Second Chance: Marrying into Wealth Chapter 176

The customer, known for his no-nonsense attitude, was visibly irritated. "What's your deal?"

Ophelia hung her head, standing awkwardly at a distance. The other employee quickly stepped in to apologize, "Sorry about that, she's new and still getting the hang of things."

Luckily, the customer wasn't unreasonable. Seeing the employee's sincere attitude, he let it go. After the employee replaced his drink, he left.

Realizing Ophelia wasn't cut out for making coffee, the employee said, "Go clean up over there!" She sent Ophelia to tidy up the tables.

Ophelia bit her lip and lowered her eyes but obediently grabbed a cloth and started cleaning the tables.

She must have been really hungry because as she wiped the tables, she suddenly bent over slightly, one hand on the table and the other clutching her stomach.

I sighed inwardly. I didn't say anything, not wanting Ophelia to know I had seen her in such a state. I quietly ordered a meal and gave the front desk a few instructions before heading back to the office.

I took the elevator to the lobby, and Marlowe arrived shortly after. Seeing her, I hesitated about whether to stop her.

It was work hours, and Marlowe, being the editor-in-chief of Echo Magazine, was probably here to see Christopher.

Could it be about an interview? Christopher had made it clear he didn't want to do any interviews. As his secretary, it was my job to handle these situations.

But Marlowe's status was a bit special. She might be the one Christopher had feelings for but couldn't be with. If I stopped her and it affected their relationship, would Christopher be disappointed?

As I hesitated, Jason appeared in the lobby, a step behind. So, they were together?

Jason had a good relationship with Christopher, so I couldn't stop him. But if they were together...

I approached cautiously, "Mr. Cook, are you here to see Mr. Collins? Or are you both...?"

I glanced at Marlowe. Jason, understanding my dilemma, said, "We're together."

I asked one more question, "So, Ms. Grey has an appointment?"

I had to do my duty. If I couldn't stop them, it wouldn't be my fault.

Jason, knowing the rules, nodded. "Yes, we've spoken to Mr. Collins."

With that, I gestured for them to proceed.

However, Marlowe had clearly overheard our conversation. She deliberately spoke loud enough for me to hear, "Is this Christopher's new secretary?"

Jason said nothing. I was taken aback. Marlowe's familiarity with Christopher was evident in her use of his first name.

Could she really be the one Christopher had feelings for but couldn't be with? And Jason didn't correct her, which seemed to confirm it.

Given Jason's close relationship with Christopher, it wasn't surprising he knew about them.

"She didn't handle that well. Did she use some trick to become Christopher's secretary? He never had a female secretary before!" Marlowe spoke without restraint, clearly intending for me to hear.

Initially, I wanted to avoid conflict with her, considering she might be the one Christopher had feelings for. Even though I didn't like her, Christopher hadn't confirmed anything.

Paula had said, "If you don't know her status, just ignore it."

Christopher had also said that as a company member, he would protect me and not let anyone bully me.

I looked at Marlowe with a half-smile. "Ms. Grey, as an editor-in-chief, you should know that everything requires evidence. You can't just believe hearsay."

Marlowe rolled her eyes. "Did I say I was talking to you? Do you know the rules about butting in?"

"Rules? Whose rules? Yours, Ms. Grey? Your rules don't seem very fair. You're practically accusing me of using tricks. Shouldn't I be allowed to defend myself?"

"What's with the attitude? Who do you think you are, just a secretary, daring to talk to me like that? I'm Christopher's..."

Jason cut her off, "Marlowe, that's enough! This isn't your magazine office. Summit Innovations Group employees aren't for you to criticize."

Marlowe was still reluctant. "Does Christopher know about this attitude? Daring to offend people!"

I was speechless. I wanted to say, maybe she had a different face in front of Christopher. Otherwise, how could someone like Christopher like someone so rude and judgmental?

I couldn't help but imagine. If Christopher had to choose between an employee and the person he liked, would he, like in the novels I read, unconditionally support the woman he loved?

Thankfully, we soon reached the CEO's office. I had calmed down and knocked. "Mr. Collins, Mr. Cook and Ms. Grey are here."

"Come in!"

Hearing Christopher's voice, I opened the door and gestured for them to enter.

Marlowe immediately regained her elegant composure and followed Jason into the office.

I prepared three cups of coffee and brought them in. Marlowe and Jason sat across from Christopher, where he could see them both clearly.

After setting down the coffee, I couldn't help but steal a glance at Christopher.

Since I was sure Marlowe was the one Christopher had feelings for, I was curious to see how the usually composed Christopher would react to the person he liked.

I expected to see some emotion, but I was wrong. Christopher showed no sign of affection or excitement, remaining as calm as if he were looking at any ordinary person.

Something didn't add up. Or maybe Christopher was just that good at hiding his feelings, maintaining a facade of calm.

If that was the case, no wonder he couldn't win over the person he liked. Girls needed to be wooed. If he was cold and indifferent to everyone, how could he expect to win her heart?

Paula was right. No one was perfect. Even a business mogul like Christopher could be a novice in matters of the heart.

But I didn't like Marlowe. If Christopher really liked her, I'd rather he didn't succeed. It would save us from more trouble in the future.

At that moment, Marlowe spoke, "It seems different from the last time I was here." Her tone suggested familiarity.

Her words confirmed what Paula had said. She had successfully interviewed Christopher before, which was why she was in his office now.

Christopher ignored her comment and looked at me, tapping the table.

I snapped out of my thoughts and gathered the documents on the desk, then asked, "Mr. Collins, is there anything else?"

"No."

I left the office with the documents. I thought Christopher would want to catch up with Marlowe, but she didn't stay long.

However, something had changed. Christopher, who had always refused interviews, had agreed to one for the next day. No wonder she was the woman he liked. She was impressive.

A first-hand interview with Christopher was something every magazine in Starlight City wanted. Given Marlowe's high profile, she didn't keep it a secret. So, as soon as she left Summit Innovations Group, the news spread throughout Starlight City.