Second Chance: Marrying into Wealth Chapter 224

It was tough to tell if the credit went to Jason or Christopher. Marlowe had changed so much.

We soon reached the executive floor, and just before we stepped out of the elevator, Marlowe took the initiative, "Ms. Turner, thanks for your help this time. How about grabbing a cup of tea?"

"I didn't really do much, just gave an outsider's perspective. I hope you and Hayes get along better now. It's good for him to find his strengths, and it benefits you too, so you don't have to work so hard. But, tea isn't really my thing!" I was indirectly turning her down.

Marlowe didn't seem to catch the refusal in my words. Instead, she said, "If not tea, coffee works too. I remember the café next to your office has great coffee."

I opened my mouth, intending to decline again.

She spoke first, "Ms. Turner, are you refusing because you're still mad at me? I apologize. We got off on the wrong foot, but now I think you're a great person."

I couldn't figure out why her attitude had changed so quickly and why she was being so eager.

Since she was so insistent on having coffee, I was curious about her intentions. I didn't refuse again, "Alright, but I might need to finish some work first."

She was very accommodating, "Whenever you're free, just give me a call."

With that, I couldn't say no anymore.

I led her to the meeting room and prepared her drink based on her preferences from her last visit.

But she spoke up first, "I'll have what Christopher usually drinks."

"Sure, just a moment."

Since they had the same taste, I prepared coffee for both Marlowe and Christopher.

I went to Christopher's office to let him know Marlowe had arrived.

Marlowe coming to the office so openly suggested she had arranged it with Christopher, so when I mentioned her, he headed to the meeting room.

Christopher hadn't been home last night, likely working through the night. Despite his usual energetic demeanor, he looked a bit tired.

He and Marlowe sat across from each other.

I had to admit, they both had a strong presence. Sitting there calmly, they looked quite compatible. I quietly closed the door and left.

I used to think Christopher didn't know how to pursue a girl, but I might have been overthinking it. Christopher was smart; he must have a plan.

They had a chance to be alone. I wondered if Christopher would use this opportunity to get closer to Marlowe, maybe even confess his feelings.

But it seemed Christopher was still a bit clueless.

Their conversation was strictly business.

Not long after, Marlowe finished her business and left the office.

As soon as she left, Christopher asked me to draft a contract. She would act as Hayes's legal guardian and sign a supplementary agreement regarding the ownership of the blueprints.

With Christopher involved, Marlowe agreed quickly.

Of course, she had some conditions regarding Hayes. The agreement stated that Hayes's information couldn't be disclosed. So, even if the collaboration and blueprints became public, people would think it was Marlowe's work.

I couldn't overthink it. Hayes was simple-minded. If people knew he was a genius in AI, someone might take advantage of him. So, her condition was understandable.

Maybe she had really come around and genuinely cared for Hayes.

To reassure the always anxious Quinlan, I told her about the situation, "Marlowe has let go of the past and signed the contract. She won't hold onto this issue anymore."

Quinlan must have had trouble sleeping these past few days. I could hear the relief in her voice, though she was puzzled by Marlowe's sudden change.

I briefly recounted my conversation with Marlowe. "Maybe what I said really got through to her?"

Regardless of the reason, the outcome was good.

Even Christopher seemed more relaxed. His brows were no longer furrowed, and there was a faint smile in his eyes.

Leaning back in his chair, he looked a bit lazy, clearly tired from the past few days.

Seeing his handsome face, I couldn't help but think of Quinlan's concern for Christopher.

"Melinda, how is Mr. Collins?"

"The agreement is settled, and Mr. Collins is much more relaxed." I felt a pang of worry, fearing she was falling deeper for Christopher. He was excellent, but his heart was already taken.

I tried to change the subject, "You played a crucial role in securing the collaboration with Hayes. Thank you!"

Quinlan was modest, not taking credit, "I'm just glad I could help. I almost messed it up. I'm just relieved Mr. Collins isn't mad at me."

She brought up Christopher again. Was she already deeply in love?

But she hadn't explicitly said she liked Christopher, so I couldn't directly tell her to give up. Girls could be shy, and I didn't want to hurt her pride.

I could only subtly remind her, "Mr. Collins wouldn't blame you. By the way, did you see the article from Marlowe's interview?"

If she had seen it, she would know Christopher's heart was taken. Maybe with time, she'd move on.

But Quinlan said, "Sorry, I've been too busy to read it."

Was she really too busy, or was she avoiding it?

I could only awkwardly say, "Well, when you have time, take a look!"

"Okay!" Quinlan didn't say more and hung up.

The company moved on to the next phase of development.

Since it was an upgrade of the existing design, the progress was much faster.

Christopher's praise for Hayes was constant, showing how much he valued him.

I rarely heard him speak so highly of someone. Maybe it was true that like attracted like.

He liked Marlowe, and Hayes would be part of the family. Praising Hayes was natural. For Hayes, having his sister's future husband appreciate him was a blessing.

Initially, the high-priced talent Douglas had poached looked down on the unknown Hayes's blueprints.

Their arrogance was evident. But in the face of absolute skill, they had to bow their heads and respect Hayes.

As for those who still didn't get it, Christopher used their abilities to determine their pay and bonuses, quickly motivating those with a "retirement" mindset.

This was another reason for the increased efficiency.