Second Chance: Marrying into Wealth Chapter 212

I ignored Vincent, keeping my focus on my real mission for the day.

Vincent, looking a bit lost, glanced over at Christopher. Thankfully, Christopher didn't seem annoyed or ready to bail, which meant he wasn't too bothered by my "initiative."

Mabel noticed I had shifted the conversation towards Christopher.

She slid her business card towards him again, her eyes hopeful. "Maybe we could work together sometime in the future?"

Christopher's face stayed neutral, almost stern.

If it weren't for the setting, I would have asked him, "Didn't you agree to this blind date and to play along? This looks like a complete failure."

Christopher suddenly spoke up, "How long have you been with the Simpson Group? How much do you know about your company's new energy projects?"

Mabel's eyes lit up as Christopher finally engaged with her. She started enthusiastically explaining her company's situation.

Didn't she say she was a quiet person? She didn't seem like it now.

Christopher cut her off, clearly impatient, "From what you've said, it sounds like your company doesn't know much about new energy."

I was speechless, thinking, 'Mr. Collins, even if you want to sabotage this blind date, there's no need to be so blunt and harsh.'

Mabel's smile faded, and she quickly tried to explain, "Mr. Collins, you misunderstand. We are absolutely genuine..."

Christopher wasn't interested in her explanation and interrupted, "Do you know who I am?"

"Mr. Collins, this..." Mabel's initial confidence vanished, leaving her at a loss for words.

Christopher didn't let up, continuing his sharp critique, "The Simpson Group is far from here, north to south. You came all the way here for lunch? If I remember correctly, there's a branch of this restaurant near the Simpson Group. Instead of wasting time coming here, you should spend more time understanding your company's development. You could have summarized your company's new energy progress in one sentence, but you rambled without getting to the point."

Mabel could no longer maintain her composure and ladylike demeanor.

She snapped, "Where I choose to have lunch is my business, not yours. And how I spend my time is also my concern. As for the company's matters, you're just an outsider. What right do you have to judge?"

She stood up to leave.

Christopher reminded her, "You ordered food. Don't waste it."

Mabel was exasperated.

She shot Christopher a fierce glare, asked the waiter to pack her food, and stormed out with the takeout.

The Simpson Group was doing well, and there might be future collaboration opportunities. Christopher completely offended Mabel, who came from a prominent family and wouldn't take this lightly. She would definitely report this incident.

Christopher's words wouldn't stay hidden. Mabel's father might not confront Christopher directly but would likely approach Faye. Faye would soon know what happened on this blind date.

I wondered if I would end up being the scapegoat, bearing the brunt of the blame.

As I pondered the consequences, Christopher noticed I wasn't eating.

He kindly prepared my food and placed the plate in front of me again. "Don't let your mind wander during meals. It messes with your appetite and digestion."

Who made me lose my appetite in the first place?

I couldn't help but give Christopher a resentful look.

"Mr. Collins, you're clearly making things harder for me! Was your mother involving me part of your plan too?"

Christopher paused at my resentful gaze, and I thought I saw a flicker of emotion.

When I mentioned Faye, there was no affection in his eyes, only a hint of hostility.

Their mother-son relationship seemed worse than I had imagined.

"Whatever she asks of you, just agree," Christopher said, giving me no other answer.

Since he said so, I had no choice but to comply.

The feedback from the blind date came quickly, not even overnight.

Faye was very concerned and called me that afternoon.

This time, she wasn't as polite as during our first meeting. She directly asked me to come downstairs to meet her.

Her car was already parked outside the building. When I went down, the driver was waiting by the car and opened the door for me.

The tea room we met in last time was elegant, and I felt no pressure. Faye had intentionally made me feel at ease. But now, the confined space of the car felt oppressive.

Faye greeted me warmly as I got in the car.

She handed me a gift box. "Melinda, I hope you don't mind me meeting you so abruptly. I happened to be passing by and wanted to check on Christopher's blind date."

How could I mind?

Besides, my opinion didn't seem to matter much. She was just being polite.

"Mrs. Collins, not at all. Your concern for your son is admirable." Since she was putting on a show, I could play along.

But when I mentioned her motherly concern, I noticed a strange expression on Faye's face.

It was fleeting, but I was sure I saw it.

Faye then took out a beautifully crafted gift box from her bag. Even without opening it, I could tell it contained something valuable.

"This is a gift for you. I hope you like it!" Faye opened the box to reveal a diamond necklace, exquisitely designed. I had seen it at a high-end store.

Though I wasn't particularly obsessed with luxury items, I occasionally bought something within my means. The last time was when Paula and I went shopping after lunch.

"Mrs. Collins, this is too valuable. I can't accept it without having earned it," I tried to refuse.

Faye pretended to be upset, "Are you unhappy about helping me with Christopher's blind date? Is that why you don't want to accept this?"

This was practically slander. How could I refuse now?

"Thank you, Mrs. Collins." I gave her a polite smile and accepted the gift.

Faye quickly got to the point, "Tell me about the blind date today. Why did I hear from Mabel that Christopher embarrassed her?"

"Mr. Collins might not have intended to embarrass Ms. Simpson. He tends to speak bluntly, so his words can come off harsh." I chose my words carefully and replied.