Second Chance: Marrying into Wealth Chapter 306

As Paula started the car and I was just getting into the passenger seat, I noticed people pointing and whispering about me.

"Who is that? She looks familiar."

"Don't you know? It's all over the internet. She's the woman who got divorced after her husband cheated on her. She's tough, but can you believe a divorced woman managed to snag a good man like Mr. Collins?"

"Shows how little you know about relationships. Some men aren't into the innocent type; they like women who are bold and a bit wild. A woman who's been married before knows how to let loose, and men can't resist that."

I was angry but knew they were misled by online gossip. Arguing would be pointless, so I decided to ignore them.

But Paula couldn't stand it. She was furious that people were talking about me like that.

Suddenly, she floored the gas pedal and drove straight towards the woman who had been the loudest.

The woman saw the Ferrari coming at her and froze in fear, unable to move or even scream.

Paula slammed on the brakes, the tires screeching loudly as the car came to a halt just inches from the woman. I was shocked by Paula's sudden move.

"Paula..."

I barely got her name out before the car stopped. The woman collapsed to the ground, her legs giving out from fear.

Another girl, who had also been scared stiff, finally found her voice and yelled at Paula, "Just because you have money doesn't mean you can do whatever you want! Do you even know how to drive? You almost killed her!"

I knew Paula was standing up for me, but as she moved to confront them, looking ready to fight, I quickly grabbed her arm. "Paula, don't..."

As long as it didn't affect Paula, I could handle it.

Paula shook her head, unsatisfied. "These people are spreading lies about you. How could you not tell me you're upset? I won't let anyone treat you like this. Let me handle it."

Seeing my concern, she reassured me, "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

"Hey, you almost hit me! Aren't you going to apologize? So rude!" the frightened woman snapped, regaining her composure.

Paula stepped closer to them, her presence intimidating. "I didn't hit anyone, did I? Now you're scared, but you didn't think twice about hurting someone with your words. Did you apologize for that? You think you're so righteous, gossiping behind people's backs. Disgusting."

The girl who had almost been hit looked defiant but was clearly shaken. "We're just telling the truth. If she did it, why can't we talk about it?"

Paula sneered, "The truth? Do you have proof? Show it. If you can't, I won't hesitate to call the police. Spreading rumors can ruin lives. If your lies have been shared enough, I can guarantee you'll be facing legal consequences."

"You... why us? Everyone's talking about it. Why single us out?" the girl with the ponytail stammered, her bravado faltering.

Paula scoffed, "You think you're special? I'm defending Melinda because she did nothing wrong. You just happened to be the ones I caught today. If I had more time, I'd deal with all of you."

"Don't think you can scare us. You can't charge us with a crime for a few words. We're leaving!" The ponytail girl tried to drag her friend away.

I could tell that she was just suppressing her fear.

But Paula blocked their path. "You're not going anywhere."

"What do you want? Do all rich people act like this? I don't believe you'll call the police over a few words."

"My legal team has plenty of experience. Your careless words could destroy someone's life."

Paula had a cold face, disgusted by these people who had no remorse.

Originally, there were onlookers, feeling that Paula was aggressive, pointing and commenting on her.

Paula's cold demeanor silenced the crowd, who had been murmuring about her. Now, no one dared to speak.

I didn't mind being misunderstood, but I couldn't stand people talking about Paula. I addressed the crowd, "You can gossip about me, but don't drag Paula into it. If you have something to say, say it to me."

"Melinda, you're too kind!" Paula hugged me, touched.

I looked at everyone, memorizing their faces. "Mr. Collins is my boss. Our relationship is strictly professional. Just because we travel for work doesn't mean there's anything inappropriate. If you think otherwise, it's your dirty mind, not my actions."

Paula had stood up for me, and I wouldn't let her efforts go to waste. I confronted the ponytail girl, "I'm the victim here. You spread baseless rumors about me and Mr. Collins. Apologize and admit you were wrong, or I won't let this go."

The girl was reluctant, embarrassed by the crowd. "Prove those rumors are false, then I'll apologize."

Paula laughed in disbelief. "The burden of proof is on the accuser, not the accused. Do you expect us to spend all our time disproving lies?"

A deep, authoritative voice interrupted, "What proof do you need?"

It was Christopher. Just before leaving work, he had told me, "Don't let online gossip get to you. Some people are just ignorant."

As Christopher approached, the crowd parted for him.