Second Chance: Marrying into Wealth Chapter 38

I listened with a somber expression.

No wonder Christopher is the smart one, he's great at distinguishing between good and bad people.

I'm just foolish.

Christopher added, "Kyle also noticed."

I felt even more guilty and self-blaming.

"Dad is so smart, of course he can see through it. I didn't inherit any of Dad's wisdom," I said, feeling a bit down.

These days, when I'm alone, besides hating Lawrence, I think more about my parents.

I always recall the harmonious times when Kyle would hold me and read to me, teaching me lessons.

But all those lessons didn't make me any smarter or wiser.

I was completely fooled by Lawrence, and my child suffered because of it. I really don't deserve to be a mother.

"Melinda, do you remember the story Kyle told?" Christopher's voice was low and calm as he continued, "Once, there was a man who, after a rainstorm, found the river swollen and the bridge washed away. He had no choice but to look for something to cross the river. In a nearby dilapidated church, he found a statue. Without any reverence, he carried the statue out and used it as a bridge to cross the river. Later, many locals also used the statue to cross the river.

Then, a merchant with faith passed by. Seeing the statue being mistreated, he knelt and prayed for forgiveness, then carried the statue back to the church, cleaned it, and repaired the church."

I nodded.

When Kyle told this story, Christopher was also there.

The story had a follow-up, "Later, the statue caused the merchant to lose everything, but the man who used it to cross the river lived a better life."

I was puzzled at the time, "Dad, why? Why did the statue do that? The merchant was the one who helped the statue."

Kyle didn't give a direct answer. He just said, "This is something you need to think about. But, Melinda, think about it. The statue helping people cross the river was also doing a good deed. The merchant, thinking he was doing the right thing, actually prevented the statue from doing good. It's possible. You can't judge everything by its appearance."

Thinking of this, my eyes couldn't help but redden.

Yes, I was superficial back then. Because of Lawrence's fake kindness, I overlooked his true nature. Lawrence is cruel and deceitful, but it's also my fault for not seeing through him and forgetting Kyle's teachings.

Christopher saw me finish and added, "Melinda, there's more to the story. The merchant, though he worshipped the statue, made his money through illegal means, harming other people. The man, on the other hand, was kind-hearted, always helping his village. Using the statue as a bridge even saved someone who was swept away by the river upstream."

"Melinda, think about it!"

He finished the story without giving me any grand advice or mocking me, just encouraging me to think before jumping to conclusions.

"It's getting late. I'll take you home!" Christopher suggested, seeing me deep in thought and looking at the sky.

I nodded. After talking with him, I felt much lighter.

We got back in the car. This time, whether because Christopher was too smart or something else, he quickly got used to the car and the road, driving much more smoothly.

The car soon stopped at the entrance of my neighborhood. I thanked Christopher and was about to get out.

Christopher also got out, gentlemanly opening the door for me.

At that moment, I felt a sinister gaze from nearby.

I looked up and saw Lawrence, his eyes cold and fierce like a hungry wolf, scaring me.

How coincidental to run into Lawrence coming home from work. He usually doesn't come home this early.

He was sitting in his car, the window half down, revealing his upper face and those cold eyes staring at me and Christopher.

I tightened my grip, remembering the story: don't rush to conclusions, stay calm.

Christopher also noticed Lawrence. His presence made the atmosphere tense. I saw he was about to speak.

But Lawrence got out of his car, storming towards us with anger.

For a moment, I thought Lawrence was going to hit Christopher. My expression changed.

Suddenly, I smiled and walked over to Lawrence, wrapping my arm around his, suppressing my disgust, and said in a sweet tone, "Lawrence, you wouldn't believe how unlucky I was. I didn't know what to do, but luckily I met Christopher. You should thank him.

If it weren't for him, my phone was dead, and I wouldn't have known how to get home."

In this day and age, without a phone or cash, it can be really difficult to get around.

So my excuse didn't seem out of place.

I could feel Lawrence's mood slightly ease.

But I could still sense the tension between Lawrence and Christopher.

Pretending not to notice Lawrence's mood, I smiled as if they were old friends meeting, "It's been a while since you two met, say hello!"

I lowered my voice and whispered in Lawrence's ear, "Lawrence, so many people are watching, and Christopher helped me. For my sake, be generous and don't hold onto past grudges."

After all, the last time Lawrence and Christopher met, they had a fight.

Lawrence didn't speak, just led me over, "Thank you for helping Melinda today."

Then he changed from holding my hand to hugging me, almost pulling me into his arms, "Melinda and I have things to discuss today. We'll thank you properly another time."

Lawrence emphasized the word "thank" with a bit of force.

Christopher's eyes were deep, giving Lawrence a mocking look, and coldly said, "I was happy to help her, no need for your thanks!"

He then smiled warmly at me, "If you need anything, your parents always asked me to look after you. That still stands!"

He finished with a contemptuous smile at Lawrence, mocking and challenging him.

Lawrence's presence turned cold, like the temperature had dropped, his breath icy.

My heart skipped a beat.

When Lawrence wasn't looking, I sneaked a glance at Christopher, signaling him to stop.

Christopher, you know you and Lawrence don't get along, why provoke him? Aren't you afraid of stirring things up?