Second Chance: Marrying into Wealth Chapter 163

"If we keep getting data like this, forget about launching next year. I doubt we'll have a decent product even the year after," Christopher said, glaring at Douglas.

Douglas looked like he was about to pass out. He shot me a desperate look, hoping I'd step in.

But I was not an idiot. Christopher was fuming, and I wasn't about to get caught in the crossfire. I kept my mouth shut.

After a long rant, Christopher finally laid down the law. "If you can't deliver satisfactory data and a car, maybe this job isn't for you. You might want to think about a transfer or a demotion."

Douglas's lips quivered, and he was too scared to say anything.

Christopher left him with one last line, "Think it over, or give me a satisfactory answer."

With that, he turned and walked away. Vincent and I followed a step behind.

Douglas couldn't help but call out to me, "Ms. Turner, I launched the new model for the company's sake, not out of impatience. Please put in a good word for me with Mr. Collins."

Given our tenure and experience, he should have asked Vincent, but he chose to ask me instead.

I knew Christopher was unhappy, but I couldn't influence his decisions, so I declined. "I'm sorry, Mr. Campbell, but as an assistant, I can't sway Mr. Collins's decisions. Excuse me."

I quickened my pace to catch up with Christopher.

Because the test results were unsatisfactory, Christopher left early. If we hurried back to the office, we could still make it in time for lunch.

So I asked Christopher, "Mr. Collins, would you like to have lunch outside or back at the office?"

The company had a cafeteria, so eating there was an option. It all depended on Christopher's decision.

He didn't answer my question but instead asked, "I remember you got your driver's license in college, right?"

He was implying that I could drive. I wanted to find an excuse. "It's been so long since I drove, I'm rusty."

There were plenty of people who had a license but didn't drive. I thought my excuse was foolproof, but it was full of holes.

Christopher gave me a knowing look. "You drove while you were pregnant, and now you're telling me you're too rusty to drive?"

My heart skipped a beat. It seemed he knew more about me than I thought. Yes, I did drive when I was four or five months pregnant, but after a scare, I stopped.

It had only been a little over six months since then. Skills like driving weren't easily forgotten. I lowered my eyes, not daring to look at Christopher.

Christopher continued, seemingly unaware of my discomfort. "Douglas suggested you test the car's performance. Why didn't you? Are you afraid the smart car isn't safe?"

I couldn't answer that directly. Did Christopher know about Lawrence's views?

Lawrence, despite being well-educated, scoffed at the development of AI and smart cars, which were inevitable advancements in society.

I used to not understand why he felt that way. After learning about his hostility towards Christopher, I understood.

I had never used a smart car before, mainly because Lawrence wouldn't let me. He always claimed they were unsafe. But ironically, I had a car accident in a traditional car, not a smart one. Sometimes, accidents weren't just accidents; they were caused by people.

"Of course not. I fully trust Summit Innovations Group's vision and your sharp judgment, Mr. Collins. If you believe in a project, it must be reliable."

If an employee constantly doubted and disobeyed their boss, they didn't belong in the company. A boss needed people who served the company and him, not someone stubborn.

I thought about it and decided that hiding the truth would only lead to unnecessary misunderstandings.

"Mr. Collins, it's not about the smart car. It's about me. I had a car accident before, and it left me with a psychological scar. I haven't dared to drive since." I had a car in my garage, but it was probably gathering dust by now.

Christopher thought for a moment, then asked, "The accident with Clara?"

I was surprised he knew and remembered. I nodded. "Yes."

Christopher didn't say anything more. But when the driver brought the car around, and we got in, he spoke again. "Are you planning to never drive again?"

I thought about it. "Maybe one day, when I feel ready, I'll drive again."

Saying I'd never drive again was too uncertain. The future was unpredictable.

Christopher seemed determined to dig deeper. "Have you thought about overcoming your fear?"

Of course, I had. Having a car was convenient. But I had tried and failed.

"I tried to overcome it, but I couldn't," I said, a bit regretfully.

Christopher suddenly told the driver, "Head to the outskirts."

I didn't understand his intention. "Why are we going to the outskirts?" But I had a vague idea.

"Smart cars are one of Summit Innovations Group's main projects. As an assistant, you need to be able to drive. I'm taking you to overcome your fear." Christopher made the decision.

How he planned to do that, he didn't explain, and I couldn't guess.

I wondered what was in the outskirts that could help me overcome my fear of driving. But I soon found out.

When the car stopped at the entrance of an amusement park, I was terrified!

I thought about it. To overcome a fear, one usually needed to push their limits in an extreme way. Now that we were at an amusement park, did he want me to bungee jump or ride a roller coaster?

Just thinking about it made my legs tremble.

"Mr. Collins, you don't really want me to bungee jump or ride a roller coaster, do you?" I asked, my face pale and my voice shaky. I tried to read his expression for any hint.

But Christopher was too good at hiding his emotions. I couldn't tell.

"Scared? Afraid?" Christopher smirked.

I grimaced. "I got a psychological scar from a minor car accident. Extreme sports like these terrify me. Can we not do this?"

Christopher gave me a long look. "No, this is an order."

My mind raced, and I quickly found an excuse. "Mr. Collins, I just remembered I have a meeting with a client this afternoon."

"Have the vice president or Vincent handle it. It's not that important," Christopher replied calmly.

He had blocked my escape route. Then he pointed to the ticket booth not far away. "Go buy a ticket." He gave me a gentle push in that direction.