“That’s right, leaving Ylosea.” Callie clapped her hands together. “That’s a solution.”
Ximena hesitated after hearing this, “But… my passport is still with him, and if I leave, what about my job… and what if he finds my parents?”
“What’s more important, your life or your job?” Nelson’s impatience tinged his tone, he had no tolerance for indecisive people. “Forget your passport. Just claim it’s lost at the station and get a temporary one; that’ll do. As for your parents, don’t worry. We’ll help protect them in Ylosea, and we’ll call the police if the situation is urgent. He won’t be able to stir up much trouble.”
Nelson had the vibe of a decisive CEO; his mere presence was reassuring. Ximena couldn’t meet his gaze, nodding weakly, “I’ll leave first thing in the morning, but I haven’t told my parents. I’m afraid they’ll worry.”
Callie sighed, comforting Ximena, “You can think about that once you’re safe. After you leave, make sure not to reveal your location to anyone, okay?”
Callie’s suggestion calmed Ximena down; she repeatedly thanked them.
Leaving the hotel, Nelson finally breathed in some fresh air, the woman beside him continuing to sigh, “Now I understand why they lasted three years.”
Ximena was indecisive, likely dominated by Joaquin in their relationship. No wonder she was so easily deceived.
Turning his head, Nelson said irritably, “Can you stop sighing? I’ve heard enough all night, and it’s annoying.”
Callie sheepishly joked, “I didn’t expect you to know how to get a temporary passport. I thought you only traveled by private jet!”
“You think I’m like you, lacking common sense. Even if I do travel by private jet, I’m still a person.”
For once, Callie didn’t argue back, “Alright, but thank you, Mr. Oconnor, for today. I would’ve been really panicky without you.”
She never expected Nelson to intervene in this matter.
With a slight smile, Nelson opened the car door, delighted to hear her thanks. “Now, shall we go back?”
Callie laughed cautiously, “I’m worried Joaquin might come looking for Ximena, and I’d like to stay another night just to be sure. I won’t rest easy until I see Ximena off.”
“I can go back and stay with Ximena! You can go back if you’re tired! I’m fine!” She sensed Nelson was about to lose his temper.
“And watch you both get beaten to death?” Nelson pursed his lips, his impatience growing, “Get in the car!”
Callie had no choice but to obey, but once inside, Nelson didn’t instruct the driver to start the engine; instead, he leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes to rest.
She sat in nervous anticipation for a while before realizing he meant to stay in the car with her, keeping a vigilant watch through the windows.
The scattered light and shadow accentuated the sharp angles of Nelson’s face, revealing his fatigue. Callie remembered he had traveled a long way today and had been dragged out to handle a troublesome matter without rest…
A wave of gratitude washed over her, and she carefully lay down, whispering, “Thank you, really, for today, Nelson.”
For once, she didn’t call him Mr. Oconnor.
This was her family matter, and he had no obligation to assist.
After a moment, when she thought he hadn’t heard her, his large hand suddenly covered her eyes, warm and slightly moist.
“Sleep.”
Callie’s eyelashes trembled, and she closed her eyes.
This was the second time they had lain together. Callie was still uncomfortable, perhaps due to the cramped environment, her heartbeat racing.
She barely dared to breathe, restless.
“Shall I book a room for you to rest properly?”
“Shut up.”