“You were eavesdropping!” Callie puffed her cheeks, her face turning red.
How could Nelson be like this?
“If I’m not mistaken, you were standing right in front of my car,” Nelson replied calmly, his tone cold and steady, leaving Callie at a loss for words.
She was momentarily speechless and decided to let it go. With a broad smile, she clapped her hands. “Well, since you overheard it, Mr. Oconnor, may I have the honor of cooking for you?”
“No.”
Wow, he was so ruthless.
Callie was left speechless.
Reuben had always taught her to be grateful and to repay kindness.
She remembered all the times Nelson had helped her, including finding someone to fix her computer, which allowed her to take down Lorelai.
But the courage she had mustered up was swiftly deflated by Nelson’s blunt rejection.
Fine, if he didn’t want it, she wouldn’t push.
Feeling a bit down, Callie was about to nod and find an excuse to escape this awkward situation when Nelson suddenly said, “You’re coming to the hospital with me tonight.”
Callie was puzzled. “To see Grandpa?”
“We’re bringing him home from the hospital.”
In the car, Callie learned that Old Oconnor was recovering well and was eager to go home. Nelson didn’t have time during the day, so he had to pick him up after work.
She didn’t think much of it. “Are you his only grandchild? What about…?”
She trailed off, realizing it might be a sensitive topic.
Nelson, resting his eyes, was illuminated by the neon lights outside the car, highlighting his sharp profile.
“My grandfather had only one son, my father. He passed away when I was very young. I grew up with my grandfather, so now it’s my responsibility to take care of him.”
He spoke slowly, as if it were no big deal, but the words “my responsibility” carried a firm resolve.
Callie just nodded, not daring to ask about his mother.
Clearly, Nelson didn’t want to talk about it, and it probably wasn’t a happy story.
Before entering the hospital room, Nelson held out his hand.
Callie hesitated before placing her hand in his. His hand was cold, making her shiver slightly, but he gripped her firmly.
Nelson repeated his usual instruction, “Call me Nelson.”
Old Oconnor, eager to go home after staying in the hospital for so long, was overjoyed to see Callie.
“Callie, you understand me best and come to take me home. Not like someone…”
Nelson took the luggage the nurse had packed. “Grandpa, don’t say that. I’ve been here to pick you up, right?”
Callie smiled warmly, expertly cheering up the old man. “Nelson has been talking about picking you up all day, Grandpa. Please forgive him.”
“Alright, just for your sake,” Old Oconnor replied, trying to sound gruff but clearly pleased.
He looked much better, his voice strong and clear.
Callie knew from his medical records that his condition was hard to cure.
His improved spirits must be because he was happy about his grandson’s relationship.
The family mansion was nestled by a mountain and water, a mini-estate in the prime real estate of Ylosea. It was Callie’s first time here, and she tried to hide her amazement. The wealth was evident, but something about the architecture seemed familiar to her.
“Callie, if you like it here, you can come back with Nelson anytime. My home is your home,” Old Oconnor said kindly, putting Callie at ease.
Callie smiled and said, “You’re the most humble rich person I’ve ever met.”
Her words made Old Oconnor laugh, and even Nelson, who had been standing quietly, couldn’t help but smile.