Second Chance: Marrying into Wealth Chapter 209

After all, I was Christopher's secretary, so I still wanted to defend him.

"Mrs. Collins, do you think maybe Mr. Christopher Collins isn't interested in meeting other women because he already has someone special in his life? You must have seen the interview where he hinted at it."

"Ms. Turner, are you saying you know who Christopher likes? You work closely with him, so you must have some idea," Faye asked, seizing the opportunity.

I had my suspicions, but I hadn't confirmed them with Christopher, and it wasn't my place to speak on his personal matters.

So I replied, "I'm sorry, Mrs. Collins. I haven't been with the company long, and I don't know. His personal feelings are not something I can inquire about."

Faye, however, insisted, "Christopher said that to avoid family pressure. He didn't mean it."

"I don't think Mr. Collins would say something like that just to be rebellious."

He liked Marlowe, which was why he agreed to her interview.

But considering Faye's traditional views on social status, Marlowe probably wouldn't be accepted by the Collins family. Maybe Christopher knew this, which was why he hadn't taken that step or publicly expressed his feelings for Marlowe.

This was his way of protecting her, perhaps waiting for the right time.

Christopher truly loved Marlowe.

Faye's gaze suddenly sharpened, becoming more intense.

Like mother, like son. When they got serious, they looked so alike.

"If he has someone he likes, let him bring her home," she said calmly, but I could sense her displeasure.

I was just a humble secretary. How could I decide such things?

Even Faye couldn't control Christopher. What could I possibly do?

I lowered my head and sipped my tea to ease the awkwardness.

Faye leaned forward, looking at me intently. "Christopher values you and trusts you enough to keep you as his secretary. Why don't you help me out? It would be helping Christopher too. He's not getting any younger. He says he likes someone, but he's never introduced anyone to us." 

She continued, "I think it's just an excuse to avoid arranged dates. Why don't you discreetly arrange some dates for him? If he meets a few women and still doesn't show any interest or bring someone he likes to us, then we'll know he's just making excuses."

What was I supposed to do?

If I helped Faye and Christopher found out, I would probably lose my job.

I had finally settled into my role and learned a lot. I didn't want to lose this job now.

I forced a smile. "Mrs. Collins, you're giving me too much credit. I don't have the ability or the courage to arrange dates without Mr. Christopher Collins finding out."

Faye's gaze remained intense.

I felt at a loss. This conversation seemed endless, and I doubted my refusal would make much difference. Faye wouldn't let me go until she got the answer she wanted.

But she was Christopher's mother. I couldn't afford to anger her.

I could only pray for a savior to rescue me from this situation.

God must have heard my prayer because my phone rang.

It was Paula calling.

I was overjoyed. Paula was my lifesaver.

She and I were so in sync.

Now it was time to test her ability to read the situation.

"What materials? Didn't I already give them to you? How could you lose them? We need them for the client meeting soon," I said into the phone, pretending to be annoyed.

Paula, my most understanding friend, immediately caught on. From my words and tone, she knew I was in trouble.

She quickly played along. "I'm sorry, Ms. Turner. It's my fault. The client is arriving soon, and we don't have the materials. Could you please come back and prepare another set for me? I'm begging you."

Paula's voice was loud enough that, even without speakerphone, Faye could hear bits of the conversation.

I stood up abruptly, ready to leave.

Then I turned back to Faye, feigning realization. "I'm sorry, Mrs. Collins. There's an urgent matter at the office. I need to go back immediately."

Without waiting for her response, I grabbed my bag and hurried out.

Just as I reached the tearoom door, thinking I had escaped and could avoid future awkward encounters, someone called out, "Ms. Turner!"

I turned around, trying to appear calm. "Yes?"

It was a server from the tearoom, handing me a folder. "You left this behind. The guest said it was important and shouldn't be lost."

The server was just repeating what Faye had said, but I could sense the underlying threat.

So frustrating. I just wanted a simple job, but it had become so complicated.

I took a deep breath and reluctantly accepted the folder.

The call with Paula was still connected. She must have heard the conversation and my frustrated sigh.

"Melinda, are you okay? Is someone giving you a hard time? Tell me, and I'll deal with them," Paula said, concerned.

Though annoyed, it wasn't a big deal, and I didn't want Paula to worry.

"It's nothing, just a regular person," I replied.

"Really? Melinda, if it's just a regular person, why would you make up a story on the phone? You're usually so smart, but you can't lie to me. I can see right through you," Paula teased.

I knew she was worried, so I didn't mind her teasing. "Well, I can't lie to you. I have no secrets from you. Are you happy now?"

"Of course I am. Now, tell me what's going on. Let me help you figure it out."

Paula was always focused on the important things.

I had been honest with her. I had nothing to hide from Paula.

So I told her what had happened.

"Can you believe it? Mrs. Collins wants me, a divorced woman with an unhappy marriage, to arrange dates for Christopher. With her traditional views, doesn't she find that a bit ironic?"

"You're the best in our eyes. Don't talk down about yourself. Divorce isn't a failure; it's a step towards happiness. There's nothing to be ashamed of," Paula scolded me.