“Let me handle this.”
The secretary pushed open the door. The room was filled with a decadent atmosphere, crowded with people. Among them, a man stood out, sitting by the wooden-colored window, holding a cigarette in his hand, lost in thought. He seemed completely out of place in such a scene. Several busty women clung to him, feeding him drinks, but while he didn’t refuse, he also didn’t drink.
Cora stood nearby, her eyes rolling so hard they were practically aimed at the ceiling.
“Nelson!” Callie’s voice broke the sultry noise with a heavy tone.
Nelson looked up at the sound, a trace of surprise on his face. “Why are you here?”
“Oh, great! I’ve been waiting for you at home, and here you are, flirting with women!” Callie, at her most dramatic, stomped her feet and walked forward, pushing the women aside. “How could you do this to me?”
Cora was in utter disbelief, not expecting Callie to show up.
“You misunderstood.” Nelson stubbed out his cigarette, sat up straight, and caught on to her signal with a helpless smile.
“Misunderstood? They were practically kissing you!”
“You said that only I could do that.”
She fired back without missing a beat, her eyes brimming with tears, making her look utterly aggrieved.
The room fell silent for a moment. No one knew quite how to react. This woman actually dared to speak to Nelson like that, and what was more surprising, he didn’t seem angry-there was even a hint of guilt.
None of the men in the room dared to speak.
Callie continued to shake Nelson’s arm. “I knew it! You can’t trust a word a man says. How could you do this to me, Nelson?”
Nelson grabbed her restless hand, patiently replying, “You really misunderstood. It’s just a gathering tonight, I didn’t touch any of them.”
“Who would believe that? I saw what happened!”
This overly forward woman was acting out of bounds and very spoiled. Seeing things take a wrong turn, the man sitting at the head of the table straightened up. “Mr. Oconnor, this lady is…?”
Cora wanted to say something but hesitated. At this moment, Nelson slightly bowed, “My wife.”
Everyone was stunned. They hadn’t expected that Nelson was married, and to such a woman who clearly had him under control. Her status had to be something unusual.
“When did you get married, Mr. Oconnor?”
“Not long ago. It hasn’t been made public yet. I hope you’ll understand.”
They understood now. It all made sense.
Callie, clinging to Nelson’s arm, flashed a bright smile. “Gentlemen, my Nelson is already married, so I’d appreciate it if you called him to fewer of these kinds of gatherings in the future. I have quite a temper.”
Nelson, as a business partner, couldn’t refuse such gatherings, but Mrs. Oconnor certainly could. Playing the villain suited her perfectly.
“Mr. Oconnor is truly devoted. We will, of course, be more mindful in the future.” They all lowered their posture.
Callie picked up Nelson’s glass, refilled it, and raised it to the group. “I’ll drink this first as an apology.” She drained the glass in one gulp, the color of the wine on her lips looking tantalizing.
Nelson stared through the dim light at that flash of color, his eyes deep with thought.
After that, there was no way anyone could refuse to forgive. The women quickly left, and Callie leaned closer to Nelson, sniffing him before making a face. “Ugh, you stink. This outfit is ruined.”
Nelson lowered his gaze, struggling to hide the smile that tugged at the corner of his mouth.
With that, the gathering came to an end. As soon as everyone left, Callie immediately asked the secretary for a coat. “I’m freezing! Freezing to death!”
Nelson remained seated, leisurely watching her. “Weren’t you all-powerful just now, like a peacock?”