Second Chance: Marrying into Wealth Chapter 298

"What?" I was stunned.

Christopher explained, "The kidnapping case is closed. No further action."

That meant Marlowe wouldn't be investigated by the police.

I could guess what Marlowe used to make Christopher compromise. It had to be Hayes' designs and the future of AutoForge Workshop.

Logically, I knew this was the best outcome.

At least the issue with AutoForge Workshop was resolved, and Marlowe wouldn't have any leverage over us in the future.

But emotionally, I felt a strange sense of suppression and discomfort.

Probably because Christopher chose profit over me.

My heart ached, but I didn't show it on my face. I just responded calmly, "Mr. Collins, you made the right choice. Don't worry, I'll convince Paula."

Christopher's gaze was fixed on me, his voice low and sincere, "I'm sorry for the trouble you and Paula went through. I'll make it up to you both."

"No need!" I refused Christopher. "I said this was a win-win. You made the right decision."

As for Paula, she probably wouldn't be as easygoing as I was.

I reminded Christopher to leave.

Seeing me like this, Christopher opened his mouth, his brows furrowed, as if he wanted to say something. He even took a step closer to me.

But I instinctively avoided his approach and reminded him again, "Mr. Collins, you should leave now."

Christopher sighed heavily, "I'm sorry."

I didn't look at him or respond to his apology.

He probably sensed my current mood and left the room without saying more.

Alone in the room, I slumped onto the bed, feeling low.

What I didn't know was that Christopher didn't leave immediately after exiting the room. He saw my dejected state from the doorway.

His expression darkened.

Then he left with a cold face.

What I also didn't know was that Christopher had met someone before seeing me.

That person was Jason.

Jason's plea for Marlowe had strained his friendship with Christopher and repaid his debt to Marlowe.

But the ones who got hurt were Paula and me.

When Paula returned and didn't see Christopher, she asked curiously, "Where's Christopher?"

"He had to leave for something," I replied listlessly.

Paula frowned, "He's really a busy man, isn't he?"

Paula suddenly jumped in front of me, nearly giving me a heart attack. "You scared me!"

"My bad. I'm sorry! I just saw you were down. What's wrong? Did someone upset you? Was it Christopher? Wow, he must be something to make you this upset."

Paula's face suddenly showed a bad premonition. "What's going on? Is it about the Marlowe case?"

I didn't expect Paula to be so sharp and perceptive, guessing it right away.

Indeed, she knew me best. I hadn't even figured out how to tell her.

The door opened.

Marlowe wheeled herself in.

She was no longer the angry and humiliated person Paula and I had confronted earlier. Now she looked refreshed, as if she was here to gloat.

"What are you doing here? You're not welcome!" Paula blocked the door, not letting Marlowe get any further.

Marlowe chuckled, "Look at you, so angry. I guess you know you can't do anything to me, and that's why you're mad. I understand, but what can you do? I'm just lucky. Someone helped me. Christopher, in the end, still compromised. The kidnapping case has nothing to do with me anymore!"

Paula frowned and couldn't help but curse, "What nonsense are you spouting? You hurt Melinda and me, especially Melinda. Do you think Christopher wouldn't care? This must be your delusion. Is your condition getting worse?"

A flash of malice crossed Marlowe's eyes, but then she seemed to think of something and smiled smugly.

"Seeing you like this, it seems you don't know about the agreement between Christopher and me!" Marlowe laughed, looking at Paula. Her gaze then fell on my face. Though I looked grim, I wasn't surprised.

Marlowe knew I was already aware of the outcome.

She told Paula, "If you don't believe me, ask Melinda. She already knows."

Paula looked at me and immediately understood that Marlowe was telling the truth.

But Paula didn't let herself be defeated. Even in this situation, she coldly mocked Marlowe, "You're just relying on Hayes. That's why you got this result. Women like you are the most detestable. What's there to be proud of? Have you not looked in a mirror lately? Do you know how hideous and repulsive you look right now?"

"Shut up! You have no right to stand on moral high ground and judge me. You wouldn't understand." Marlowe lashed out in anger.

Paula sneered, "Someone like you talking about morals? Get out!"

She didn't hold back, grabbing Marlowe's wheelchair and pushing her out of the room without hesitation.

Afterward, she closed the door, out of sight, out of mind.

Marlowe couldn't stay outside the door forever and eventually wheeled herself away.

Hearing Marlowe leave, Paula came to my side.

I quickly said, "Don't blame Mr. Collins for this. He..."

"You were upset about this, weren't you? Melinda, don't be sad. Mr. Collins had no other option!"

Paula ended up comforting me. She understood the situation well.

It saved me the trouble of explaining and comforting her.

Paula, growing up in a family like hers, understood the balance of interests better than I did. She knew Christopher had no choice.

I nodded, "I understand. I'm just sorry you had to go through this."

Paula immediately put on a stern face, "If anyone should apologize, it's Mr. Collins. You don't need to apologize for him. Unless... are you two a family now?"

"I know, I shouldn't bear the burden of others' mistakes." I quickly responded to Paula.

Paula nodded in satisfaction, "Good! Considering all the help he's given us, I won't hold this against him. But there better not be a next time."

I couldn't help but hug Paula.

I knew she was being so understanding mainly because of me.

"Don't worry, Paula. I'll make sure Mr. Collins hears this."

I promised Paula.

That night, I thought I could put this behind me and get a good night's sleep.

But knowing my feelings for Christopher, my mind replayed all our moments together like a slideshow.

I tried to push these thoughts out of my head.

I reminded myself that a relationship with him was impossible.

His kindness was because of my parents. We were from different worlds.

But emotions were the hardest to control. I couldn't help but think of his deep, mesmerizing eyes and his handsome face when he cared for me.

I realized that if I continued working at Summit Innovations Group, staying close to Christopher, my feelings would only deepen.

For the first time, I considered resigning.

Even though I loved my job and didn't want to leave, I knew I had to make a decision.