Nelson felt eyes on him and glanced back, issuing a silent warning.
Callie was overjoyed, hugging her laptop. Now that her computer was fixed and she had her original designs, she could prove her innocence.
She could hardly contain her gratitude. “Mr. Oconnor, thank you so much!”
“Instead of thanking me, use your brain more,” Nelson retorted with his usual sharpness, but he actually gave a faint smile.
He thought Callie was silly. No wonder she hadn’t made a name for herself at Oconnor Group. She’d been used by others all along.
Callie was used to Nelson’s tone by now. She knew Nelson had a sharp tongue but a soft heart and genuinely cared about his employees.
“It’s me you should be thanking,” came a voice from behind. “I’m the one who fixed your computer. Do you two even see me here?”
The man waved his hand, looking incredulous.
Callie snapped out of it and smiled at him. “Oh, I’m sorry. Thank you too. You’re amazing. You’ve helped me a lot.”
Her playful tone made the atmosphere relaxed, almost like they were old friends rather than a boss and employee.
The man raised an eyebrow and extended his hand. “Well, you’re welcome. I’m Bridger Kaiser, Nelson’s good friend.”
As he said “Nelson,” Bridger’s eyes darted between Nelson and Callie with a knowing look.
“It’s nice to meet you, Bridger. I’m Callie, from the design department.” Callie’s face showed a hint of awkwardness.
“Are you an employee?”
What else could she say? Should she say she was Nelson’s nominal wife?
That would be too dramatic. Just thinking about it made Callie cringe with embarrassment.
“Did you know Nelson has never asked for my help because of a woman before? You’re the first,” Bridger teased, moving closer to Callie.
She froze, feeling flustered. The first?
Nelson pursed his lips as he noticed Callie’s discomfort. He decided to help her out. “Aren’t you busy?”
Callie seized the chance. “I’ll get back to work now.”
She darted out of the room, and Bridger watched her go with a playful grin. Propping himself on Nelson’s desk, he said, “Nelson, I never knew you took such an interest in your employees.”
Nelson, now seated in his chair, had no intention of explaining. “Her computer contained important files. Your help is no longer needed. You can go.”
Bridger, unfazed, continued, “I think I’ve seen her before. She looks familiar.”
“Cora, show him out,” Nelson called.
A tall, impeccably dressed woman with a refined appearance entered the room. She smiled and extended her hand. “Mr. Kaiser, this way, please.”
Bridger squinted, pretending to curse. “You’re heartless, Cora. We’ve met so many times, and you still won’t stand on my side.”
Cora’s smile remained professional. “I’ve already reserved a table at your favorite restaurant, Mr. Kaiser. You can head over now.”
Bridger laughed and waved at Nelson. “I’m off, then.”
“See you,” Nelson replied.
After Bridger left, Cora’s smile faded. She had been working for Nelson since graduating and had never seen him so concerned about a low-level employee, even calling in a friend to help.
Could it be…
Cora quickly shook her head. Impossible. That employee had nothing special. Nelson wouldn’t be interested in her.
It must be that the files on Callie’s computer were indeed important to Oconnor Group.