Second Chance: Marrying into Wealth Chapter 215

The assistant was clearly lying, trying to cover for Douglas.

But Christopher's words were crucial for his career. He didn't have strong ties with Douglas, so he naturally didn't dare to keep lying.

"Mr. Collins, it's a misunderstanding. This client is very important, so Mr. Campbell specifically said he would go himself."

I thought the assistant was smart enough to see through the situation, but I didn't expect him to keep lying.

Christopher's sharp gaze suddenly locked onto him. "Douglas is in charge of technology. Since when does he need to meet with clients? Mr. Allen, why don't you tell me, what kind of important client is it?"

His imposing manner made the surrounding air feel heavy and tense.

I could even see Eric breaking out in a cold sweat.

Eric tried to maintain his composure, stammering a bit as he explained, "Well, a technical engineer!"

Christopher let out a mocking laugh. "Really? There are many technical engineers. Does Douglas need to go every time?"

"No, Mr. Collins. Technical talent is hard to come by!" Eric forced a smile.

Christopher gave him a long look before speaking again. "Go, bring me the attendance records!"

Eric seemed to relax a bit upon hearing this.

I could guess what Eric was thinking. Douglas was now the head of AutoForge Workshop. As long as he said so, he didn't need to clock in.

But since Christopher had spoken, he must have considered this possibility. The fact that he still asked for the records meant things wouldn't go as Eric hoped.

Sure enough, when the attendance records were brought over, Christopher looked at the numerous absences and directly threw the records in front of Eric. "So, tell me, what was Douglas doing during these absences?"

Eric picked up the records and his face turned very unpleasant.

He stammered, "Well, sometimes he had social engagements in the evening, so he occasionally came in late the next day."

Christopher looked at Eric coldly. "Social engagements! How many times? Half a month of social engagements each month. Is it really for the company, or is it personal use on company time?"

From the moment he saw the attendance records, Eric had already anticipated that Christopher might know more than he expected. 

Under Christopher's penetrating gaze, he finally gave in and truthfully confessed about Douglas's social engagements and most of what he knew.

Christopher didn't continue to make things difficult for Eric but instead began to inspect Douglas's office.

As he looked around, a mocking smile appeared on his lips. "Simple yet luxurious!"

Following his gaze, I also took a look around. Because of my father's influence, I had some knowledge of antiques. Even so, I could tell that some of the items, though simple, were quite valuable.

Although Douglas's salary wasn't low, these items definitely exceeded his salary range.

I hadn't heard that Douglas came from a wealthy family.

Christopher then directly asked Eric to bring the finance manager, Timothy King, to see him.

When Timothy handed over the prepared financial statements and a series of receipts to Christopher, I realized that Christopher had already instructed Timothy to prepare everything.

Of course, since he was planning to fire Douglas, someone like Christopher wouldn't use reasons like incompetence or being late to a meeting, which wouldn't fully convince people.

He was meticulous, ensuring everything was foolproof and beyond reproach.

However, Douglas's luck was even worse than expected, being late when Christopher visited AutoForge Workshop.

Until Christopher finished reviewing the financial statements and receipts, even handing them to me to look over, Douglas still hadn't shown up.

Several times, Eric seemed to want to take out his phone, likely to contact Douglas. But each time he picked up his phone, Christopher's calm yet piercing gaze would land on him.

Feeling guilty, Eric didn't even need Christopher to say anything. He would shiver and put his phone back in his bag.

So, until we left, Eric never managed to contact Douglas, and Douglas didn't show up. I suspected that Douglas might not have intended to come at all.

"It's about time," As we walked out of the AutoForge Workshop office building, Christopher suddenly looked at his watch and said.

"What?" I was a bit puzzled.

But then I couldn't help but voice my doubts. "Mr. Collins, we didn't see Mr. Campbell today. Are we really not going to do anything about it? And what about the finance department? Eric knows you're checking the accounts. Once we leave, won't he immediately notify Douglas and give him time to prepare?"

Christopher didn't respond. Instead, he walked to the car, got in calmly, and looked at me, signaling for me to follow.

Once I was in the car and it started moving, he didn't answer my previous questions. Instead, he asked, "It's almost noon. Are you hungry?"

I was speechless.

But since he asked, I checked my stomach. "I'm okay. Mr. Collins, are you hungry? How about I look up some nearby restaurants? Do you have any preferences?"

As I spoke, I took out my phone and started looking up restaurant information.

"No need to look. I have plans." Christopher's hand suddenly covered mine, stopping my search.

His hand was large and warm, making my heart skip a beat. I was also curious about when Christopher had arranged lunch plans.

As his secretary, I should know his schedule. Or was there some additional engagement?

Feeling the warmth of his hand, I was about to pull mine back.

Christopher calmly withdrew his hand first.

"To Summit Grand Hotel," he then instructed the driver.

So, he really had plans.

I tentatively asked, "Mr. Collins, is there a client meeting?"

After all, as his secretary, I wondered if I had missed something.

Christopher saw through my thoughts and said calmly, "Don't worry. I just got some information and made a last-minute decision. As for your doubts, you'll get your answers soon."

Since he said so, I didn't press further.

Then, Christopher's phone lit up, seemingly receiving a message. He quickly replied.

The car fell silent again. I watched the passing traffic and trees outside the window. Occasionally, shadows of leaves would obscure Christopher's view, but he remained focused.

Christopher's high nose bridge and defined facial features were striking. It was no wonder so many women fell for him at first sight and then even more deeply.

I couldn't help but think of Marlowe. Despite her background, she had a remarkable temperament, managing to stay composed even with Christopher's affection.

Of course, it might also have something to do with Christopher's peculiar way of expressing his feelings and pursuing her.