Second Chance: Marrying into Wealth Chapter 317

Paula sneered, "Mrs. Collins is such a snake!"

"What do you mean by that?" I knew Faye was tough, but I was curious how Paula had figured it out from this situation.

Paula explained, "It's no secret that Mrs. Collins wants to team up with the Ellis family. When Liliana and Theodosia found out, they dressed to the nines and showed up when Mrs. Collins arrived."

"But Mrs. Collins wants an alliance with you, right?"

Liliana really wanted to take everything from Paula.

Paula chuckled, "That's why I say Mrs. Collins is devious. She said she wanted an alliance with the Ellis family but didn't specify with whom. Theodosia is also a daughter of the Ellis family, and Liliana would love for Theodosia to marry into the Collins family. So, they pulled out all the stops. Mrs. Collins pretended to like Theodosia and even gave her an expensive piece of jewelry. I bet Liliana and Theodosia are feeling pretty smug at home right now."

I couldn't help but get a little angry, "So Mrs. Collins is clearly trying to drive a wedge between you and Theodosia, hoping you'll both end up losing. Then she might have an excuse to back out of the alliance."

"You're getting smarter, seeing the bigger picture. Liliana and Theodosia are short-sighted. They really think Mrs. Collins would be interested in Theodosia. With their brains, they could end up with nothing. Liliana only bullied me because I was young back then."

Paula had nothing but disdain for her family.

"Since Mrs. Collins gave Theodosia hope, I'm worried they might see you as an obstacle and try to get rid of you. Be careful," I said, concerned.

"Don't worry about that. As long as Randy is alive, they won't dare do anything. But now that you mention it, I'm more worried about you. You're my best friend, and Liliana knows our relationship. She might target you. Stay close to Mr. Collins for safety."

Thinking of Christopher, I couldn't help but remember last night and changed the subject. "Quinlan just called me. Marlowe is seriously ill."

"Didn't we already know that? Jason was used and discarded. She couldn't hold back? She must be foolish, not waiting for the trial."

"It's not a mental illness. It's leukemia." I told Paula what I had just heard.

Paula was speechless, especially about Jason's efforts for Marlowe.

Paula couldn't help but mock, "I've never seen someone so eager to be used as a tool!"

Paula wasn't too curious about the situation.

I hesitated but finally voiced my decision, "Paula, if I said I wanted to quit, would you support me?"

As expected, Paula got anxious when she heard I wanted to quit.

"Are you being bullied or wronged? Why do you suddenly want to quit? Didn't you say Mr. Collins was training you to be a vice president? That's a great opportunity that others would kill for."

I knew that, but how could I explain?

Paula continued to persuade and analyze, "You haven't really struggled in the workplace. You don't know what other workplaces are like. Many are full of scheming or are dead-end jobs. Summit Innovations Group has a great environment, good work atmosphere, and nice colleagues. It is a thriving company with a good boss. You're lucky to have this job. If you quit, you won't find anything better."

The more she persuaded, the more stifled and upset I felt.

But I couldn't tell her the real reason I wanted to quit.

It was because I had fallen for Christopher and was afraid of getting in too deep again.

I finally gave a random excuse, "I'm just tired and need a break."

Paula, always looking out for me, understood.

After the whole mess with Manager Lawrence, I hadn't really taken any time off and jumped straight back into work.

Plus, I didn't really need the money. As long as I wasn't extravagant, I could live comfortably for the rest of my life.

Paula finally said, "Since you've decided, you know I've always got your back. I thought you were planning to go to another company."

I had considered it but hadn't thought it through. I just wanted to quit first.

Paula continued, "If you want to quit and not work, that's fine. You know I have some money and can support you. But you have to promise me one thing."

"What is it?"

It sounded mysterious.

"Stay with Mr. Christopher Collins until Mrs. Faye Collins comes to Starlight City."

"What does it have to do with Mrs. Collins?"

Paula chuckled, "You don't get it! Mrs. Collins hasn't stopped watching you. If you have free time, do you think she won't find something for you to do?"

Paula was right. She was my savior, reminding me just in time.

I was terrified of facing Faye. Being around her made me uneasy, afraid of being manipulated.

"Paula, you really are the best!" I was moved to tears.

Seeing that I didn't insist on quitting immediately, Paula was relieved.

Paula was busy at the Ellis Group, always under someone's watch, so she hung up to get back to work.

Just then, I received an internal call from the company.

It was from Christopher's office.

I was startled. Christopher was sick; why was he at the office?

"Mr. Collins, how are you feeling?"

I answered the call and heard Christopher's voice, expressing my concern.

"I'm fine," Christopher's voice was still a bit hoarse. "Send me today's work schedule."

"I'll send it to your email right away," I replied quickly.

I planned to take two documents to Christopher.

As I was about to leave, I thought of Christopher's throat and poured him a cup of hot water before entering his office.

"Mr. Collins, these are the documents that need your signature."

I placed the cup next to Christopher and handed him the documents.

Christopher noticed the cup as he took the documents, his eyes darkening before returning to normal.

I observed Christopher's expression.

Despite being seriously ill yesterday, he didn't look worn out today.

I mentioned another matter, "Stanley called. Do you want to see him?"

"Did he find the person he was supposed to hire?" Christopher's tone was calm but carried a sense of pressure.

He was clearly dissatisfied with Stanley's efficiency.

When we were setting up AutoForge Workshop, none of the candidates Stanley found satisfied Christopher.

"Stanley said he's in contact with Willie Reed."

Even I, a newcomer to the auto industry, had heard of Willie. He was a top talent, having worked for a leading international car company before recently returning to the country.

If AutoForge Workshop could hire him, Christopher would be pleased.

But Willie hadn't accepted any offers since returning, with rumors he planned to start his own business.

Christopher said, "Tell Stanley to contact him. I'll meet Willie in person."

"Okay, I'll let Stanley know."

I believed that if Christopher met Willie, it would be a done deal. Christopher had the charisma and persuasive skills.

Of course, I kept that thought to myself.