Second Chance: Marrying into Wealth Chapter 170

I knew a bit about Marlowe Grey, the editor-in-chief of Echo Magazine. She had been in that position for years and had quite a reputation in Starlight City. 

She had definitely got the skills and connections. If she stepped in, even if she didn't interview the person the resigned writer chose, she could find someone else.

I asked, "Does your editor know about this?"

Quinlan replied, "Yeah, she does."

"What did she say?"

Quinlan gave a bitter smile. "She told me to figure it out myself."

I was surprised and a bit angry at Marlowe's attitude. "Isn't she just making things difficult for you?"

Quinlan nodded, looking helpless. "I know she's making it hard for me, but I can't argue or refuse unless I quit. She said if I can't overcome this challenge, I'm not fit to be a journalist. This task is tough, but not impossible. If I work hard, there are plenty of notable people in Starlight City. I just need to find the right one for an interview."

"I've been trying to contact companies one by one, even visiting them in person or waiting where they might go, hoping for an interview opportunity. But I've been rejected by every single one. I've visited at least ten companies.”

I thought for a moment and couldn't help but ask, "Have you thought about changing jobs?"

Starlight City was big, and there were other jobs. With Quinlan's education, work ethic, and abilities, some boss would recognize her talent.

"I've thought about it. I even offered to resign, but the editor said she did a background check on me. She knows about my strained relationship with my parents and that I came to Starlight City to get away from them. If I quit now, she wouldn't mind telling my parents where I live. She also said she has the connections and means to find me even if I leave Starlight City.”

I frowned. Marlowe seemed to be targeting Quinlan on purpose. "Did you ever cross her?"

"No way! Her threats scared me. I've only been here a couple of months, and I've seen her less than five times. We haven't even talked much, let alone argued."

Quinlan's eyes were red. She finally had a chance to escape her parents, and now she might fall back into a nightmare. How could she not be scared or sad?

If she didn't offend Marlowe, then the only explanation was that Marlowe, being in a high position for so long, had become arrogant and looked down on people below her. She might even enjoy controlling others'fates.

People like that were bad to the core. They just hadn't had the chance to show it before.

I had been working for a while and had met some company executives, but we were still in the early stages of acquaintance. Contacting them out of the blue might backfire. And from what Quinlan said, it seemed she was in a hurry.

I asked, "When is the first issue of this series supposed to be published?"

"In four days!"

As I thought, the timeline was tight. I thought it over and explained the situation to Quinlan, including the resources I had.

I wanted to help her, but I needed her to understand it wouldn't be easy. I didn't want her to feel overly grateful, but I also didn't want another situation like with Una.

I said, "Alright, give me a moment."

I called Paula. She was now a top divorce lawyer, well-known in the industry, and she also owned a PR firm. She was definitely a notable person.

After hearing my request, Paula couldn't help but suggest, "Why not ask Christopher? He's rarely in the public eye, a top figure in his field, young, wealthy, and single. If your cousin can interview him, it would be a huge boost for her career. She might become a star reporter overnight, and no one would dare threaten her again."

I didn't want to keep bothering Christopher. My parents'promise was limited. Besides, she might prefer working quietly and earning her keep.

If she became a star, her parents might find out, and she'd either lose her job or become their servant again.

Quinlan's situation was complicated, and she was waiting. I would explain to Paula later. So I used the "charm tactic," pleading, "Paula, please help me out. I'll cover your coffee for the next month."

"I don't need your coffee money," Paula said, but then she relented. "Alright, for your sake. She helped you before, right? Have her come to my office at 10:30 AM tomorrow. I'm busy, so she'll have 40 minutes for the interview."

I was overjoyed. "Paula, I knew you loved me. Thank you so much. I'll let her know right away."

"Stop being so cheesy!"

I could almost see Paula's expression through the phone. I chuckled to myself.

After hanging up, I relayed Paula's message to Quinlan and gave her Paula's company address. "Just look up the company name, and you'll find Paula. If you're interviewing tomorrow, you should do some homework."

I didn't praise Paula directly. If Quinlan did her research, she'd find out Paula's reputation as a role model for women.

Quinlan was more diligent than I expected. Her eyes lit up with joy. "I've read the magazines she's been featured in. I can recite many of her quotes, and they've been very helpful."

With that, the interview should go more smoothly.

"Although she seems a bit aloof, don't be nervous. She's actually very kind and won't make things difficult unless someone is really out of line," I reminded Quinlan, hoping Paula would have a pleasant interview experience.

Quinlan understood immediately. "Melinda, don't worry. I'll be respectful and won't ask inappropriate questions."

"Good. No need to be overly cautious. If she doesn't want to answer, she won't." I nodded in satisfaction and gave her Paula's business card, telling her to go to the office tomorrow.

Quinlan cherished this opportunity, holding the card like it was her last hope. Her hands trembled with nervousness and excitement.

Seeing her work so hard made me feel a bit heartbroken. As she was about to leave, I suggested she stay the night. "It's late. Why not go home tomorrow?"

Quinlan thanked me, and my golden retriever came over, not afraid of her, sensing she was a guest. It even circled her legs, and she couldn't help but pet its head.

"Melinda, you've already helped me so much. I need to go home and do some research, and…" Her eyes were sincere. "Take care of yourself. We'll both be okay."

Watching her leave, I felt a mix of emotions. She had been through enough. I just hoped Quinlan's future would be smoother.