Second Chance: Marrying into Wealth Chapter 154

"Who's that woman? She's pretty. Is she really someone's mistress?"

"You don't know? She's Mr. Collins' secretary from Summit Innovations Group. The only female secretary he's ever had. There used to be rumors that even the dogs around Mr. Collins were all male."

"That woman must have some tricks up her sleeve! Is she really his mistress? But if Mr. Collins treats her so specially, why is she trying to seduce the head of Quantum Dynamics Corporation?"

"Either she's insatiably greedy, thinking every man should fall at her feet, or she's just shameless, throwing herself at any rich man she sees."

"How shameless! With such an innocent face, doing such scandalous things. I heard that the collaboration between Summit Innovations Group and Quantum Dynamics Corporation fell through recently. Could it be because of her? She must be really skilled to make two CEOs fight over her."

"Poor Mr. Collins, falling for a woman like that. She's pretty, but that's about it!"

The gossip around me was relentless. With so many people witnessing today's events, it wouldn't be a secret for long. Soon, the whole building would know.

Ophelia had really played her cards well, using Una to frame me for seducing Alan.

But Una wasn't innocent either. She wanted to take shortcuts, even if it meant betraying a friend like me. So, she deserved the consequences.

I pushed her away, my face cold and my eyes icy. "With friends like you, who needs enemies?"

Una wasn't ready to give up. "How can you be so heartless? You can't just walk away. You've ruined me, and you have to take responsibility."

Una moved on her knees, trying to grab my foot.

I quickly stepped back. "Enough! Who do you think you are? What makes you think I owe you anything? Just because you're weak doesn't mean you're right. People like you, with no self-respect and a sense of entitlement, who don't work hard, really think the boss is stupid enough to keep you around? If someone kneels in front of me, I'm supposed to take responsibility for their job? Do I look like a fool to you? Security!"

Una's eyes widened as I called for security. She became even more agitated, shouting, "I'm not just anyone! We're friends! I'm in this mess because of you. How can you deny it? Are you feeling guilty?"

"Friends? Who can prove that?" I retorted with a cold laugh.

Una's eyes flickered, then she quickly said, "We met a long time ago while volunteering. I know your name is Melinda. Ask anyone at the nursing home, they'll know about us. You can't just shirk responsibility."

I stopped in my tracks and looked at her mockingly. "Really? You're so sure? Go ahead and ask. Raina and the others know you, but we were just acquaintances from volunteering. How does that make us friends?"

I was confident because Raina and the others genuinely cared for me. If I asked, they would definitely support me.

Una's moment of hesitation made the people around us, who had been pointing fingers at me, start to doubt. They were smart enough to make their own judgments.

While Una was hesitating, she missed her chance. The security guards arrived and escorted her out of the building. After all, she wasn't an employee here.

It seemed like I had won, but I knew that rumors were like quicksand—uncontrollable and capable of swallowing a person whole.

I had to stop the rumors before they spread too far, or I could end up ruined.

As the executive assistant to the president of Summit Innovations Group, I had passed Christopher's interview to get this job.

This rumor didn't just affect me; it also involved Christopher. It wasn't fair to him. For the sake of Summit Innovations Group and Christopher, I had to find a way to clear my name.

They accused me of seducing Alan, but it was a lie. Alan had no evidence, but I could get some.

The video from the meeting room should still be there. I decided to find Vincent and ask for the footage.

To my disappointment, the video had been overwritten. But Vincent told me, "Mr. Collins had a copy sent to his email. If you need it, you can ask him if it's still there."

Vincent was great like that. Even though he knew about the incident this morning, he didn't pry into my personal affairs. He was professional and respectful, and since he knew the content of the video, he didn't look down on me.

After thanking Vincent, I went to Christopher's office and knocked on the door.

"Come in," Christopher's deep voice called out.

When I entered, he was sitting at his desk in a perfectly tailored suit, his intense gaze focused on the documents in his hands.

Indeed, a man at work was the most attractive sight. He exuded a powerful, almost forbidding aura that was hard to ignore.

"What is it? Speak," he said, noticing my presence.

I straightened up and replied, "Mr. Collins, do you still have the video from the meeting room when Mr. Bennett was there?"

"Yes. Do you need it?" Christopher asked, frowning slightly.

I nodded. "Yes, I do."

"I can give you the video. What do you plan to do with it?" He agreed readily, showing that he had thought things through.

I considered my response and said, "Initially, I wanted to post it online to expose Alan and clear my name."

"What?" Christopher's brows furrowed, his eyes showing displeasure.

I realized he didn't approve of my plan. I had been angry because of Una's words, and my initial idea was driven by a desire for revenge.

But Christopher's cold, penetrating gaze was like a bucket of cold water, bringing me back to my senses.

His concern made me think rationally. This wasn't just about me and Alan; it also involved Summit Innovations Group and Quantum Dynamics Corporation. Such an extreme approach could harm Summit Innovations Group's reputation.

So I quickly changed my approach. "At first, I thought about doing that, but I realized it was too extreme. It wouldn't be any different from Alan's smear campaign. So I decided to take the proper route. Since it's slander, and slander is illegal, I have evidence. I'll report it to the authorities and seek legal help to clear my name."

Christopher's cold demeanor softened, and he seemed more agreeable. "This time, you didn't act foolishly. I'll send you the video shortly."

He agreed to my request, and I was relieved. Just as I was about to leave, he called me back.