Second Chance: Marrying into Wealth Chapter 252

"Tiana, how'd you know I was heading to the hospital?" I asked, genuinely grateful.

"Mr. Collins mentioned it, but I'm not sure if the person will like it," Tiana replied. It was clear she loved cooking and enjoyed making food for others, especially when they appreciated it.

And her cooking was indeed delicious.

"Tiana, with your amazing cooking skills, I'm sure they'll love it. Plus, I heard he's not picky!" Quinlan had mentioned Hayes in passing, saying he was well-behaved during meals and not a fussy eater.

I wasn't just flattering her.

My sincerity made it easy for Tiana to believe me.

"That's great to hear. You should take it over while it's still hot."

"Will do!" I said, heading out with the soup.

Tiana's soups were truly exceptional.

I had praised her cooking to Christopher more than once. There was a time when Tiana would make different soups every day, which was quite labor-intensive.

To ease her burden, I had mentioned to Christopher, "It's just the two of us eating. It doesn't need to be so complicated. It's too much work for her."

Christopher had replied, "Is it possible that Tiana doesn't find it burdensome and actually enjoys it?"

"What? How could that be?" I was surprised.

His next words puzzled and intrigued me even more, "She's also observing you."

"Observing me? What for?"

Christopher just smiled without answering.

Although Tiana eventually stopped making such elaborate soups every day, I noticed that the soups she did make were always my favorites.

It dawned on me that Christopher was right. Tiana had been observing my subtle reactions to the soups to figure out which ones I liked best.

Tiana's thoughtfulness touched me deeply.

By coincidence, I ran into Quinlan at the hospital, who was also there to see Hayes.

She looked exhausted, possibly from our conversation the previous day or from worry.

"Are you still worried about Hayes?" I asked with concern.

Quinlan shook her head. "I stayed up late working on a draft. I've caught up on sleep since then."

As long as it wasn't because of Hayes and Marlowe, that was a relief.

When we entered, Hayes heard us and curled up like a ball, turning his back to us.

To be precise, he was too embarrassed to face Quinlan.

"Hayes woke up and remembered what he did. He can't accept that part of himself, so he's reacting strongly. Now that he knows Quinlan is here, he's too embarrassed to face her," Blair explained with a mix of helplessness and amusement.

Hayes did have a bit of a childish nature.

Quinlan tried to comfort Hayes, but for once, he ignored her and kept his back turned.

Quinlan and I exchanged glances and decided not to push it.

I took out the soup Tiana had prepared. I had heard that Hayes hadn't eaten much all day and was likely hungry. Given his childlike nature, the aroma would probably tempt him.

As expected, Hayes tried to resist at first.

But soon enough, his stomach growled. Quinlan seized the moment, scooping a bowl of soup and holding it near Hayes' nose. He sniffed the aroma and finally reached out to take the bowl, drinking the soup.

Tiana had made plenty of soup, knowing Blair would be there too.

I offered Blair a bowl, but she hesitated. "I can't accept this. I'm just here to help. It's too much trouble for Tiana."

"It's no trouble at all. You've been taking good care of Hayes, so you deserve it. Tiana made extra with you in mind. Go ahead, try it. Isn't it delicious?" I handed her the bowl with a smile.

Blair took a sip and praised it.

I told her that Tiana loved receiving compliments on her cooking and that I would pass on Blair's praise.

After chatting with Blair for a bit, I checked the time. With her and Quinlan there, I didn't need to worry, so I headed to the office.

I didn't expect to run into Marlowe there.

Ever since she found out Christopher liked a certain type of coffee, she always requested the same whenever she visited, even if someone else prepared it.

She acted like she didn't see me.

I was about to ignore her and head upstairs when Marlowe spoke up, "Ms. Turner, you seem to be doing quite well these days. Ignoring guests now?"

I paused, suppressing my irritation, and replied coolly, "Ms. Grey, this isn't your first visit. You usually go straight to the meeting room. Why the sudden change of heart to stand out here in the cold?"

I wasn't one to be sarcastic, but I wouldn't hold back if provoked.

Marlowe's face darkened.

I noticed she looked unwell today, her skin dull and tired despite the makeup. Was she worried about Hayes?

"Ms. Turner, do you speak to Christopher like this too? You're two-faced, and you think you can stay in this position for long?"

Marlowe's tone was icy, clearly a threat.

I met her gaze fearlessly. "Whether I stay or go is none of your business. You're not my boss, and we have no relationship. You're overstepping."

"Keep talking. Let's see if you can still be so bold when you're kicked out." Marlowe seemed convinced she would become Christopher's wife.

If that day ever came, I'd probably quit on my own rather than work under her.

But for now, she wasn't in charge, so I ignored her.

Just then, Christopher appeared.

Marlowe's demeanor changed instantly. She ran to him, trying to cling to him. "Christopher, you're here. I've been waiting for you."

Her behavior was nauseating.

Christopher seemed to anticipate her move and sidestepped her approach, exuding a cold, unapproachable aura. "Ms. Grey, please be mindful. This is a workplace."

Marlowe quickly apologized, "I'm sorry, Christopher. I was just excited to see you."

She tried to move closer again.

Christopher's expression remained cold. "If you have no business here, please leave."

I was surprised. I didn't expect Christopher to be so blunt. Even if he didn't want to show favoritism, he could have been more neutral. This was too obvious.

Marlowe seemed oblivious to his coldness and pouted, "I came to discuss our ongoing collaboration. Don't you want to hear it?"

Christopher didn't object and headed to the elevator.

I thought I saw him glance at me before leaving.

What did that mean? Was he being cold to Marlowe on purpose, expecting me to smooth things over as his secretary?

Presidents did have their own ways of thinking.

Marlowe hesitated, unsure if Christopher's silence meant she could follow.

I spoke up, "Ms. Grey, please."

Marlowe lifted her chin arrogantly, giving me a condescending look. "See how much Christopher cares about me?"

I nodded, expressionless. "Yes."

She was momentarily speechless, then huffed and followed Christopher into the elevator, standing right next to him.