Second Chance: Marrying into Wealth Chapter 278

I took a break and sent Paula a quick message: [Congrats, keep it up!]

Paula replied with a flying kiss emoji and a [Thanks.]

Then I got back to work.

I had a document that needed to be delivered to Christopher's office.

Even though I tried to avoid too much contact with Christopher these days, it was still my job, and I couldn't always ask Vincent to deliver documents for me.

Otherwise, Christopher might think I had some issue with him.

"Mr. Collins, this document is about the AutoForge Workshop." I put the document down and was about to leave.

But Christopher called me back.

"What do you think about this document?" Christopher asked, flipping through the pages, waiting for my answer.

I knew he was testing me, and through this method, he could teach me something.

He wasn't lying; he genuinely intended to groom me for the VP position.

In the past, I would have been thrilled, but now that I wanted to distance myself from him, I didn't want to stand out too much.

This document was about car after-sales service, dealing with quality issues and customer service.

The emergence of AutoForge Workshop's smart cars had boosted other car sales, and with the surge in sales came problems. The after-sales customer service, accustomed to being arrogant, had a poor attitude, leading to complaints.

"It needs a thorough overhaul, and someone capable of enforcing it," I replied.

Christopher looked at me, his expression unreadable, and continued, "Do you have any recommendations?"

"I think both Vincent and Glenn are suitable."

I then raised my hand slightly, self-recommending, "Actually, I can do it too."

Christopher's face darkened instantly, his voice low and hoarse, "You really don't want to stay by my side, do you?"

I really didn't.

But of course, I couldn't admit that. If he asked why, I wouldn't be able to tell the truth.

So I replied, "No, I just want to help you solve problems."

Christopher didn't believe me this time. His gaze was deep, "Are you afraid of me? Avoiding me?"

I quickly waved my hand, "No, absolutely not."

Christopher withdrew his gaze, his voice heavy, "You better not be. I don't want to put in all this effort only for you to run away."

Guilt flashed through my mind.

He had indeed taught me a lot and put in a lot of effort. It was unfair of me to reject him because of something he didn't even remember.

But I couldn't get over this hurdle in my heart.

Since Christopher had finished his questions, I left his office.

Paula invited me to meet Helena later.

The video had been handed over to the police, and Stefan had been arrested.

When we saw Helena, she looked tired without makeup, but her features were more refined and suited her natural look.

Helena didn't seem surprised to see us.

Paula couldn't help but say, "We got the video back from Stefan. He won't threaten you anymore. Besides that, I have some questions for you."

Helena seemed more cooperative this time, probably because of the video.

"Ask whatever you want," Helena replied.

Paula was annoyed by her lack of spirit, "How could a video make you so willing to listen to Stefan and put yourself in such a situation?"

I didn't know whether to pity Helena or think she was foolish. Not only did Stefan force her to book hotels, but he also made her sell herself.

Helena's eyes welled up with tears. "My sister was bullied and got depression. If she found out about the video, I was afraid she wouldn't survive. I was too worried and let Stefan threaten me."

Paula was so mad she could've poked Helena in the head. "You're a college grad! Why didn't you report Stefan? Just the fact that he filmed your sister is a crime. Threatening you is extortion. If he was in jail, the video wouldn't spread. What were you afraid of? The police would've helped you!"

Helena looked regretful. "I was terrified and worried about my sister. I'm sorry..."

Paula shook her head, not accepting her apology. "You don't owe me an apology; you owe yourself. The video is with the police now, and you won't be threatened anymore. Will you tell the police how Stefan threatened you and stole my membership fee?"

"I will, Ms. Ellis. I won't let that scumbag Stefan get away with it," Helena finally shed a few tears.

It was good that Helena wouldn't be threatened anymore.

I hoped she learned to stand up for herself instead of silently enduring, which only made things worse.

Paula and I left the police station.

Soon after, we heard that Helena had accused Stefan of threatening her with the video and forcing her to do various things.

Stefan was sentenced to several years. Paula gave the recording to Pippa, and I heard Pippa used some means to make Stefan's life in prison miserable.

I also heard that Randy got involved, giving Paula some satisfaction.

We didn't pay much attention to what happened next.

Quinlan called me. Since she had helped with Hayes, I planned to invite her to dinner.

But she told me about Marlowe. "Ms. Grey is back in Starlight City."

I sensed that Quinlan mentioning Marlowe wasn't just about her return.

Sure enough, she added, "Marlowe's leg is injured and needs surgery, but she refuses to have it in Silverpeak City. She insists on seeing Hayes, and if she can't, she won't have the surgery. Jason had no choice but to bring her back."

Especially with Hayes' special condition, traveling could be risky. Quinlan couldn't control or be responsible for any incidents.

Luckily, Jason brought her back to Starlight City.

"When is her surgery?" Since she had seen Hayes, she should have had the surgery by now.

But the result surprised me. Quinlan sighed, "She wants Hayes to stay with her in the hospital and not leave. Hayes is doing well now, but leaving his familiar environment makes him anxious. I'm worried about Hayes."

I realized Marlowe was using Hayes to get to Christopher.

She claimed to want to see Hayes, but she really wanted to see Christopher.

Now she was using Hayes to force Christopher to stay with her.

Because she knew Christopher cared about Hayes.

"Does Marlowe know about Hayes' condition?" I frowned.

Quinlan thought for a moment, "She should. Blair said Hayes had similar issues before and took months to recover."

Hearing this, I couldn't help but criticize.

What was Marlowe thinking? She struggled to take Hayes from the orphanage for his well-being.

Now that Hayes was improving, Magnus was teaching him online, and he was adapting well. He was about to advance in his studies, and at this crucial moment, Marlowe wanted to drag him back into the abyss.

They were supposed to be close siblings. Was she really willing to go this far for a man?