Second Chance: Marrying into Wealth Chapter 299

I couldn't sleep well last night because my mind was racing with thoughts.

The next morning, Paula was the first to wake up.

In my groggy state, I heard Paula exclaim.

"What the heck is Marlowe doing?" Paula suddenly shouted.

I sat up in bed, confused. "What did she do now?"

"She went to the police station to turn herself in and pointed the finger at Christopher. It's all over the news now. You need to check your phone and see for yourself," Paula said, her face looking grim, indicating just how shocking Marlowe's actions were.

I quickly grabbed my phone and checked the trending news.

What I saw left me stunned. Marlowe, being in the magazine media business, knew exactly how to make news go viral.

Thanks to her actions, at least five out of the top ten trending topics were about her and Christopher.

Each headline was designed to grab attention: [Breaking: Mr. Collins' Deal with Marlowe—For What Reason?]

The content revealed that Marlowe had a personal grudge against me and had arranged for my kidnapping. Christopher, in order to save AutoForge Workshop and secure Hayes' achievements, had made a deal with her. 

As Hayes' guardian, Marlowe agreed to bind Hayes' lifetime achievements to AutoForge Workshop if Christopher didn't hand over the kidnapping evidence to the police.

Now, Marlowe claimed she realized her mistake and didn't want Hayes to lose his freedom, so she went to the police to confess her crimes.

Christopher was painted as someone who knowingly broke the law and let kidnappers go free for his own gain.

Marlowe portrayed herself as a noble sister and a brave woman who admitted her mistakes.

The internet was overwhelmingly sympathetic towards Marlowe, while Christopher was being condemned as a ruthless capitalist who would do anything for profit.

Marlowe was ruthless, daring to scheme against Christopher like this.

I remembered Christopher saying he had reached an agreement with Marlowe, which meant this was a done deal.

I couldn't help but worry for Christopher.

Not only did this affect his reputation, but it also dealt a severe blow to AutoForge Workshop.

People were seizing the opportunity to criticize AutoForge Workshop, and those with a grudge against the wealthy were in a frenzy, accusing Christopher of being a heartless capitalist.

"Marlowe is acting out of spite because she can't have Christopher. She's trying to take him down with her. She's truly insane!" Paula said through gritted teeth.

I felt a pang of guilt.

Thinking about how I treated Christopher yesterday, he must be having a terrible time now.

As his secretary, I felt useless for not being able to help.

I almost agreed with Paula, calling Marlowe insane, but I remembered my promise to Jason and held my tongue.

"The news spread so quickly, it must have been premeditated. Marlowe definitely set a trap for Christopher, knowing he would fall into it because it involved Hayes. She knew her plan would succeed," I said, trying to stay calm and analyze the situation.

Paula looked at me with newfound respect. "Are you sure it was Marlowe who approached Christopher and not the other way around?" she asked.

I shook my head without hesitation. "No way, Mr. Collins isn't like that!"

"You really trust him!" Paula remarked.

My heart skipped a beat, and I avoided Paula's gaze. "We've worked together for so long, of course I trust him. Besides, it's not surprising that someone like Marlowe would do something like this."

She was clearly out for revenge against Christopher.

Ever since she found out Christopher sent her on a business trip to Emberfall City, where she almost got crippled, and he didn't visit her, she must have held a grudge.

"There's another key player in this," Paula said.

We exchanged a glance and simultaneously said the name, "Jason!"

Paula wondered aloud, "I just hope Jason isn't part of the scheme against Christopher."

Thinking about Jason, I shook my head again. "He's not like that. He must have been used by Marlowe."

Paula nodded. "He was used, but he's so blinded by guilt that he can't see right from wrong. He deserves to be used. If he keeps this up, he'll be ruined."

I agreed and thought, 'Once someone has leverage over you, they can keep using you unless you wake up to it. Otherwise, it could lead to a point of no return. Especially when the person you owe is a master manipulator.'

"He must know he's being used and that it involves Christopher. He'll definitely go to Marlowe," I said.

"But Marlowe isn't stupid. She turned herself in, so she's definitely at the police station now," Paula analyzed.

I had to admit, Marlowe was cunning.

She had planned everything meticulously.

People like her were truly terrifying!

I wondered if Jason regretted his actions.

But right now, the most important thing was to find the truth and clear Christopher's name.

Paula, however, poured cold water on my hopes.

"With information so fragmented, people often see just a bit and start attacking. Even if the truth comes out later, they might not believe it. And even if some do, many companies can't survive long enough to clear their name," Paula said, knowing the entertainment industry well.

My heart sank.

And it got worse. "If Marlowe and Christopher had an agreement, there must be a signed document. If she decided to turn herself in, that agreement would be the best evidence. It would be almost impossible to clear his name," Paula said, making me even more worried.

If Christopher really signed it, he could be charged with aiding and abetting.

How could the company allow Christopher to return to power?

He had worked so hard to get to this point. Was it all going to be for nothing?

"Paula, do you know what to do? You're the best at handling public opinion. Can you think of a way to help Mr. Collins?" I asked urgently, grabbing Paula's arm.

Paula shook her head. "Ignoring it and waiting for the storm to pass might be the best option, but Christopher's reputation will definitely take a hit."

Seeing my worried face, she tried to comfort me. "Christopher has overcome countless challenges to get where he is today. He can handle this too. Don't worry."

I knew she was right, but I couldn't help feeling anxious.