Second Chance: Marrying into Wealth Chapter 161

At first, I didn't have much of an appetite when I started having meals with Christopher. Maybe it was because his presence was so overwhelming, or perhaps I just wasn't used to dining with men I wasn't that familiar with.

But as I got more accustomed to it, and thanks to Tiana's amazing breakfasts that were always varied and delicious, my picky eating habits were pretty much cured.

When Christopher heard what I said, he really took a good look at me.

Then he snorted, "Look at you, you used to be as skinny as a stick. Now you're just right, not so frail that you get sick all the time. If you're worried about gaining weight, just tell Tiana. I'm not the one cooking."

"Well, okay then!" Since Christopher said so, I took it as a yes.

All I had to do was talk to Tiana. I thought it would be an easy fix, so after dinner with Christopher that night, I went to Tiana to discuss it.

Tiana listened and naturally agreed.

But the next morning, when Tiana reminded me to come for breakfast, I realized she hadn't really taken it in.

"Tiana, didn't I say I didn't need breakfast?" I couldn't help but speak up.

Tiana immediately looked apologetic. "Ms. Turner, I'm sorry, I must have forgotten. But since it's already made, it would be a waste to throw it away. I see you haven't eaten yet, so why not join us for breakfast?"

Since Tiana put it that way, I couldn't refuse.

So, I ended up having breakfast with Christopher again. He seemed to have forgotten about my request not to have breakfast together, reading the newspaper and sipping his milk.

After breakfast, I caught a ride to the office with Christopher. I always got out of the car early, so no one had discovered I was riding with him, making it feel like some kind of secret mission.

Today, Paula finally had some free time.

With Una and Ophelia temporarily out of the picture, I felt like I could breathe easier, and my mood improved significantly.

After work, Paula picked me up, and we went to a nice restaurant nearby.

The place had a serene environment and private spaces, which was great.

"You've been so busy lately, it's been hard to catch up with you," I said as we started eating.

"Yes! But it's not just because I'm busy. You've been busy too, so finding a time that works for both of us hasn't been easy," Paula replied.

"I don't think I've been that busy," I said, thinking it over. Sure, there was some pressure and occasional overtime, but nothing too late.

Paula looked at me. "I ran into Mr. Collins at a recent event and asked about you. He praised you and mentioned you've been quite busy. It made me feel for you."

Hearing that Christopher praised me made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, like a student being complimented by a teacher.

I couldn't help but tell Paula about Christopher's plan to mentor me.

Paula's eyes lit up. "I told you, coming to Summit Innovations Group was a good move. With Mr. Collins mentoring you, you'll learn so much more efficiently. It's an opportunity others would kill for. You have to make the most of it."

"Mr. Collins is truly amazing, isn't he? He's perfect and has a great eye for talent. He saw the potential in you. We should have invited him to join us today."

I thought about it and realized I had already invited him to this restaurant, which he praised yesterday.

Looking at Paula, I couldn't help but think she was perfect in every way—beautiful, from a good family, great figure, highly educated, capable, kind, and with a wonderful personality. She and Christopher would make a great match.

My eyes sparkled with the idea of setting them up.

Paula noticed my gaze and laughed. "Melinda, with the way you're looking at me, someone might think you're in love with me! I know I'm beautiful, but you've known that for a while. What's got you so mesmerized?"

I blushed at Paula's teasing and glared at her playfully. "You're the most beautiful. I was just thinking that someone as perfect as you deserves a perfect man. I think Christopher would be a great match for you."

"Oh, no! Mr. Collins is not someone I can dream of," Paula protested, raising her hands.

I couldn't help but be curious. "You haven't been dating anyone lately. What kind of guy are you looking for?"

Her last boyfriend was a long time ago, but I supported her whether she dated or not, given her career focus.

Paula rested her chin on her hand, thinking. "Someone warm, like a little sun. Being with them would feel cozy and relaxing. Definitely not like Mr. Collins—he's too cold. I already hate the cold, and with someone like him, I'd never be warm."

Only Paula would dare to say that. She even called Christopher an ice block. I didn't think he was cold; he was more like tough on the outside, warm on the inside.

But I knew Paula hated the cold. She once delivered food in the dead of winter, almost getting frostbite and slipping on icy roads. She fell off her scooter and couldn't get up for a while, nearly freezing.

I was so worried that I asked my dad to help her get a part-time job at his company, forbidding her from delivering food again. She hurt herself back then, which made her especially sensitive to the cold.

Thinking about it made me feel for her. Despite everything, Paula remained strong and radiant, which I admired deeply.

"Please don't pair me with Mr. Collins. I can't handle it," Paula emphasized, making me promise.

It was just a fleeting thought. Christopher's love life wasn't something I could control.

Besides, if I suggested it, he'd probably laugh at me, thinking I was overstepping since I was a failure in love myself.

"Just think about how to thank Mr. Collins. He's been really good to you," Paula said.

I nodded. "I know. I owe him for introducing me to Mr. Cook. It might have been easy for him, but getting Mr. Cook to help us wasn't something money could buy."

"Absolutely!" Paula said, clearly impressed by Jason.

With Jason handling Lawrence's case, I barely had to worry. Reliable lawyers like him were rare.

I remembered running into Jason at the police station and told Paula about it.

"Alan tried to set me up, so I called the police. I ran into Mr. Cook, and he agreed to take my case. I think we'll win." I was confident because Jason was handling it, and we had plenty of evidence.