Second Chance: Marrying into Wealth Chapter 177

Since everyone in Starlight City already knew, it was no surprise that Paula, with her knack for gossip, had heard about it too.

She couldn't resist calling me to confirm, "Does Christopher really have a crush on Marlowe?"

"What else?" Given how quickly Christopher agreed to the interview this time, it was hard to deny it.

Paula's reaction was pretty intense. "My opinion of Christopher has totally changed! He's so handsome, how could he be into someone like that?"

"Maybe Marlowe has qualities we don't know about, and Christopher sees them." I tried to defend Christopher.

I always felt he wasn't a shallow person. If he were, there were plenty of women more beautiful than Marlowe, and many who liked Christopher. Yet, he had been single for so long.

But Paula was still resistant to the idea. "Marlowe is selfish, vindictive, and opportunistic... Are those qualities? If so, then Christopher must be abnormal, and the person he likes must be just as unusual."

She still couldn't understand. "Christopher is such a handsome, wealthy, and young CEO. There are so many young, beautiful, and pure girls out there who are better than her. Why would he like Marlowe? And another thing, with Marlowe's opportunistic nature, if she knew Christopher liked her, she wouldn't just let him go, right?"

I thought for a moment. "Maybe it's because he's quiet and aloof, not the type to sweet-talk girls. Girls, when in a relationship, want their boyfriends to pamper them. Marlowe might be like most girls and couldn't handle it."

I couldn't help but recall Christopher's businesslike demeanor in the office.

Girls always wanted their boyfriends to show favoritism. When she talked to Christopher, he barely responded, and his expression was always indifferent.

To confirm my thoughts, I told Paula about the office situation.

Paula was silent for a moment, then said, "Really? It doesn't seem right. Maybe you didn't notice, but he might have been secretly pleased."

She then mentioned the time we rode with Christopher and his responses, "From what I know about Christopher, if he likes someone, he wouldn't be completely indifferent. And since he mentioned it to us, he shouldn't be so cold. Something feels off."

"He's a big shot, so it's normal for him to hide his emotions well."

"Well, I hope he keeps hiding them. Honestly, hearing that Marlowe is the woman Christopher likes makes me wish I didn't know. Facing him, I might overthink and say something... I just hope Marlowe is someone he loves but can't have, and they don't end up together!"

Paula used to be so curious about who Christopher liked. Her reaction now showed how much she disliked Marlowe.

I could sense her growing disdain for Christopher, which was surprising given how much she used to admire him. "That's not necessary. Christopher is still Christopher!"

"Melinda, your admiration is a bit too blind," Paula teased.

"Isn't blind admiration the essence of true admiration?" I didn't deny it.

She then encouraged, "Melinda, if Marlowe isn't that great, why don't you consider it? You're close to Christopher, and proximity might lead to affection. Then, any woman he can't have would be out of the picture, and we wouldn't be so troubled."

Paula was really daring. I wasn't.

"No way! If Christopher were that easily swayed, he wouldn't be who he is, and he wouldn't have been single for so long."

"You're practically his fan!" Paula sighed.

"Isn't that great? A good role model can inspire me to learn from his strengths and improve myself. Christopher has so many admirable qualities. Everyone sees his obvious strengths, but he's also protective, kind-hearted, and thoughtful..."

I was so engrossed in listing Christopher's virtues to Paula that I didn't notice my office door was slightly ajar, probably left open by Glenn when he brought me some documents.

A sudden knock on the door snapped me back to reality. I quickly ended the call, only to see Christopher standing at the door.

He was wearing a blue shirt today, adding a touch of elegance to his cool demeanor. His perceptive eyes were fixed on me, making me feel a bit embarrassed.

I had no idea how much of my conversation he had overheard, but just thinking about it made my ears turn red.

"Mr. Collins, is there something urgent? You didn't have to come in person; a call would have sufficed." I stood up, trying to appear calm.

He leaned casually against the doorframe, his expression gentle, seemingly in a good mood.

He just looked at me without intending to come in. "I was passing by and thought I'd let you know to prepare the interview content for tomorrow."

I was surprised; it was about the interview.

If it were up to me, the interview would be standard, mostly about the company, avoiding Christopher's personal life. That would make the interview less interesting.

"Ms. Grey might not be pleased," I reminded Christopher.

After all, if he liked her, even in a professional setting, he should give her some respect. Otherwise, how could she be moved?

"Whether she's pleased or not isn't your concern."

So, whose concern was it? Christopher's? Did he think this was some kind of game? I really wanted to tell Christopher that this kind of game wasn't what girls wanted. He should be more careful.

But I couldn't say that. I couldn't let him know I knew Marlowe was the woman he couldn't have. His pride might not handle it well.

Seeing my silence, Christopher's expression shifted slightly. "Didn't you hear me?"

Indeed, seeing the person he liked made his mood different.

I straightened up and nodded. "Got it. The interview will focus on the company's future and AI development, is that okay?"

"Arrange it as you see fit."

"What about your personal matters?" If Marlowe knew I prepared the content and there was nothing exciting, she might resent me!

Christopher's eyes flickered. "What kind of personal matters?"

"Naturally, your personal life. The whole of Starlight City is curious. Given how outstanding you are, everyone wants to know about your other half. I'm sure Ms. Grey would be even more curious."

I was almost bluntly telling him, "This is the woman you can't have. She should be interested in you, so don't hide too much."

I thought Christopher, being smart, would get the hint. But he said, "Just because she's curious, I have to tell?"

I thought, 'What does that mean? If the woman you can't have is curious, shouldn't you give her some hints? How else will you ever win her over?'