Second Chance: Marrying into Wealth Chapter 237

I thought for a moment and then stepped forward to ask, "Sir, I'm new around here and don't know the area. Can you tell me a bit about the local customs and culture? I'll get you something to eat."

The old man's eyes lit up, and he nodded, "Sure, I know this place like the back of my hand!"

I quickly handed him the food I was holding. Despite his apparent hunger, he maintained an air of elegance, like it was second nature to him. It was clear he must have come from a well-off or well-educated background.

To make sure he didn't choke, I also bought him a bottle of water from a nearby store.

After he had eaten, he noticed me watching him and seemed a bit embarrassed. He eagerly began to tell me about the local customs and culture.

However, as he spoke, he seemed to get confused, "That street over there, where is it? I remember walking there once, with whom?"

I said, "Sir, no rush. Rosewood City is huge, I can't see it all in one go. Just tell me what you remember. By the way, you seem to be from around here. Why are you out here alone? Where's your family? What's your name?"

"My name? Oh right, I'm Cassius Blackwood. Family, yes, my family. I think I have a son who teaches at a university. Which university was it?" Cassius trailed off, unable to remember.

Although his speech was somewhat disjointed, I gathered that he was a local with family in Rosewood City. It seemed he had gotten lost, likely due to Alzheimer's disease.

Given his condition, he had probably been lost for a while, and his family must be very worried.

The best course of action was to take Cassius to the police station. If his family couldn't find him, they would likely report him missing, and this would help reunite them more quickly.

Fortunately, the police station wasn't far away, otherwise, I would have had to call a cab to take Cassius there.

As we walked, I chatted with Cassius. He remained calm, and the stories he could recall were vivid and insightful, making me admire him even more, though it also made me sad.

His condition would only worsen with time and age, leading to more memory loss, mood changes, and possibly even a regression to a childlike state.

When we arrived at the police station, Cassius showed no impatience and even comforted me.

I decided to leave my contact information, hoping that once his family found him, they would let me know, so I could be at ease.

I was planning to return to the hotel to review the information about the industry leader I was meeting, to ensure that when Christopher talked to them, I could provide timely support if needed.

Unexpectedly, I received a call from Paula.

"Judging by the time, you should have arrived by now!"

"Yeah, I'm here!" I told Paula about the elderly man I had met downstairs.

"You're so kind-hearted. God will surely bless you," Paula said warmly. She always thought the best of me, no matter what.

Paula then mentioned, "I've booked a table for you at Gastronomy Elegance, a couple's table. It's a rare chance to have dinner alone with Christopher, so enjoy it."

"What? Paula, that's not cool at all! I'd rather go alone. You know Marlowe is also in Rosewood City. If she finds out I'm having dinner with Christopher at a couple's table, she'll get jealous and it could mess up their relationship." I quickly refused, deciding to go solo.

"They're not officially a couple, and it's not like you're doing anything wrong. Besides, it's just a regular table for two. And I've already informed Christopher."

"Wait, didn't Christopher object to the couple's table?" I was worried Christopher might get the wrong idea.

"Melinda, relax. I didn't tell him it was a couple's table. And Marlowe isn't your concern. Just enjoy your dinner."

Paula's words left me confused.

"What do you mean? It sounds like Marlowe and Christopher aren't a sure thing, like he wouldn't marry her." I asked, puzzled.

"Think what you want. Anyway, it's almost time. Contact Christopher and enjoy your meal!"Paula didn't explain further, as if she was hiding something from me.

Feeling helpless, I put away the materials I had been reviewing and called Christopher.

He answered quickly, and I told him about the dinner reservation at Gastronomy Elegance for five o'clock.

Before he could respond, I heard a familiar female voice.

"You got a reservation at Gastronomy Elegance? That's a tough spot to get!" It was Marlowe's voice.

So, Christopher and Marlowe were together at the hotel.

It seemed Christopher was just pretending to be aloof around me, but in private, he was already spending time with the person he liked.

Christopher was both my boss and my friend.

But now, it seemed I wasn't much of a friend, more of an outsider.

I felt a bit uncomfortable.

With Marlowe there, I worried she might misunderstand my invitation to Christopher. I quickly added, "Mr. Collins, since Ms. Grey is with you, you two should go together. I won't intrude."

Especially if they had plans, my call was ill-timed.

I heard Marlowe's voice again, soft and indistinct, very different from her usual professional demeanor.

It was the kind of tenderness and coquettishness one showed to someone they liked.

"I'll be there at five. You go ahead," Christopher suddenly replied.

I was taken aback.

But it was a table for two. Didn't Christopher know that? Wasn't Marlowe going with him?

I wanted to ask, but it didn't seem appropriate. Before I could gather my thoughts, Christopher had already hung up.

Around 4:30, Marlowe contacted me.

She seemed hostile. Was she misunderstanding my dinner invitation to Christopher?

I couldn't blame Paula; that wasn't my style.

I considered ignoring the call, but Marlowe sent a message, politely asking to join me for dinner.

I understood her intention.

I felt a bit disappointed, realizing I might not get to enjoy Gastronomy Elegance after all.

I sent Marlowe the address and table number.

As dinner time passed, I imagined the two of them happily chatting over dinner while I was still hungry, planning to find something to eat at the hotel.

Unexpectedly, my phone rang.

It was Christopher.

At this hour, had he finished dinner already? Was it about work?