Second Chance: Marrying into Wealth Chapter 272

"Didn't you help her go abroad back then? From what you're saying, did her family catch her and bring her back?" I asked, puzzled.

I added, "Has the Gray family really gotten so powerful that they have influence abroad and can even track down where Azalea lives?"

I was stunned. If the Gray family was that influential, would they retaliate against Paula for helping Azalea escape?

Seeing my shocked expression, Paula quickly reassured me, "Don't freak out, Melinda. Even if the Gray family had the resources to find her, they wouldn't dare come after me. Besides, the Gray family isn't as powerful as you think. They've been on a decline these past few years. Their attempts to pivot have failed, which is why they're desperate to bring Azalea back for an arranged marriage."

Paula continued, "Azalea brought this on herself. I warned her that going abroad meant cutting all ties with home. But she wanted both freedom and to maintain her connections here. She couldn't resist contacting her friends back home, and that's how the Gray family found out. They traced her through her friends and went overseas to drag her back."

I couldn't help but feel sorry for Azalea. Would she regret her choices?

"Who is she supposed to marry? Given how rushed this is, and considering she defied her family to escape, her match can't be great, right?" I speculated, knowing a bit about human nature if not the intricacies of powerful families.

"She's set to marry Bobby Owens. He's a despicable man. I'm not just saying that—everyone knows he's done terrible things. No decent family would marry their daughter to him," Paula said with disdain.

She recounted Bobby's past misdeeds, including forcing a girl into pregnancy and driving her to suicide. His family used money to cover it up. Imagining Azalea married to such a man was horrifying.

Seeing Paula's anger and sadness, I knew she was thinking about her own situation. I tried to comfort her, "You're strong, beautiful, and independent. You won't end up like Azalea, forced to follow your family's orders without a say. Plus, your father isn't like the Gray family elders. The Ellis family is thriving; he wouldn't need to sacrifice you for a bad match. Trust me, you'll find the best, and you deserve it."

Paula smiled and hugged me. "Thanks, Melinda. You always see the best in me. I'm so glad to have you."

Worried about Stefan's potential retaliation, I decided to stay with Paula instead of going home. Safety in numbers, after all. I even checked her car's brakes and fuel tank before we left, which amused Paula.

"You look like a detective! I didn't know you knew so much about cars," she said, impressed.

I grinned, "I'm not an expert, but I know a bit. I learned some basics when Christopher wanted to modify my car."

Mentioning Christopher made me pause, avoiding Paula's eyes as a mix of emotions surfaced. Thankfully, she didn't notice and gave me a thumbs-up.

We arrived at her place, and I checked the surroundings to ensure everything was safe. Paula appreciated my concern and didn't object. Exhausted from the day's events, we went to bed early.

That night, I dreamt of Christopher and past events. Paula woke me from my nightmare, her face close to mine, startling me.

"Paula, you scared me!" I exclaimed.

She looked concerned. "You were having a nightmare. What did you dream about? Your expression was..."

"Did I talk in my sleep? Say anything weird?" I asked, worried.

"No, but you seemed really upset. Did someone hurt you?" she asked, puzzled.

Embarrassed by my reaction, I brushed it off. "Just a bad dream. I'm worried about you. I decided to stay with you until this is over."

Paula tried to refuse, but I insisted. "You can't use yourself as bait to catch Stefan. It's too dangerous."

She reluctantly agreed, but I still felt uneasy.

The next morning, Paula drove me to work. To my dismay, we ran into Christopher at the building entrance. I wanted to avoid him, but Paula, ever the "helpful" friend, nudged me and greeted him, "Good morning, Mr. Collins. I'll leave Melinda in your capable hands."

She winked at me, encouraging me to face him.