more space, so I ended up sitting next to Christopher.

The ride was mostly silent. Until the puppy's noises broke the silence.

I noticed Christopher's gaze on the box and suddenly remembered I hadn't asked for his permission. I quickly explained, "Sorry, Mr. Collins. I didn't ask you earlier. There's a puppy in the box. It's very well-behaved. If you don't like the smell, we can get off at the next stop."

Christopher looked at me deeply. "Do you think I'm that unreasonable? It's fine. Let it stay."

I felt a bit embarrassed. I knew Christopher had a bit of a cleanliness obsession. Meeting him suddenly had thrown me off, and Paula's urging made me forget about the puppy.

My apology felt a bit like an afterthought.

Paula, seeing the situation, boldly explained, "Mr. Collins is naturally kind-hearted. How could he not tolerate a few-month-old puppy? I bought this puppy for Melinda. Since the incident, she hasn't been sleeping well. I'm often busy with work and can't always be there for her, so I thought a puppy would keep her company."

Christopher responded with a glance at the puppy's head poking out, "What breed is it? It's so small. How can it give Melinda any sense of security?"

I felt protective. Even though I just got the puppy, I already considered it part of my family, so I defended it, "It's a Golden Retriever. It'll grow big and it's super gentle. It's small now, but that makes it easier to bond with. I think it's perfect."

I was not only defending the puppy but also Paula, who had thoughtfully chosen it for me.

I thought my words might have been too strong. Christopher, being so proud, might have something to say, especially since we were hitching a ride. But he just responded calmly and looked out the window.

He didn't speak, and I didn't dare ask what he was thinking.

Soon, the car arrived at my house. Paula and I got out, and Christopher left without saying much.

After getting home, I took a shower, as Paula suggested, to wash away any bad luck.

Once I was done, we went out for lunch and bought some supplies for the puppy, like food and a bed.

Back home, we taught the puppy how to use the bathroom and some basic rules.

After all that, Paula went home, and I went to bed early to be in good shape for work the next day.

The next day at work, Vincent and Glenn genuinely expressed their concern for me, and I thanked them for their care over the past few days.

Since everyone was busy, I found time during lunch to invite them to a nearby restaurant.

Considering the afternoon workload and my recent discharge from the hospital, I toasted with water instead of alcohol, "Thank you both for your patience and help with my work..."

I poured out my gratitude and acknowledged my shortcomings.

Vincent and Glenn shared a knowing smile. They said, "No wonder Paxton recommended you. Ms. Turner, realizing your issues and addressing them so quickly is impressive. We think you'll soon be able to take over Paxton's work completely."

I was surprised. So Paxton had already briefed them, and they had been so patient with me. I felt even more grateful.

"Thanks to you both for sharing the load. Did Paxton specifically ask you to help me?"

They teased, "What do you think?"

Christopher's earlier reminder had made me anxious, but their words eased my guilt.

Both assistants were older than me and treated me like a younger sibling, making me feel relaxed around them.

So I joked back, "If I'd known Paxton had briefed you, I would have played dumb and taken it easy!"

Vincent and Glenn protested, "No way! Even farm animals get breaks. We need rest too. You better get up to speed quickly. Paxton may be gone, but Mr. Collins still needs you!"

I didn't catch the deeper meaning in their words and just smiled.

After lunch, we returned to our busy schedules.

After work, I had to take the puppy for a walk. Since I decided to keep it, I had to take good care of it.

I didn't expect to run into Christopher, who was also walking his dog.