The car began to turn, and Callie could no longer recognize the road outside. She only knew that the Oconnor family shrine was a very secretive place for Ylosea.
The car stopped, and the wheels made a crisp sound as they rolled over the leaves.
Nelson said in a deep voice, “Don’t be afraid. Follow me.”
In this hidden place, the first impression was not luxury but elegance. The courtyard had a blend of ancient and modern architecture. The place was vast, with many people around, yet it did not feel chaotic; everything was orderly.
History seemed to come alive here.
Nelson hung his coat on his arm and walked steadily at the front. His expression was calm and gentle, and everyone who saw him respectfully called him “Young Master.” Today, he wore a black shirt with two glass-like buttons undone at his neck, exuding an air of authority.
Callie followed behind him, surprised that no one gave her strange looks; everyone was just busy with their tasks.
Her impression of the place improved slightly.
Soon, a man who looked like a butler came out to report to Nelson, “Mr. Nelson, you are back. Mr. Dale is waiting for you and Madam to join him for incense.”
Nelson nodded.
As the butler passed by Callie, he nodded and smiled at her respectfully.
Climbing the steps, Nelson turned back and extended his hand to Callie. “Come.”
The Oconnor family had some different forces now, and Dale mentioned by the butler was one of them.
Nelson had mentioned him in the car. He was a director of the Oconnor Group who had once been defeated by Nelson. He had since retired to live out his days within the family.
Callie thought that dealing with someone like Nelson, especially someone from the Oconnor family, would be more intimidating.
But it wasn’t.
He appeared to be a gentle man in his fifties or sixties, wearing simple clothes and cloth shoes, looking quite spirited.
Seeing them arrive, he stood up with a smile, but Nelson gestured for him to remain seated and respectfully said, “Uncle, please sit.”
Dale made a gesture of invitation. The tea on the table was steaming hot.
Nelson placed a protective hand on Callie’s waist, smiling as he said, “Callie, greet him.”
“Uncle.”
Dale stood up anyway, smiling at Callie. “I’ve heard about you from my father. You seem like a good girl.”
Callie replied, “Thank you, Uncle.”
They sat down, and Dale focused the conversation on Callie. He didn’t ask about her family or work, likely already knowing enough. He kindly advised her not to feel restrained within the Oconnor family and that becoming part of the family was a matter of fate.
Such kindness moved Callie slightly. She couldn’t reconcile this man with the ruthless figure Nelson had described. She glanced at Nelson, who was elegantly sipping his tea, his emotions unreadable.
Before long, more people arrived.
A refined young man brought over a display case of items. Dale introduced him first. “Shamar, this is your sister-in-law.”
Callie matched the name in her mind: Shamar Oconnor, Dale’s only son, still in college.
The boy smiled and extended his hand to Callie. “Hello, sister-in-law. I’m Shamar. Welcome to our home as a guest.”
“Hello, Shamar.”
Callie understood his words carefully. He said “guest,” clearly indicating that calling her sister-in-law was reluctant and he didn’t consider her part of the Oconnor family.
Everyone in the room had their own expressions, well-concealed.
“Nelson, it’s been almost half a year since you got married, and you’re only telling us now,” Shamar said with a scholarly air. “I wondered why you haven’t visited me at school lately; turns out you’ve been hiding your beauty at home.”