Second Chance: Marrying into Wealth Chapter 159

"What are you trying to say? Are you trying to scare me on purpose?" Ophelia snapped, clearly misunderstanding my intentions.

Of course, I was trying to provoke her a bit. I couldn't stand people who clung to me all the time, so naturally, I wanted to give her something else to focus on.

But I wasn't just making things up; I was stating facts. "Alan's in jail now, and Quantum Dynamics Corporation is probably leaderless. Alan doesn't own all the shares; there are plenty of other shareholders. Do you think they're not worried? The company is in turmoil and needs someone to take charge. As Alan's wife, shouldn't you step up and manage the shares while he's gone? The business world is like a battlefield, constantly changing. If you lose the initiative, someone else will take over. Do you really not care?"

Ophelia's expression changed, but she wasn't one to back down easily. She shot back at me, "Have you been investigating Quantum Dynamics Corporation? Is this all part of some scheme by Christopher? Wow, what a plan!"

I could handle her accusations, but dragging Christopher into this was too much. He was too honorable to resort to such tactics. It was ridiculous that she'd even think that.

"You're disgusting. You and Alan are both twisted, thinking everyone else is like you. Mr. Collins would never stoop to such methods. Besides, whether Quantum Dynamics Corporation can successfully transition is uncertain. If we were to invest, we'd choose a stable company or project. And Alan harassing female employees—do you think I made him do that? Do you think I'd lower myself to seduce him?"

"You just talk a good game. This is all about revenge. Don't tell me you didn't get Jason to target Quantum Dynamics Corporation and Alan," Ophelia accused, glaring at me.

I looked at her twisted expression and couldn't help but laugh mockingly. "You're defending Alan so fiercely, anyone would think you two are truly in love. Have you actually fallen for him? You've probably forgotten why you got together in the first place."

Someone who clawed their way up from being a mistress couldn't possibly be in it for love. Judging by Ophelia's usual behavior and taste in clothes, it was clear she was a gold-digger. She married him for money, no doubt.

Ophelia's face contorted, her eyes darting around. But she still put up a front. "That's between Alan and me. What does it have to do with you? You're just trying to drive a wedge between us so I won't help him!"

I scoffed. "You really think highly of yourself. You're so naive. Alan's harassment of female employees at the company—don't tell me you didn't know. Quantum Dynamics Corporation is likely to fall into chaos soon. Either you take charge and seize power, or you figure out how to get as much money as you can. Otherwise, you'll end up with nothing. Don't come crying to me then."

Ophelia's face changed again at my words.

Alan was a bad man, bullying his employees, and Ophelia, with her cunning ways, must have known. But she chose to turn a blind eye and even abet him. I wouldn't feel sorry for her, no matter how badly things turned out.

I said, "If I were you, I wouldn't waste my time with Alan's mess. You know he's not getting out of this without a prison sentence. How long he serves depends on the evidence. You should focus on yourself. How much have you managed to get from him? Judging by your spending, probably not much. You'd better hustle and secure more assets."

I looked her over. She was decked out in luxury brands, her outfit and accessories worth nearly a million dollars. She was a big spender.

Ophelia blurted out, "How could I get much? We signed a prenup..."

Realizing what she'd said, she clammed up and pointed at me, accusing, "You're trying to trick me into talking."

I rolled my eyes. "Even if you didn't say it, I knew. Alan was guarding against you from the start. You two were never on the same page. And yet, you're still willing to run around for him. You'd be better off organizing your assets and planning your next steps."

I thought their marriage might have started with some genuine feelings, even if the spark faded later. But it was all a calculation from the beginning.

Ophelia was a mistress, and I had no sympathy for her. Even if Alan got out of prison, Quantum Dynamics Corporation would have moved on. He'd have no power left. Ophelia, with her vanity, wouldn't stand for it. She'd probably look for a new sugar daddy.

I gave her good advice, but she clearly didn't listen. As I turned to leave, she blocked my way. "You need to get Jason to drop the lawsuit. If you won't, I'll go to him myself. You have to take me to him."

"Who do you think you are? You're shameless!" I laughed at her delusion. "If you want to see Jason, just go to his law firm. Why come to me?My relationship with Jason is just acquaintanceship. I don't have the power to make him drop a case. And from what I know of Jason, he never drops a case and always hits his target."

"You're gloating. Do you think I haven't tried going to his firm? If I could see him, do you think I'd be here, dealing with you? Fine, I'll find a way to make Jason drop it. You'll see. I'll make this the first case he ever drops."

Her confidence made me curious. "What can you do? Bribe him? Find a better lawyer for Alan? You're wasting your time. You'd be better off saving that money and planning your own future." I didn't hold back, my words dripping with sarcasm.

"Melinda, the more you talk, the more determined I am to prove you wrong. I'll get Alan out of jail, and you'll see," Ophelia declared, her eyes shining with determination.

"Get him out? Don't kid yourself. Alan's guilty through and through. But fine, let's see what you can do. We'll be watching."

"Just watch!" Ophelia spat before limping to her car and driving off.

I watched her leave, then turned to see a Maybach pull into the spot she had just vacated.

"Melinda..."The window rolled down, and I saw who was inside. The door opened, and Christopher's elegant figure remained seated. I understood; he wanted me to get in.

I didn't hesitate and got in the car.

"Sit in the back." I had intended to sit in the front, feeling it was more appropriate. But Christopher read my mind and firmly instructed, "I have something to discuss with you."

Reluctantly, I moved to the back seat, curious. "Mr. Collins, are we heading straight home?" If not, we were going in different directions.