Second Chance: Marrying into Wealth Chapter 140

Christopher's face was still grim, unmoved by Alan's accusations.

With this kind of resolve and courage, even without the Collins family backing him, I believed Christopher would still succeed.

Alan's skepticism and surprise were understandable.

Everyone said that making a company big and strong was all about profit first. If this incident got out, it could affect future collaborations. But even so, Christopher went ahead with it.

I couldn't help but feel moved. He had helped me several times, even in my most desperate moments. His image was already towering, but this time, it wasn't about personal feelings. It was more like he, as a man, was standing up for women, which made his image in my mind even more elevated.

Christopher looked coldly at Alan and said, "As long as she's an employee of Summit Innovations Group, even if just a janitor, your behavior deserves this beating!"

Christopher didn't hold back at all. I felt a warm pride for being an employee of Summit Innovations Group.

Alan's expression changed several times before he nervously asked, "Mr. Collins, you're not planning to end our collaboration, are you?"

He was lowering himself because he needed Summit Innovations Group's investment. But now, after being beaten, he might lose the investment too. Just the thought of it made him furious.

And this anger made him glare at me when Christopher wasn't looking.

This time, I wasn't afraid at all and glared right back. I had Christopher backing me up!

Alan probably saw my confidence and felt even more frustrated.

Christopher seemed to notice Alan's expression and slightly turned, shielding me behind him.

Because my attention was on him and Alan, I hadn't noticed he had been holding my hand the whole time. His action made me aware of the warmth of his hand.

My ears turned slightly red, but I didn't dare to pull away. On one hand, it might provoke Alan to say something inappropriate, and on the other, it would be too abrupt and might make Christopher think I was rejecting him.

I stiffened a bit, trying to act like I didn't notice.

Christopher didn't seem to notice my reaction. He responded to Alan's question with a calm expression, "Mr. Bennett, if this is your attitude towards our collaboration, then we don't need to work together."

"Glenn, show him out!" Christopher's voice was cold and indifferent.

Alan, forgetting about his beating, quickly said, "Mr. Collins, I was out of line just now. Please don't hold it against me. Please reconsider our collaboration."

I understood why Alan was lowering himself so much.

The real estate industry was declining, and Quantum Dynamics Corporation was eager to transition. They valued the tech sector, and Summit Innovations Group was a leader in that field. Despite the merger with Horizon Innovations, there were likely many future projects. Offending Christopher now would be a huge loss.

Christopher pressed his lips together, his gaze falling on our joined hands. His lips formed a tight line, and he seemed slightly annoyed.

Then, without a word, he let go. I felt a slight relief, but the warmth on my face didn't fade.

As I was lost in my embarrassed thoughts, Christopher spoke again, "Mr. Bennett, the person you should apologize to isn't me."

His words brought me back to reality, and my heart warmed. He was standing up for my dignity.

Alan, recognizing the situation, lowered himself even more and apologized to me, "Ms. Turner, I was wrong today. I shouldn't have acted that way. I promise you, if our companies collaborate, nothing like this will happen again. If you don't believe me, I can swear it." He looked as sincere as he could.

I glanced at Christopher, silently asking if I should accept the apology.

Christopher said calmly, "You're the one who was wronged. You decide."

I didn't trust Alan's promises. He seemed too practiced at making them. Such oaths were less credible than Christopher's casual words.

And a person didn't change easily. Given Alan's reputation, if he could control himself, there wouldn't be rumors about his behavior. But I didn't say that out loud.

"Mr. Bennett, I trust your word that nothing like this will happen again," I said diplomatically. But my words had an underlying meaning.

Alan, however, didn't seem to catch it. He looked pleased and turned to Christopher. "Mr. Collins, your secretary is very gracious. Since she doesn't mind, can we finalize our collaboration?"

Christopher glanced at Alan and replied, "Summit Innovations Group makes decisions based on evaluations. If the evaluation fails, there's no way we can collaborate."

Alan's face fell, but he gritted his teeth and continued, "The evaluation was unsatisfactory because of Horizon Innovations' research. That's not a big issue. I have connections to handle it, and with Summit Innovations Group's investment, I can turn things around. The prospects will be great."

Christopher's lips curled slightly, but the smile didn't reach his eyes.

I guessed he was mocking Alan's overconfidence.

If Alan could easily turn things around, Quantum Dynamics Corporation wouldn't be struggling with its transition. This only showed that Alan lacked the intelligence and skills.

Alan didn't seem to realize this and looked smug. He added, "Mr. Collins, please reconsider. If you help Quantum Dynamics Corporation now, we won't disappoint you in the future."

His words were vague, but I guessed he was trying to bribe Christopher.

No wonder he and Ophelia were married. They both liked to throw money around. But he underestimated Christopher. Ophelia couldn't sway me, and he certainly couldn't sway Christopher.

Christopher remained unmoved and replied coldly, "Mr. Bennett, I have other matters to attend to. Please leave."

Alan's face turned red with anger, but he had no choice but to leave in frustration.

Alan left, and Glenn had disappeared at some point. The reception room was just the two of us.

I thought about how Christopher had stood up for me and couldn't help but feel grateful. "Mr. Collins, thank you for standing up for me. I'm honored to be your employee."

To my surprise, Christopher lightly tapped my head. "If you're really grateful, remember my words. Next time, if I have to teach you again, you'll stand in the corner and recite my words."

I was speechless. Just the thought of being punished like that made me shiver. If others found out, it would be so embarrassing. I quickly promised there wouldn't be a next time.