Second Chance: Marrying into Wealth Chapter 20

It really is him, not my imagination.

I raised my hand, wondering if I should say hello.

But Christopher had already turned his head, leaving only his back.

Alright then!

Since that's the case, I don't need to worry about whether to greet him or not.

And I won't have to endure his sharp tongue.

I collected my thoughts and slowly took the bus home.

By the time I got home, it was almost dusk.

The streets were bustling with traffic, and the city lights were just coming on.

On the way, Lawrence called me, asking when I would be back.

I coldly replied, "Why do you care? If I want to be late, I'll be late. It's very possible it will be dark."

I thought Lawrence had a fight with Clara, and hearing this, he would be angry.

Unexpectedly, he gently laughed, "Alright!"

It was very strange.

I felt that Lawrence was plotting something.

Feeling uneasy, I called Paula and shared my concerns, "Do you think Lawrence might want to kill me? Or dismember me, throw parts in the sewer, some in garbage bags, and cook some in a pot."

"Melinda, don't be afraid, he won't!" Paula comforted me, "As a lawyer who also studied psychology, I can tell you that someone as selfish and greedy as Lawrence won't take such a risky move. Killing you wouldn't be worth it for him.

He hasn't gotten the money yet and believes better days are ahead, so he won't use such extreme methods."

Hearing Paula's reassurance, I felt a bit relieved.

Seeing me relax, Paula couldn't help but laugh, "Melinda, where did you get such an imagination? Have you been watching too many TV shows or news?"

"No, I just met Vance."

"Oh? How did it go? How capable is he?" Paula asked a few more questions.

I confirmed Vance's abilities and then shared my suspicions about Clara, "I still can't understand why Clara hates me so much. I don't remember ever wronging her. You grew up with me, you should remember if I ever unintentionally offended anyone?"

"With how honest you used to be, who could you have offended? You're overestimating yourself. I'm sure you didn't, but according to Vance's theory, if we consider a romantic angle, it might make some sense.

Clara's hatred towards you and your unborn child seems more like a crime of passion, maybe a man she liked fell for you."

Paula said I had a vivid imagination, but I think she does.

"I only have Lawrence, maybe we're overthinking it. She probably just has bad taste and fell for Lawrence, which is why she's targeting me."

I sighed, comforting myself.

Paula was silent.

"Melinda, you've changed, and it's all because of that bad man Lawrence. You're even harsh on yourself now." Paula said sadly, "I think Clara, being a rich girl, just likes seeking thrills and sees you as part of that thrill."

I twitched my mouth, feeling really unlucky.

I stopped dwelling on this issue and brought up another matter, "Vance is continuing to investigate Clara to see if he can find out why she hated me earlier. But it will cost more, and since you're helping me pay, I asked him to bill you directly."

I never felt awkward about money with Paula, nor did I fear it would hurt our friendship.

I also mentioned Vance's suggestion, "He told me to be careful about my safety and gave me many examples of similar cases.

For instance, there was a couple where the man had a perverse need for control, and the woman couldn't take it, so she cheated. When the man found out, he killed her and stayed with her body every day. To prevent her from decomposing, he bought a huge refrigerator.

And another case where a man wanted the woman's wealth, so he poisoned her to prevent her from having children. He then belittled her for not giving him a child, adopted a child who was actually his biological child with his mistress, and pretended the mistress was his sister. When the woman found out, he dismembered her and created the illusion that she was still alive and they were still in love, all to get her inheritance.

There were many terrifying stories, and I was really scared.

Paula, do you encounter such horror in divorce cases?"

"More or less, but it's surprising Vance told you all that. You should learn from it. If you ever sense something wrong, remember, Melinda, your life comes first. Keep your phone on and in your pocket when you go back, so I can know if anything happens."

Paula gave me a few special reminders.

With Paula's concern, I felt much more at ease.

Home!

I unlocked the door with the code.

The house was dark.

I took a step forward and saw a heart shape made of candles in the middle of the spacious living room.

Lawrence stood in the middle of the candles, holding flowers, smiling at me.

And in the corner, Missy was watching, her eyes flashing with disgust.

Seeing me return, Lawrence smiled and walked up, trying to pull me into the heart-shaped candles, "Melinda, you said you loved romantic gestures like this, so I prepared this for you."

But I forcefully shook off his hand.

"Lawrence, I'm past the age of being infatuated with love and liking these things. Don't waste your efforts." I said coldly.

Lawrence's eyes flashed with malice as I shook off his hand, but he showed a helpless and aggrieved expression, like a child who had done something wrong, "Melinda, I'm sorry, I didn't know you didn't like it anymore. Tell me what you like, and I'll try to fulfill it."

"No need, I'm tired and want to rest."

I spoke coldly, but when Lawrence stared at me, I showed pain and loneliness.

After speaking, I turned to go to my room.

Missy suddenly turned on the light and blocked my way.

"Don't go! Melinda, what's with your attitude? You should be grateful. Lawrence went to all this trouble to please you, and you're still cold to him. No wonder you're so unlucky and brought bad luck to your parents, causing their early deaths. Don't use that face to harm the Phillips family.

Lawrence is a man, and his mistakes aren't a big deal. If you keep holding onto them, do you really not want to live anymore?"

Missy, an uneducated and ignorant country woman, couldn't hold back despite Lawrence's prior warning. Seeing Lawrence's efforts go unappreciated, she couldn't help but scold me, ignoring Lawrence's signals.