“Health issues?” Colleagues exchanged puzzled glances.
Callie hadn’t planned on spreading rumors about Nelson, but after what happened that morning, she felt justified in getting a little payback.
With a straight face, she lied, “Yes, my husband has had leg problems since he was young. He doesn’t like meeting people. You know how men can be about their pride.”
The design department fell silent for a few seconds, looking at Callie with newfound sympathy. Even Skye smirked, “You must be an angel, willing to devote your life to that.”
“It’s not like that. He loves me so much he’d die for me. Love is a mysterious thing. People die for love,” Callie said dramatically, placing her hands on her cheeks and pretending to swoon over Nelson’s undying love, nearly trembling with suppressed laughter.
“Mr. Oconnor… You’re leaving?” Litzy’s voice suddenly trembled, looking past Callie.
Callie was still laughing. “Mr. Oconnor? What Mr. Oconnor?”
She turned her head, and just like that morning, Nelson’s stern face was right in front of her.
As usual, he looked displeased.
His hands were in his pockets, his black trousers perfectly tailored to his legs.
He looked down at Callie with an imposing presence.
Callie stepped back in shock, tripped over a chair, and fell to the floor in an awkward heap.
The office erupted in laughter.
Why did every day become more dramatic since she got involved with Nelson?
Nelson glanced at Callie on the floor, his dark eyes momentarily flashing with amusement.
He addressed Litzy, “I was just passing through the design department. Everyone can go home now.”
With that, he walked away. Cora hurried to follow but glanced back to see Callie getting up and rubbing her wrist.
Cora’s eyes darkened slightly.
Nelson had an evening engagement, bringing along Mr. Russell, a long-time, trusted company veteran.
As the evening ended, Nelson casually remarked, “There’s a vacancy in the design department. It can’t remain unfilled for long. Do you have any candidates in mind?”
Mr. Russell was caught off guard, his mind racing to understand Nelson’s intent. Ever since Nelson had asked him to help Callie, he suspected something went on between them.
Nelson gave Mr. Russel a sharp look. “Stop trying to read my mind. Just tell me your thoughts.”
“Well, I think both Callie and Skye have strong abilities. Callie is decisive and capable, but she’s only recently started to shine. Compared to Skye, she lacks experience and achievements. Skye, on the other hand, has brought in many contracts and won several awards for Oconnor Group. So, I personally think Skye has the edge.”
Mr. Russell anxiously watched Nelson’s reaction, afraid of saying the wrong thing.
Despite Nelson being much younger, his presence was overwhelming.
“And?”
“And… what?” Mr. Russell was confused.
Nelson’s tone was icy. “You mentioned Callie’s shortcomings but not Skye’s.”
Mr. Russell was stunned. Cora, who had been observing, stepped in to help. “Mr. Russell has a point, but promoting someone based solely on seniority without considering their overall suitability can lead to issues, like what happened with Lorelai.”
She glanced carefully at Nelson, who was staring into the distance, lost in thought. Despite his preferences, he usually made decisions based on merit.
After about half a minute, Nelson nodded. “Let’s go. I’ll think about it.”