Callie spent a restless night, constantly alert to any noises outside. Fortunately, nothing untoward occurred.
And Ximena, bag in tow, left the hotel early in the morning, catching a taxi to the station.
Just as Callie was about to wake the resting Nelson, she turned and found him already observing her intently.
She felt unnerved under his gaze, stammering, “Um…”
Nelson rubbed his temples and directed the driver, “Follow that taxi.”
As morning broke over Ylosea, the air tinged with the salty scent of the sea, the streets grew busier. Callie stretched, her entire body aching-she imagined Nelson must be just as uncomfortable.
Considering this, she felt an increased sense of guilt.
Ensuring Ximena’s safe arrival at the station without incident, the driver inquired, “Mr. Oconnor, should we head back to Paucaster Villa Complex or to the office?”
After a brief pause, Nelson decided, “To the office.”
Callie, speaking softly, suggested, “Maybe you should go back and rest this morning.”
She was accustomed to the erratic schedules typical of her job, hardly impacted by them, but she worried about the ‘young master’ compromising his health.
Nelson responded with a hint of sarcasm, “Are you going to do my job for me?”
“…” Callie laughed off the remark.
For someone at his level, every second was accounted for; countless departments depended on his decisions. Nelson couldn’t simply take a break.
Nor did he intend to.
As they neared Oconnor Group, Callie urged the driver to stop, “I’ll get off here!”
Nelson’s brow furrowed slightly, guessing her intentions but still asked, “Does riding in my car embarrass you?”
Callie, taken aback, exclaimed, “If I get out of the car with you today, by tomorrow, they’ll have unearthed everything about my whole life.” She clasped her hands together, pleadingly, “please have mercy and let me stay under the radar!”
With that, she slung her bag over her shoulder and darted towards her company.
“Heartless,” Nelson muttered, an eyebrow raised but his lips curving into a faint smile.
As Callie ran, watching Nelson’s Porsche disappear into the distance, she suddenly remembered something and ducked into a nearby breakfast shop.
“What can I get you, miss?”
“Hmm… I’ll have a plate of pancakes to eat here, and then pack up an order of croissants, two breakfast sandwiches, and a cup of coffee.”
With prices rising rapidly, what used to cost one dollar for a sandwich ten years ago now costs five dollars each. Callie usually can’t afford to indulge in them.
This breakfast was for Nelson. Unsure of any other way to thank him for his support last night, she figured delivering breakfast before his busy day started might just be perfect.
Carrying the breakfast, Callie took the elevator from the underground parking lot all the way up. It was still early, and there weren’t many people around.
Occasionally, a few employees from other departments she didn’t recognize would enter.
Nelson’s office had a private rest area. Given his busy work schedule, he often stayed overnight there, so it was fully equipped with all necessary amenities. Exhausted, he headed straight to the bathroom for a shower.
Callie reached the top floor and found the secretary’s office empty. She cautiously slipped into the executive office, only to find it deserted as well. Where was Nelson? Hadn’t he come to the office?
Confused but not deterred, she placed the breakfast on the desk and pulled a sticky note from her bag, scribbling: For Nelson, who gave his time selflessly. Don’t forget breakfast!