Second Chance: Marrying into Wealth Chapter 240

"Mr. Collins, it's all good. Weren't you more interested in finding Magnus anyway? Let's go track him down."

I was trying to comfort Christopher.

He stayed calm, not showing any signs of embarrassment or anger from being turned away.

A guy who could keep his cool was really attractive. His composure helped ease my own awkward and irritated feelings.

But Magnus was definitely a bit odd. He was playing chess by himself and wouldn't let anyone else join in, like it would mess up his thoughts or something.

Seeing no other option, I pulled out Hayes' portfolio, hoping Magnus would make an exception for such a rare talent.

Magnus didn't even glance at it. "I'm old, retired. I don't care about these things anymore, and I don't have the energy to take on a student."

He then dove back into his chess game, completely ignoring us.

Christopher suggested we leave, and on the way back, I couldn't help but worry. "Mr. Collins, what now? Should we ask Marlowe?"

"No need, I'll figure something out."

Christopher's firm refusal didn't ease my concerns.

Feeling anxious, I needed to use the restroom. Luckily, we were still on campus, so it wasn't hard to find one.

Unexpectedly, as I passed by a shaded area, I overheard Marlowe talking to a man under a tree.

"Ms. Grey, thanks for the heads-up. With so many people attending the tech pavilion events, some try to sneak in by pretending to be couples. Those two were so convincing, I almost believed them."

I recognized the voice—it was Jonah.

Marlowe replied, feigning concern, "I just happened to know them, so I thought I'd warn you. They didn't do anything else wrong, so please don't hold it against them."

"You're too kind. People like that shouldn't be let off so easily. If they had any ill intentions towards someone as important as Levi, I'd be an accomplice. It's a big deal," Jonah praised Marlowe.

I recalled how Marlowe had invited Christopher and me to interview Levi, thinking she was sincere. It turned out that she was the one causing trouble behind our backs.

I was furious. We were all trying to find a better teacher for Hayes, and she was sabotaging us.

When I returned, I couldn't hide my emotions.

Christopher noticed immediately. "What's wrong? Who upset you?" His eyes were intense, as if he wouldn't hesitate to defend me.

His strong presence made it impossible to avoid answering.

"Is it that obvious?"

I touched my face and looked at Christopher, unable to hold back what I had overheard.

"I thought she was genuine, but it turns out she was the one who got us kicked out. She knew we wouldn't be able to see Levi, so she invited us along to show off."

The more I spoke, the more convinced I became.

Christopher looked at me. "I told you to stay away from her. Did she catch you eavesdropping?"

I shook my head. "No, she didn't know I overheard them."

Thinking about Marlowe's fake kindness made me feel disillusioned. Christopher deserved someone better than her.

"Good, as long as you weren't hurt. Just ignore her," Christopher said calmly, like he wasn't surprised by Marlowe's behavior.

It was strange. When I badmouthed Marlowe, Christopher immediately believed me.

What a great boss, not blindly trusting someone just because he liked them.

Just then, Marlowe had the nerve to call again.

I didn't want to answer, but Christopher spoke up. "Did she tell Jonah we weren't married on purpose?"

His eyes were cold as he said this.

Did I mention that earlier? I couldn't remember.

"Maybe she did it for you," I suggested.

Christopher scoffed. "You're quick to defend her."

I wasn't trying to defend Marlowe. I just didn't want to be the cause of a future rift between them.

There was also the matter of Marlowe's call. "Should I answer?"

Christopher respected my decision. "It's up to you."

How considerate.

Thinking about future collaborations, I decided to answer.

"Ms. Turner, have you and Christopher left? I know some top AI experts that Christopher might want to meet. Does he have time?"

Marlowe lied effortlessly, hard to reconcile with the schemer I knew her to be.

Suppressing my disgust, I replied coolly, "Sorry, Mr. Collins has an urgent international meeting and can't make it."

"What? If he's busy now, we can reschedule," Marlowe persisted, clearly wanting to impress Christopher.

Sometimes, being too cunning backfired if others saw through it.

"I don't think he'll have time. It's an urgent matter," I declined.

Marlowe wanted to know what the issue was, as if she could help.

I didn't want to deal with her and hung up.

Christopher saw my expression and apologized. "Sorry for the trouble."

"It's nothing," I said. Christopher, a high achiever, being turned away must have been more frustrating.

"I meant about the child," Christopher said, his gaze piercing.

My heart skipped a beat.

When Levi asked about children, I thought of the one I never got to meet.

"I wasn't a good mother. I couldn't protect her," I said bitterly.

Christopher's voice was firm. "No, you are a good mother. One day, a child will choose you again."

I wasn't sure I'd ever find a partner, let alone have another child. "Maybe, but who knows. What about you, Mr. Collins? What kind of woman do you like?"

I asked directly, fearing he'd say Marlowe.

"You."

"What? Someone like me? Impossible. I'm a mess," I denied immediately.

I wasn't a good mother. How could I be a good wife?