Nelson’s imposing and regal presence made him stand out effortlessly as he ate his lunch with deliberate calmness.
“Why is Mr. Oconnor here?” Litzy asked in surprise.
Callie quickly grabbed her arm. “Let’s sit over there.”
Not wanting to be too close to the boss, Litzy readily agreed, and they moved to another table.
Thinking about what happened the night before, Callie wished Nelson would never see her. She hurried through her meal, trying to avoid any further embarrassment.
As they were heading upstairs after lunch, they bumped into Nelson.
Of course, she thought, just her bad luck.
“Mr. Oconnor.” They greeted in unison.
Nelson glanced at Callie and gave a faint nod.
The elevator arrived just then. Callie intended to wait for the next one, but Litzy pulled her in. Now, all three were in the elevator together, and Callie felt like she could barely breathe.
As the elevator ascended, Callie silently prayed for it to move faster.
When they finally reached their floor, Callie practically dragged Litzy out. Nelson watched her hurried escape and decided to follow.
“Hello, Mr. Oconnor.”
There were the chorus of greetings as Nelson walked into the design department. His visit caught everyone off guard.
“Mr. Oconnor, what brings you here?” Lorelai rushed over, eager to please him.
Nelson stopped and looked at her, noticing her name badge. “Are you the new director?”
Lorelai was thrilled that Nelson knew who she was.
“Yes, Mr. Oconnor. I’m Lorelai.”
Nelson recognized her, not as the new director, but as the person talking bad about Callie the previous day.
“Miss Ryan, you’re quite impressive, landing the director position at such a young age,” Nelson remarked, his tone laden with sarcasm.
Lorelai, however, took it as a compliment.
“Doing anything for the company is my duty. I’ll do my best in everything I undertake.”
“Really?” Nelson’s laugh was cold.
“Including targeting your colleagues?”
Lorelai’s expression changed instantly. She stared at Nelson, confused. “Mr. Oconnor, what do you mean? Have you heard some unfounded rumors? Those stories are just gossip and certainly don’t reflect the truth. Please don’t believe them.”
“Relax, Miss Ryan. I was just making conversation…”
Lorelai exhaled in relief, though she felt a chill run down her spine.
“Mr. Oconnor, you really scared me…”
“Don’t worry, I’m just looking around. Go on with your work.”
Relieved, Lorelai quickly excused herself.
Observing the lengthy conversation between Lorelai and Nelson, Lorelai’s colleagues speculated that her rapid promotion must be due to her connection with Nelson.
It was clear to everyone. How else could she have climbed the ranks so quickly?
Nelson continued his tour of the design department until he spotted Callie at her desk in a corner, buried in paperwork and oblivious to his presence.
He rubbed his nose, wondering when he had become so invisible.
Nelson walked over to Callie and tapped her desk with his finger.