Second Chance: Marrying into Wealth Chapter 267

The assistant's eyes flickered slightly before continuing, "It's been a while, so I don't remember exactly. You or someone close to you with your authorization letter should be able to get the refund."

Paula laughed in exasperation, "Look, I didn't come here for a refund, and I sure didn't write any authorization letter. You must have the refund date in your system. If not, the money had to go somewhere, right? You can trace it. And if you need proof, check the surveillance footage."

The assistant was momentarily stunned by Paula's assertiveness and logical argument.

"Ma'am, the surveillance footage might have been overwritten due to the time-lapse," the assistant finally found an excuse.

Hearing this, I couldn't help but frown with concern and look at Paula.

Paula, with a half-smile, looked at the assistant without a hint of panic, "Really? If I were a new customer, you might have fooled me. But as it happens, I know your boss, and I know the surveillance here is kept for at least a year. I was here earlier this year!"

So, the refund could only have happened after her last visit, which was less than a year ago.

I also realized that this assistant might be indirectly or directly involved in this matter.

I chimed in, "Paula, you promised to have lunch with me later. Let's not waste time. How about we call the police and let them investigate? The refund amount isn't small."

As soon as I said this, a figure suddenly appeared in front of Paula and me.

"Paula, why are you here? It's been so long, and you're still as impatient as ever." The person was none other than her ex-boyfriend, Stefan.

"I'm a member here, so it's normal for me to be here, right? But now, suddenly, I'm not. It's strange, especially since I had a lot of money in my account. Now my membership is canceled, but I haven't received my money back. Isn't that odd? I remember you're the manager here. Could this have anything to do with you?"

Paula looked at him with disdain, sizing him up.

Stefan was good-looking, but he was no match for someone like Christopher, who was a top-tier handsome guy. And in terms of charisma, he couldn't compare to Jason's cool, aloof, and noble aura.

Paula probably decided to be with him because he seemed obedient and somewhat weak.

One really couldn't judge a book by its cover!

Stefan said, "Paula, you can say whatever you want, but don't make false accusations. For you, that amount of money might not matter, so you might not even know when you got the refund."

"It's not about the amount of money. I just don't like being fooled. You don't seem capable of handling this, so I'll just call the police." Paula looked completely unconcerned.

I saw Stefan's expression flash with panic, but he quickly suppressed it and tried to persuade her with a smile, "Paula, there's no need to call the police. Even though we broke up, there's no need to make a scene over a small matter. For my sake..."

"Stop. We've been broken up for a long time. What 'sake' are you talking about? Besides, with what you've done, you still have the nerve to talk about 'sake'? I'm definitely calling the police!"

Ignoring his embarrassed expression, Paula quickly dialed the police.

The cops arrived in no time, given the significant amount of money involved. Paula also reported the issue of being threatened with obscene videos, which had been sent by Stefan. He was soon taken away by the police.

It wasn't until the police were taking him away that Stefan realized Paula was serious.

He was both shocked and angry, "Paula, we were in a relationship, and you're this heartless? How can you be so cruel?"

I immediately stepped in front of Paula, coldly scolding, "What right do you have to talk about Paula? A guy like you, with no skills but plenty of schemes, deserves this. If my dear Paula were truly cruel, do you think you'd still be here yelling at her?"

Once he was taken away, Paula and I finally had some peace.

Paula looked at me with a touched expression, "Melinda, you were so good to me just now. You're truly my dearest Melinda."

"Don't get all sentimental. Are you really going to let Stefan go to jail?" I couldn't help but ask.

When it came to relationships, she moved on quickly but was always sincere and dedicated while in them. She was generous, beautiful, and had a great figure—who wouldn't like her?

So even after breakups, her exes were usually reluctant to let go and there was never any unpleasantness.

But now, although this wasn't Paula's fault, her reputation might still take a hit.

"The refund amount is significant, so he definitely has to go to jail. It's not that I'm heartless; he's the one who got greedy. If he hadn't sent that video to threaten me, I would've just considered the refund as compensation." Paula felt she had done her best.

I thought this would be the end of it.

But the follow-up was unexpected.

While the investigation was ongoing, we didn't know the details yet.

Paula, thinking we were already out, said, "It's not a good time to play golf now. I'll bring you back another time. Since we're out, how about we go to the gym next door? You seem a bit off today, lacking exercise."

I was not one for exercise, and with my job requiring long hours of sitting, I usually just collapsed on the couch when I got home. So, I did look a bit frail.

Paula watched me run a few steps on the treadmill, already out of breath.

"Melinda, your stamina is terrible. They say health is the foundation of everything. Without a good body, how can you have the energy to do anything?" Paula sighed.

I replied miserably, "I'm healthy, really."

Paula looked me over, "You should look in the mirror. Does this look healthy to you?"

Seeing that she was about to launch into a long lecture, I quickly promised, "I'll exercise more, okay?"

Paula didn't seem convinced.

I thought about swearing an oath, but Paula wasn't buying it.

"I think you need a workout buddy!" Paula rested her chin on her hand, thought for a moment, then snapped her fingers, making a decision without consulting me.

That wouldn't do. If I had a workout buddy, how could I slack off?