Callie and Tobias walked out of the restaurant together after lunch. Nearby was a bustling shopping area.
“I’ve got to head back to the hospital for my shift,” Tobias said.
“Poor you, having to work on the weekend,” Callie teased playfully.
Tobias chuckled at her words and playfully pinched her nose. “Someone ditched her part-time job halfway, right? Are you looking for a new one?”
“Dr. Tobias, your words hurt me,” Callie covered her heart and feigned being hurt by his comment.
Across the street, Nelson walked out of an upscale Japanese restaurant. He looked around, not expecting to witness Callie was flirting with the man in front of her.
“Mr. Oconnor, it was great talking with you today. I’ll push my team to speed things up when I get back,” Nelson’s business partner said, extending his hand.
Nelson tore his gaze away from Callie and shook the man’s hand, “Looking forward to our cooperation.”
“I have something else this afternoon, so I’ll take my leave,” the partner said politely.
“Please,” Nelson replied, watching the partner walk away. When he looked back, that man who was talking with Callie was already leaving, and Callie seemed reluctant to part with him.
Just as Callie was about to leave in the opposite direction, she paused, thinking, ‘Wait, I think I saw someone familiar.’
She turned and, to her disbelief, saw Nelson standing outside the Japanese restaurant. Tall and elegant, he wore a simple white shirt and black suit pants today, exuding an air of elegance that caught everyone’s attention.
‘What was Nelson doing here?’
Before Callie could figure it out, Nelson was already striding towards her, his powerful presence palpable.
Recalling the tense atmosphere from the previous night, Callie forced a smile. “Hi, Mr. Oconnor. What a coincidence running into you here. Did you enjoy your lunch?”
Nelson wasn’t in the mood for small talk and sneered, “You’re really something. I was wondering how you managed to cheer up so quickly. Turns out you had a date with another man.”
Callie didn’t understand. ‘Cheer up? What did he mean?’
“A date? Dr. Tobias is my friend! Do I need your permission to have lunch with a friend, Mr. Oconnor? That wasn’t part of our agreement, was it?”
“Friend?” Nelson’s deep voice carried a mocking tone. “So, your male friend can pinch your nose? You’re very open-minded.”
Callie caught his meaning this time and shot back, “You know friends greet each other with a kiss on the cheek in other countries. It’s the 21st century, Mr. Oconnor. I didn’t expect you to be so old-fashioned.”
Nelson was at a loss for words, and Callie took the elevator down.
He followed, reminding her from behind, “Callie, stay away from that man.”
Callie covered her ears.
“Did you hear me?” Nelson grabbed her wrist, forcing her to listen.
“Why?” she looked up at him, her eyes bright.
“He has bad intentions.”
“What exactly are his bad intentions?”
“He…” Strangely, Nelson avoided her gaze, “Just don’t be so close to men in public. It causes me trouble!”
Callie was not convinced. All the dissatisfaction and anger she felt towards him from yesterday surged back up. “I knew Dr. Tobias before I knew you. Mr. Oconnor, you’re asking me to give up a friend for you. Don’t you think that’s too much?”
“Friend? Callie, you’re too naive,” Nelson released her hand.
Men understand men.
‘The way Tobias looked at her was not simply a look at a friend. Only she’s too foolish to see it.’
“Nelson, you’re unbelievable!” Callie shouted, unable to tolerate his cold mockery any longer.