Second Chance: Marrying into Wealth Chapter 205

Christopher suddenly turned his head, his calm demeanor masking an underlying intensity that could make anyone uneasy with just a glance.

The person quickly changed their tone and said, "Nope, no pets at home!"

Seeing my teasing had hit the mark, I turned back and kept walking.

Christopher tilted his head slightly. With me now in flats, I was noticeably shorter, and he probably did this to make sure I could hear him over the traffic noise.

He bent down a bit, closing the distance between us. I could feel the pressure of his presence.

"Weren't you just worried about the paparazzi? Now you're bold enough to chat with strangers?" His voice was cold, carrying that unique chill of his.

But after all this time with him, I wasn't as intimidated as I used to be.

"Being open about it makes people less suspicious," I said with a smile.

Christopher's eyes darkened. "Suspicious of what?"

"Suspicious that we're a couple!" I blurted out.

His eyes narrowed, his emotions unreadable. "Is that so?"

I was about to respond when he spoke first. "To many people, we don't seem unrelated."

That was true.

When I first joined Summit Innovations Group as Christopher's only female secretary, rumors flew that I had used underhanded means, even my body, to get the job.

But that was just gossip.

I explained, "But Mr. Collins, we're ultimately just boss and employee, and friends. My work speaks for itself. I don't get any special treatment. If I openly say I'm your secretary and driver, it actually makes people less likely to overthink."

Christopher had already walked ahead. I quickly caught up, unsure if he had heard me since he didn't respond.

I thought for a moment and added, "Mr. Collins, to clear up any misunderstandings about our relationship, all you need to do is say I'm just your secretary, nothing more."

That would put an end to the rumors.

Christopher paused and looked at me. "Just one interview."

So, he had no intention of doing more interviews. Marlowe must have some special status to have been able to interview Christopher.

To make sure Sunny had enough food, I bought two large bags of dog food this time, so it wouldn't have to eat Biscuit's food. Although I was not wealthy, I could afford dog food.

They said dogs took after their owners. Christopher's Biscuit was so calm, but my Sunny didn't seem like me at all. I was not a foodie.

Christopher picked out quite a few toys. "I'll carry these!" 

Suddenly, my hands were empty. I quickly tried to refuse. "Mr. Collins, I can't let you..."

"We're not at the office right now!"

He seemed a bit annoyed.

I almost slapped my forehead, realizing I had forgotten again. I quickly corrected myself. "Christopher, it's not that heavy. How can I let you carry it?"

"Why not? Should I walk empty-handed while you, a lady, carry heavy things? That would be more embarrassing for me." Christopher was showing his gentlemanly side.

But I had another concern.

"But there might be paparazzi outside. If they see this..." I reminded him.

After all, he was the boss. As his secretary, I shouldn't let him carry things while I walked empty-handed. Even though we were just boss and employee, it could easily be misunderstood.

If those people took photos and edited them, it wouldn't be good for his reputation. It might even cause misunderstandings with someone Christopher liked, making it harder for him to pursue them.

Seeing my insistence, Christopher didn't argue further and let me carry the bags of dog food. But since I was carrying a lot, Christopher paid for everything at the checkout faster than I could.

"Christopher, how much was the dog food? I'll transfer the money to you."

Sunny already ate Biscuit's food, which was embarrassing enough. This time I bought a lot of dog food. If Christopher paid for it, it would feel like he was the one taking care of Sunny, not me.

"It's just a few bags of dog food. Do you think I can't afford it? No need to transfer the money."

"But that's not right! My dog already stayed with you for a while, and Tiana walked him. I've already taken advantage of you. I must pay you back!"

Christopher suddenly stopped and looked at me with deep, intense eyes, as if he wanted to pull me into a vortex, making it impossible for me to escape.

"Melinda, do you really want to draw such a clear line between us? Do you think you can?"

Christopher's voice was low and commanding, leaving no room for argument.

I froze. Indeed, his words reminded me that I owed him too much. That was why I was trying hard not to owe him more in the future.

I opened my mouth to explain.

Christopher, exuding a cold aura, ignored me and walked out.

Sensing he was a bit angry, I quickly followed.

Even in the car, Christopher didn't say a word to me.

The tense atmosphere became even more suffocating in the confined space of the car.

I thought for a moment and tried to break the awkward tension. "Thanks for having the car modified. It's even better than I expected. I really like it!"

"Good," Christopher replied indifferently.

At least he responded.

But we didn't have much to talk about on the way. I focused on driving, and we remained silent until we reached the villa.

Sunny was still at Christopher's house. I was going to pick it up anyway. Most of the time, it ate and stayed at Christopher's place, so I parked the car at his house.

I planned to take one bag of dog food home and leave the rest at his place.

After unloading the dog food, I put them in their designated spots.

Suddenly, my phone chimed with a special notification.

I had set a special alert for emails from Gearhead, so when I heard the sound, I dropped what I was doing and rushed to check my phone.

Seeing it was a reply from Gearhead, my eyes lit up. I couldn't wait to tell Christopher. "Christopher, Gearhead replied!"

In my haste, I almost slipped.

Luckily, Christopher, who had just come from the kitchen with a water glass, reached out and steadied me with his arm around my waist, preventing me from falling.

I quickly regained my balance, feeling a bit embarrassed, but my mind was on the email. Christopher quickly withdrew his hand, and I forgot about the incident.

"Christopher, they said they can collaborate, but they won't meet in person."

That meant we could only communicate online.

"If they don't want to meet, what do you think, Christopher?"

For most people, such a request would be immediately rejected.

This person dared to respond this way, showing they were confident enough to believe we wouldn't refuse.