Chapter 348

Chapter 348

"She's fine, thank you for your concern, Mr. Collins."

I thanked Christopher and then explained the arrangement between Paula and Jason. Of course, I omitted the part about the fight with Bobby. Instinctively, I knew Christopher might get angry if he found out, and might even do something to Bobby. It was partly intuition, but also because I trusted Christopher.

"Paula is someone who knows her limits and has effective methods," Christopher remarked after hearing everything.

Coming from someone as accomplished as Christopher, this was high praise for Paula. I couldn't help but respond, "Yes, Paula is wonderful. She'd be thrilled to hear you compliment her like that."

Christopher's expression softened at my words, and he seemed to be in a good mood.

"I should get back to my desk," I said, feeling a bit embarrassed about the work that had likely piled up in my absence.

Christopher suddenly called after me, "There's a business dinner tonight. I'd like you to join me."

"What?" I was surprised since I handled his schedule and didn't recall any dinner plans. This must have been added last minute. "Alright, but should I prepare anything?"

I felt nervous about attending my first business dinner with Christopher, afraid of embarrassing myself.

Christopher gave me a quick once-over and simply said, "You look perfect just as you are."

Even after he left, I felt dazed. My heart was racing inexplicably. Though his words were perfectly normal, I couldn't help but detect a hint of flirtation.

I watched his tall figure disappear down the hallway, unable to look away. Damn it. I was falling deeper and deeper, with no way out.

Strangely, after my experience with Lawrence, I should have been skittish about these feelings. 

But with Christopher, perhaps because I trusted him so completely, I knew he wouldn't hurt me, so I wasn't particularly anxious. 

My only reason for trying to suppress my feelings was knowing I wasn't good enough for him, plus the dangerous world he inhabited.

I pushed down my emotions and returned to my desk, only to find it completely clear of documents. Vincent and the others had obviously handled everything for me. I felt guilty, wondering if Christopher had instructed them to take care of my workload.

"Ms. Turner..." Vincent suddenly appeared, calling my name twice before I snapped out of my thoughts.

"Sorry, I just noticed there are mosquitoes this season and was lost in thought about why," I quickly explained.

It was a terrible excuse, but Vincent played along. "Really? Mosquitoes at this time of year is strange. I'll have someone spray the plants to keep the bugs away."

I was mortified. How could I tell him it was just an excuse? And now I'd created extra work for others.

"No, no, that's not necessary. I don't see them anymore. It was probably just one or two. The weather's getting colder, so we shouldn't worry. No need to bother anyone, and the chemicals aren't good for the air quality."

I quickly declined Vincent's offer and turned to my email, focusing intently on work. When I finally stretched after completing most of it, I noticed several missed calls from Jason. He was calling again now.

I answered this time.

"Ms. Turner, could you please repeat to me, word for word, the conversation between Bobby and Marlowe at the hospital?" Jason asked directly.

I had expected him to reprimand me, since I'd told Paula about Marlowe, and Jason had given me a meaningful look through the rearview mirror at the time.

I have a good memory, especially for dialogue, so this was easy for me. The fact that he was asking suggested that he'd taken Paula's words to heart, which made me glad I'd spoken well of him to Paula.

"Is that a problem?" Jason asked when I didn't immediately respond.

"Not at all!" I quickly agreed and repeated the conversation I'd overheard verbatim.

After listening, Jason fell into brief contemplation before asking, "What's your take? Do you really think there's something between them?"

"Paula and I agree on this. From their body language, their relationship is clearly unusual. Judging from their conversation, they probably knew each other during their school days."

I said this while feeling increasingly confused. Paula had told me Bobby and Marlowe didn't attend the same high school. Yet their conversation didn't sound like they'd met after Marlowe graduated.

Moreover, since the incident in high school, Jason had been constantly protecting Marlowe and keeping a close eye on the Owens family. If the two had been in contact, how could Jason have missed it? As one of the best criminal attorneys, Jason had exceptional instincts for investigation. How could he have overlooked something so obvious?

Jason was silent for a moment, seemingly deep in thought.

Finally, he said, "Alright, I understand. I have to go," and hung up abruptly. I had the feeling he'd realized something important.

"Your guess might be right. And if we take the speculation one step further, could Marlowe's reason for not transferring schools back then have been because of Bobby?" Christopher's voice suddenly came from behind me.

Following his line of reasoning, it actually made sense. After all these years, Bobby hadn't changed much. With his clean-cut appearance and flirtatious manner, he still had the charm to attract women. Few women could resist a handsome, wealthy man who was willing to spend money on them.

Back then, Marlowe was an orphan, somewhat isolated at school. If a man appeared like a savior, she might have clung to him like a lifeline.

"Mr. Collins, your perspective is impressively sharp. You always seem to hit the nail on the head," I couldn't help but admire his insight.

Christopher remained composed. "It's not hard to figure out. Someone like Bobby thrives on challenge. The more impossible a conquest seems, the more he wants to pursue it, enjoying the feeling of watching his target fall helplessly into his trap."