Second Chance: Marrying into Wealth Chapter 292

Paula seemed to have nailed it. "You're talking about how we got kidnapped and dumped in that old factory but came out without a scratch, right? Yeah, it's weird. Whoever did this didn't ask for ransom, so it's not about money. And they didn't hurt us, so it's not about killing us either. But they did bug you. Why?"

Paula's words got me thinking. "Could it be that you were just caught in the crossfire, and I was the real target? But my only enemies were the Lawrences, and they're all taken care of. It can't be them."

Forget it. If I couldn't figure it out now, I would just wait for the cops to sort it out.

Of course, we also had our suspicions about Marlowe.

But we quickly dismissed that idea.

I said, "Marlowe's over Mr. Collins. She hasn't bothered him at all lately. Seems like she's really moved on. So, she shouldn't have any reason to come after us."

Even though Marlowe acted like she hated me, she was not that dumb.

Especially with Paula backing me up.

Paula sighed when I mentioned Marlowe giving up on Christopher. "She should've given up a long time ago. But I guess she finally realized she had no chance because Mr. Collins likes someone else."

"How do you know that?" I couldn't help but be curious.

Paula didn't see Christopher often, so how did she seem to know him so well?

I looked at Paula suspiciously. "You and Mr. Collins? You two?"

"Hold up!" Paula made a stop gesture, cutting off my wild thoughts. "There's nothing between me and Mr. Collins. And remember, there never will be. I like younger guys. I can't handle someone like Mr. Collins, but you might want to consider it."

"Paula, be honest. Do you know who Mr. Collins likes?" I couldn't help but ask.

I didn't dare to guess this time.

Last time I guessed wrong, I ended up making too many concessions to Marlowe and suffered a lot.

I went to Summit Innovations Group to work, not to be mistreated.

Paula shrugged and spread her hands. "You're his personal assistant, with him day in and day out. If you don't know, how could I? But he can't hide it forever. One day, everyone will know. Just don't be too shocked when that day comes."

I joked, "I hope you won't be too shocked either."

"I've seen it all in this business. Nothing surprises me anymore. But you don't need to worry about Mr. Collins. He's a capable man. If he hasn't revealed who he likes, it's because he doesn't feel ready to protect her yet. When he's strong enough that no one can threaten her, he'll let the whole world know."

Paula's analysis made sense.

Thinking about Christopher's style, it did fit Paula's explanation.

But I still had doubts. "Paula, with your experience, if Mr. Collins wants to protect the person he likes, shouldn't he keep it a secret? Why would he hint at it during Marlowe's interview?"

Paula shook her head at me. "You still have a lot to learn. Ask Mr. Collins more often. It's because his family is pressuring him to get married. So, he hinted at someone but didn't say who, letting Mrs. Faye Collins guess. That way, she focuses on finding this person instead of setting him up on dates."

"That makes sense!" I couldn't help but nod.

I remembered that after Faye arranged a few dates for Christopher, there were no more follow-ups.

Some of those dates were probably people looking to attach themselves to the Collins family, and some genuinely liked Christopher.

Other families, if they cherished their daughters, wouldn't push them towards Christopher knowing he liked someone else.

So, Christopher's approach wasn't bad.

We were just chatting when someone brought over the computers Christopher promised us.

We put our conversation on hold and got to work.

Paula, being an investor and lawyer at a law firm, was definitely busy.

I had also been out of work for two days, and my inbox was full. So, I focused on clearing it out.

What we didn't know was that the short recording from the bug had already reached Faye's phone.

When it was time for lunch, Tiana hadn't brought our food yet.

Faye had a whole meal delivered to our room.

She smiled warmly, but it felt fake and a bit creepy.

She wasn't genuinely concerned about us. Our medical records showed we should be eating light meals, but Faye didn't care.

She enthusiastically served us food, and we ate a little to be polite.

Paula, with her years of business experience, spoke skillfully, making Faye smile broadly.

After some conversation, it was clear Faye liked Paula a lot.

After all, there weren't many girls who were capable, made money, and had a good family background.

I watched as Faye took off her bracelet and put it on Paula.

Paula didn't even have a chance to refuse.

"I feel a special connection with you, so I want to give you this bracelet. You must accept it," Faye said with a warm but firm smile.

Paula pretended to decline but eventually accepted it, saying, "Thank you, Mrs. Collins!"

I saw Faye's face twist in frustration for a moment.

"I'm glad you like it!" Faye nodded, holding Paula's hand. "It looks good on you. Youth is wonderful."

They continued exchanging pleasantries.

Faye's smile seemed warm, but it didn't reach her eyes. It was clearly insincere.

And her words were almost identical to what she had said to me before.

It was like she had a script.

Faye didn't forget to point out, "Ms. Turner, you see, Ms. Ellis is much better at this than you. You still have a lot to learn as a secretary."

This was because I had refused her gifts before.

I apologized obediently, "Yes, I have a lot to learn."

Paula couldn't stand seeing me mistreated and subtly defended me. "I think Melinda is great as she is. The world needs diverse people. Everyone has their own personality, making the world colorful."

Faye's expression stiffened for a moment before she forced a smile and praised Paula, "You have unique insights. That's good for young people."

I bet her face was getting sore from all that fake smiling.

Finally, she stood up to leave. "I have an appointment this afternoon, so I won't stay. Take care!"

With that, Faye left.

Paula couldn't hold back and laughed.

I felt relieved too. "You have no idea. She almost lost it just now. Her smile vanished. I've never seen her so close to breaking."

I couldn't help but give Paula a thumbs up.