Second Chance: Marrying into Wealth Chapter 166

Apex Tower Entrance

A flashy Ferrari pulled up in front of the building. I stepped out, and the car immediately drew a lot of attention. When people realized it was me, they couldn't help but start whispering to each other. 

I even thought, with my current looks, if I entered the entertainment industry, I'd definitely become famous. I naturally attract attention. No matter what, even being criticized meant that I was known!

"There's Melinda again. She used to ride in Mr. Collins' car, had some involvement with Mr. Bennett, and now she's switched cars? Mr. Collins wouldn't drive something this flashy. Did she change targets?"

"Some people really have it good, switching men just like that."

"What's there to envy? If it were me, I wouldn't dare come to the office so ostentatiously. Doesn't she feel any shame?"

"Exactly, being a mistress these days is so blatant."

"Not just blatant, they say even illegitimate children can inherit. If there's a will, the mistress might get a share of the estate. Society's morals are being ruined by people like this!"

The whispers, though seemingly hushed, still reached my ears. I was speechless. Were people really this quick to spread rumors nowadays? I was thinking of stepping forward and confronting the loudest gossips, giving them a piece of my mind until they were speechless. Otherwise, I wouldn't feel satisfied.

Back in school, before I started dating Lawrence, I was quite spirited and even participated in the debate team. Now that my confidence was back, I was ready to shut them up.

"Come on, if you want to gossip, discuss it in front of me. Why whisper?" Paula suddenly opened the car door and walked up to me, wrapping an arm around my shoulder and raising an eyebrow at the gossipers. 

The whispers stopped abruptly with Paula's appearance. Some, realizing they had been caught spreading rumors, wished they could disappear.

Paula lifted my chin and smiled. "A beauty like Melinda is a treasure to me. You know why? Because she's kind-hearted and never gossips or slanders others."

Some were already feeling ashamed and quickly apologized, "Melinda, we're sorry. We misunderstood you. Please accept our apology!"

I was quite forgiving to those who recognized their mistakes and apologized promptly. After all, everyone talked behind others' backs, but it shouldn't be too outrageous, and spreading false rumors was even worse. The person who apologized smiled at me and quickly ran off after a compliment.

But some people still didn't get it and retorted, "So you're saying we're ugly inside and out? Aren't you slandering us too? Besides, Melinda's reputation isn't great, so it's understandable if people misunderstand."

Paula's eyes turned cold as she glared at the speaker. "I'm not slandering. You said it yourself. Do you look as good as Melinda? And when you spread rumors, were you sure they were true? I'm standing right here, and you still don't think you're wrong. That's really something."

The person Paula confronted was humiliated. Others, seeing this, nodded in agreement with Paula. The person, known for being jealous and competitive, ran off crying.

Some still didn't apologize, and Paula smiled. "Can you broaden your horizons a bit? Who says only men can drive luxury cars? Can't a beautiful woman own one? The old days are over. It's time to realize that women can make their own way too."

Paula's words were inspiring. As her good friend, I was genuinely happy. But after what happened last night, seeing her here early in the morning to support me made me feel bad for Paula.

"Paula, you're amazing! Look, you shut them all up." I looked at Paula with admiration.

Paula snorted at the others, "They're like a disease, spreading rumors early in the morning. They need a lesson to remember not to spread lies."

"And if anyone bullies you, don't hesitate. Either fight back or stand up for yourself. Don't let yourself be taken advantage of."

Paula seemed to think I was fragile and would be bullied. I nodded obediently. "Don't worry, I'm not the old me. I'm reborn, and now I'm the one who does the bullying."

Paula cared about my well-being, but I was concerned about her. "How are you feeling? I told you not to drive me. You should rest more."

"I'm fine. I have plenty of energy. I'll be off now." Paula walked away with a spring in her step.

Watching her leave, my eyes welled up, and I couldn't help but think about last night.

Last night, Christopher and I went straight to room 1808 at the Golden Crown Hotel. When we knocked, Paula opened the door, wrapped in a towel, her wet hair dripping, and her face still flushed. There was a certain allure in her expression.

Christopher averted his eyes and stepped back. "Ms. Ellis, are you alright?"

Paula nodded. "I'm fine."

Hearing Paula say she was fine, I was relieved. I noticed the bed and another towel. A hotel, a hurried Christopher, Paula in a bathrobe, and an extra towel. I couldn't help but look at Paula, then at Christopher, and finally at the bed.

Paula, being my good friend, immediately knew what I was thinking and knocked on my head. "What are you thinking? It's not him!"

So it wasn't what I thought! I almost thought I had interrupted something between Christopher and Paula.

Then I realized what Paula meant. "There's another man? Who? And that flush on your face, were you drugged?"

Paula didn't answer me but spoke to Christopher, "Jason is in the next room. I got him a separate room."

Jason? Another person? But since Jason was there, I quickly pulled Paula aside. "Paula, are you sure you're okay? No one hurt you, right?"

"I'm fine. You know who my dad is and whose property this is. If I got bullied, how could I stay in Starlight City?" Paula patted my head.

I sighed in relief and didn't mind her treating me like a puppy. Instead, I was concerned about another issue. "That jerk who set you up, even if he didn't succeed, we should get Mr. Cook to deal with him, right?"

Paula laughed and said something that shocked me, "What if the jerk you're talking about is Mr. Cook?"

"What? Mr. Cook broke the law? He couldn't control himself?" I was confused.

"Don't worry. Let's check on Mr. Cook first, and I'll explain."

Paula led me and Christopher to the next room. Jason was in worse shape, his hair disheveled, his clothes torn. He looked like he'd been through a lot. But he was unconscious, with a kettle lying next to his head.