Second Chance: Marrying into Wealth Chapter 277

Christopher paused mid-step and looked at me after I said that.

His gaze made me inexplicably nervous.

I remembered that night and deliberately took a step back, putting some distance between us.

This close proximity made me uncomfortable, and I didn't want him getting any closer.

"What's wrong? Did I say something wrong?" I avoided his eyes and asked on purpose.

Christopher just shook his head. "Mr. Ellis naturally has a father-daughter relationship with Paula, but you're right. Mr. Ellis appreciates her abilities. For a company like the Ellis Group, considering a successor means evaluating their capabilities."

So what? It still came down to Paula's abilities.

I felt a bit sorry for Paula. Christopher hadn't experienced Paula's struggles and couldn't empathize like I could. I had no right to expect him to.

Christopher continued, "Why do you think Pippa is targeting Paula?"

I was surprised and looked at him. "How do you know Pippa is involved?"

Christopher didn't seem afraid of me knowing and answered honestly, "To ensure Paula's safety, my team reports to me promptly. Also, there are cameras in the hallway and the private rooms, so I can check."

I nodded, not angry but rather impressed by his thoroughness.

Then I thought of something. Paula had mentioned me being with Christopher, did he hear that too?

Luckily, I had stopped Paula in time. He probably thought it was a joke and wouldn't take it seriously.

I changed the subject. "Isn't Pippa targeting Paula because of past grudges?"

Christopher analyzed, "The Owens family is struggling now and urgently needs a partner to transform. They have their eyes on the Ellis family, which is strong and has the projects they want."

I was shocked. "So, Pippa might be following orders from someone else in the Ellis family and sees Paula as a competitor?"

Christopher gave me an approving look. "You're getting better. But you don't need to worry too much about Paula. Her abilities are well recognized. People with average skills can't keep up with her. And being part of the Ellis family, she can't avoid competition even if she wants to. I think she'll make a decision soon."

I felt a bit downhearted.

Even though that was true, Paula had always helped me, but when she needed help, I seemed to be of little use.

Christopher noticed my downcast expression and asked with concern, "Why are you so down?"

"I just feel a bit useless. Whether it's you or Paula, you've both helped me so much, but I don't seem to be able to help much in return."

I couldn't help but glance at Christopher.

Thinking about how he faced the powerful Collins family, trying to break free from their control, always struggling and working hard, and now having some autonomy, he must have paid a price that ordinary people couldn't imagine.

Thinking about this, I felt a pang of sympathy for him and blurted out, "You've had a tough time these years, haven't you? You've worked so hard and still helped me so much, but I seem to be of little use."

Christopher raised his hand, seemingly out of habit, to ruffle my hair.

By the time I realized it, it was too late to refuse.

He chuckled softly and reassured me, "You don't need to belittle yourself. You say you haven't helped me, but you forget about the Hayes situation and Magnus. Those are your achievements."

I quickly denied it, "You're giving me too much credit. The Hayes situation was thanks to Quinlan's help and AutoForge Workshop's reputation. As for Magnus, he saw Hayes's potential. It can't be considered my achievement."

Christopher sighed, "Quinlan helped AutoForge Workshop because you helped her, and she remembered that. As for Magnus, if you hadn't helped Cassius, Magnus wouldn't have even met Hayes, let alone taken him as a student. You're kind and wonderful, even more than you realize."

As he spoke, his deep eyes seemed to reflect my image.

It was like a vortex, pulling me in.

I almost got lost in it.

"Mr. Collins!" Thankfully, the voice of a bodyguard brought me back to reality.

I was annoyed with myself for almost getting lost in his deep eyes. After what happened between us, how could I have such thoughts?

And with the vast difference between us, I shouldn't have such inappropriate thoughts.

"What is it?" Christopher's eyes darkened as he spoke calmly.

The bodyguard handed Christopher the money Paula had given them. "This is from Ms. Ellis. You've already paid, so we can't accept it."

Christopher didn't take the money. "If Ms. Ellis gave it to you, it means you deserve it. Keep it."

The bodyguard, seeing Christopher's insistence, finally accepted the money.

After resolving this matter, Christopher dismissed them, and I followed him home.

In the enclosed car, we could even hear each other's breathing.

I didn't dare let my thoughts wander, so I deliberately kept my distance, almost pressing against the car window to maximize the space between us.

Fortunately, Christopher just glanced at me and said nothing.

When we arrived at my house, I quickly got out of the car and hurried inside, only feeling calm once I was out of Christopher's sight.

Back home, I called Paula and told her about Christopher's analysis of Pippa.

"Paula, is the Ellis family really that dangerous? You need to be careful. Even if you haven't returned, they still won't leave you alone." I felt sorry for Paula. She hadn't enjoyed many benefits from the family, and now that she had abilities, those people were still full of schemes.

When it came to fame and power, it was inevitable to attract people who would stop at nothing to compete.

I feared Paula's kindness might lead to her being taken advantage of.

Paula sounded touched. "Melinda, you're the best, always thinking of me. But don't worry, I didn't get this far by being a pushover. I'm a tiger, not a rabbit."

"Instead of worrying about me, you should worry about those people. They might end up being the ones I deal with."

Seeing Paula's confidence, I felt more at ease.

"Even though I believe in you, some people have no bottom line. Be careful of underhanded tactics."

"Don't worry!" Paula replied cheerfully, then dropped a bombshell. "I'm planning to return to the Ellis family and take over the business."

Her news shocked me. "Are you sure?"

Christopher had said she would make the right decision, but I didn't expect it to be so soon.

Paula chuckled. "Of course, I know what I'm doing."

Seeing her so determined, I could only cheer her on and offer my support.

We understood each other well.

The next day, the media reported it.

"Ellis Group heir returns. Ellis Group gains a successor."

Paula was already famous, and now with this new title, she became even more well-known.