Second Chance: Marrying into Wealth Chapter 150

Raina snorted and gently touched my hand, her voice full of concern. "I knew she was trouble. You must've had a rough time lately."

"It wasn't too bad, actually. I've been lucky to meet a lot of people who helped me, and it's all behind me now." I thought I was strong enough, but hearing Raina's kind words made my nose tingle, and I almost teared up. Thankfully, I held it in.

The other elderly folks nearby also comforted me. "Melinda, you're a good person. Good things happen to good people. You'll have smooth sailing from now on."

I smiled. "I'll keep your kind words in mind."

I didn't dwell on my past troubles any longer and instead shifted the conversation to ask about the elders' lives. I had a good relationship with the staff here, and they would share funny stories about the elders' antics, which led to playful protests and more light-hearted banter.

Time flew by, and after arranging my next visit with the elders, I reluctantly left the nursing home.

Just as I reached the entrance, Una called out to me. "Melinda, leaving already? I wanted to introduce you to the new volunteer!"

I thought of Ophelia, who had been dressed so plainly today, and felt a wave of disgust. "No need for introductions. I've already met her."

"What? Where is she?" Una seemed surprised, but she quickly read my expression. Seeing my reaction to the new volunteer, she couldn't help but mention her identity. "She's the wife of the CEO of Quantum Dynamics Corporation."

"I know."

It seemed Una was aware too. But I had no fondness for Ophelia and didn't want to waste any time on her. So, I said goodbye to Una and prepared to call a cab.

Una suddenly spoke up, "Melinda, it looks like you really do know her. When she said she knew you, I was a bit surprised. I work at Quantum Dynamics Corporation now."

She looked at me with hopeful eyes.

I understood what she was getting at and responded coldly, "If this is about your job, I'm afraid I can't help you. I may know her, but we're not close. So, I can't do anything for you work-wise."

I was almost certain that Ophelia's volunteering was a deliberate move to bother me. I even suspected that today's invitation from Una was related to Ophelia.

Seeing that I had already called a cab and it would arrive soon, Una grew anxious. She walked over and grabbed my hand. "Melinda, I thought getting into Quantum Dynamics Corporation would mean leaving my past behind and being successful. But I was wrong. Someone like me, with no looks or background, is still just a small-time assistant after three years. My work gets credited to others, and I'm still treated like a servant. Please, as an old friend, could you put in a good word for me?"

I pushed Una's hand away and replied seriously, "If that's the case, you should leave the company. It shows that the company itself has issues and doesn't value talent. Go somewhere that does, even if it's a smaller company. Especially startups. I believe if you truly have the ability, you won't be overlooked."

This was my honest opinion. Most of us were just regular folks, and leaving a company wasn't the end of the world.

But Una saw my words as excuses. Her eyes were desperate, and she denied my suggestion. "No, it's not like that. Connections and background are valued everywhere. Just like you, Melinda! If you say a word to Mrs. Bennett, I could transfer positions immediately. People would know I have connections and stop bullying me. My work would be valued, and I'd be recognized. We're friends, and it's just a word from you. Can't you help me?"

It seemed like she was pleading, but it felt more like a threat. A few months ago, I might not have been able to refuse, but now I wouldn't be intimidated.

Besides, if I remembered correctly, I had already helped her once out of kindness.

"Your life choices are yours to make. You can't expect others to be responsible for every decision. So, Una, as I said, I can't help you."

I had once recommended her to a startup called Horizon Ventures Inc. But back then, Una, being ambitious, didn't want to join a small company and turned it down. Now, Horizon Ventures Inc. had grown significantly, far surpassing Quantum Dynamics Corporation in vision and success, with ventures in new technology, renewable energy, and pharmaceuticals.

"Melinda, how can you say you can't help? You got me an introduction to Horizon Ventures Inc. before. If nothing else, you could introduce me there again." Una frowned, clearly dissatisfied with my answer.

I couldn't help but laugh at her words, suddenly understanding why she was still an assistant. With such a mindset, she probably didn't handle tasks well even when assigned.

"Horizon Ventures Inc. isn't just any company. You missed your chance before. Now, it's not a place you can just join at will. If you missed the opportunity, you need to be practical. Either work hard at Quantum Dynamics Corporation and prove your worth, or find another company and start fresh." I was done talking to Una.

My cab had arrived, and I was about to open the door when I heard a mocking voice nearby. "Begging her won't help. She's making excuses because she doesn't want to help you."

I looked towards the voice and saw Ophelia strutting over, swinging her hips, carrying a handbag, and wearing high heels, looking all high and mighty. She had clearly changed clothes and touched up her makeup.

Una, hearing Ophelia's words, grabbed my hand as I opened the car door. "Melinda, did you hear that? We're friends, right? Are you really not going to help me? Or are you saying we're not even friends anymore?"

I pushed Una's hand away, my gaze cold. "From the moment you invited me here with ulterior motives, do you think there's any point in calling us friends?"

I scoffed and got into the car, leaving without looking back.