Second Chance: Marrying into Wealth Chapter 208

"Ms. Turner, come on in and have a seat." The woman saw me, waved me over, and gave me a gentle smile.

That smile had a kind of magic, making me relax without even realizing it.

Despite her air of elegance, she didn't have that intimidating aloofness. Once I sat down across from her, my initial nervousness faded away.

"Do you like tea?" Faye asked, making small talk.

I gave an awkward smile, about to say it was okay.

She seemed to have already guessed my preference and chuckled, "Looks like you're not really into it. Bet you prefer coffee or maybe milk tea. It's good to enjoy what you like, but don't overdo it."

"I picked this place in a hurry today. Next time, I'll join you for coffee. For now, just humor me with some tea." Her casual demeanor put me completely at ease.

I smiled and said, "It's an honor to have tea with you, Mrs. Collins."

Faye's smile was so gentle, it felt like a warm spring breeze.

She handed me the menu, "Pick something you like!"

I was honest, "Sorry, I'm not very familiar with tea. Why don't you recommend something?"

I wasn't trying to flatter her. Maybe because I had no ulterior motives, I could be so sincere.

Even though I didn't know much about tea and rarely drank it, the sound of tea being poured and the graceful movements of the tea master in this serene environment made me feel quite content.

Faye seemed to be making small talk, "I actually have some history with your father. Christopher even stayed at your house back in the day."

Her words were meant to build a connection between us, so I responded, "I see."

"I've heard about your father's beautiful daughter for years. Now that I've met you, I see he wasn't exaggerating. Christopher is lucky to have you by his side."

Compliments from elders were always nice to hear. I smiled shyly.

As for her comment about Christopher being lucky to have me, it was probably because I was his capable assistant. So I humbly said, "I've learned a lot from Mr. Collins. I'm the lucky one."

"You're such a sweet talker!"

Faye laughed. By then, the tea master had finished brewing the tea and placed it beside us. Faye waved her hand, and the tea master and driver understood immediately, leaving the room and closing the door behind them.

Suddenly, it was just Faye and me in the room.

The previously relaxed atmosphere inexplicably became tense.

I had a feeling Faye was done with small talk and was about to get to the point.

But then, Faye poured me a cup of tea, inviting me to taste it.

"There are many types of tea, but women often find black tea and oolong tea more soothing. I ordered oolong tea today. It has a sweet aftertaste. Give it a try."

Faye's movements were so elegant and graceful.

Her hands were smooth, showing little sign of age.

"Mrs. Collins, you really know your tea." I took a sip, following her advice to drink it slowly.

If it were up to me, I would have downed it in one gulp.

I wasn't completely ignorant about tea, just not a fan. When Kyle was alive, he loved brewing and drinking tea. He said tea was like people; one had to savor it to appreciate its flavor.

I didn't love tea or savor it, so maybe that was why I was easily deceived by Lawrence, unable to see through people.

Faye smiled at my compliment, her eyes crinkling. She took a sip of her tea, savoring it before swallowing.

Then she said, "Christopher really enjoys tea and is quite good at appreciating it."

She seemed to say it casually, whether true or not, or if it was meant for me, I didn't pay much attention.

After all, I was just Christopher's secretary.

So I calmly replied, "I wouldn't know. As his secretary, I always make him coffee at the office."

Faye glanced at me, and I met her gaze calmly, then smiled.

She didn't say anything, but took out a file folder and pushed some photos towards me.

I didn't ask questions, just looked at the photos.

They were pictures of Christopher and me at the pet store yesterday, taken by those pesky reporters.

From several angles, it looked like we were quite close.

Those reporters were something else. I had been so open about letting them take pictures of us. How could they think there was something between us?

I remained calm, organizing the photos back into the folder without any sign of panic.

Faye didn't speak, seemingly waiting for me to start.

"I'm Mr. Christopher Collins' secretary. It's inevitable that we have some private interactions. But Mrs. Collins, since you have these photos, you must also know about my past. I just went through a failed marriage. Someone like me isn't suitable for Mr. Christopher Collins."

As I said this, I looked Faye in the eye, my gaze steady and calm.

I was telling her I had nothing to hide and meant what I said.

I could see her relax slightly.

She even smiled, "Melinda, don't sell yourself short. You're wonderful. That marriage wasn't your fault. If you ever need a suitable match, I can introduce you to someone."

"Thank you, Mrs. Collins, but after that marriage, I'm not looking to date or marry anytime soon."

"Don't let one failure scare you. It just means that person wasn't right for you. You'll meet someone great in the future, and you'll see things differently. You're in the prime of your life; don't waste it. Be brave."

As she spoke, she took out another file folder. Her movements were the same as when she handed me the first one.

I felt a pang of anxiety.

Was Faye still worried I was being insincere and eager to set me up with someone? Was she going to force me to choose?

Despite my concerns, I didn't show it.

She handed me another stack of photos, all of young, beautiful women in their prime.

As she handed me the photos, she introduced them, "These are all the girls we've considered for Christopher. They're between 20 and 25 years old, all graduates from prestigious universities abroad..."

Each introduction felt like a blow.

She clearly didn't trust me.

But there was no need. I was a divorced woman, and Christopher was a handsome, wealthy CEO. I knew my place.

She said, "Christopher hasn't been interested in any of the girls we've introduced. He's stubborn, but at his age, I think it's time he settled down with a wife."