His words revealed two pieces of information: Nelson treated his younger brother quite well, and “hiding a beauty at home” was sarcasm.
Nelson held Callie’s hand tightly, his smile not reaching his eyes. “Now that we’ve met, I will start checking your studies.”
Shamar frowned. “Nelson, you’re so annoying.”
The room filled with laughter.
Shamar laughed too and suddenly changed the topic, asking Callie, “Callie, I heard you graduated from Ylosea University?”
“Yes.”
“You’re my senior then.” Shamar’s smile revealed his canines. “I’m also at Ylosea University, in my senior year. We can meet often.”
Callie didn’t know what to say, so she just smiled and nodded. After all, returning a smile is usually the safest response.
Dale interrupted Shamar and had someone open a display case filled with rows of bracelets. Jade ones.
Shamar said, “Dad had these treasures shipped overnight from London.”
“Huh?”
Dale said, “Since it’s Callie’s first visit, as her uncle, I must give her a meeting gift. Choose whichever you like, don’t be shy.”
Although Callie didn’t know much about jade, she could tell these items were very valuable. She tried to decline, “Uncle, you’re too kind. I didn’t bring any gifts myself, so I feel embarrassed…”
Out of the corner of her eye, she glanced at Nelson sitting calmly. He stood up, took her hand, and scanned the display case with a critical eye. “Uncle’s gesture should be accepted,” he said.
He then picked a bracelet with excellent quality and slipped it onto Callie’s wrist.
She vaguely saw a flash of disdain in his eyes, which quickly disappeared.
With this action, everyone noticed the silver bracelet originally on Callie’s wrist, its shine dazzling.
Some were surprised.
Something had been settled; the eldest son of the Oconnor family was truly married.
After this, Callie met many elders from the Oconnor family’s branches. Each had their own characteristics, but none left as deep an impression as Dale.
The bracelet on her wrist felt as heavy as a thousand pounds.
Everyone smiled at her, but all she felt was immense pressure. Nelson’s words echoed in her mind: “Be cautious with your words and actions. Trust no one.”
She suddenly realized that under Nelson’s guidance, she had become quite adept at interacting with the Oconnor family members.
During the meal, Dale talked to Nelson about trivial family matters and occasionally discussed external business affairs, seemingly without reservation. In social interactions, Nelson faked a friendly look.
The Oconnor family members were all present. After some brief pleasantries, the group headed to the ancestral hall in a grand procession.
Nelson and others walked at the front, with Callie nervously following by his side.
Years ago, the Oconnor family members had shares in Oconnor Group. Later, when Nelson rose to prominence, all shares were reclaimed, leaving many as idle personnel. Now, seeing Oconnor Group thriving, everyone wanted a piece of the pie.
However, all their roundabout attempts were outdone by Shamar’s straightforward request: “Nelson, I’m about to start looking for internships. Can you pull some strings to get me into Oconnor Group?”
Nelson didn’t refuse and teased, “You haven’t shown me your grades for this semester yet.”
Shamar grinned proudly. “I’ll go get them right away.”
Nelson responded casually, “Alright.”
The ancestral hall was large and its rituals complicated. Callie followed along as best as she could. When she bowed and offered incense, she finally felt it-she seemed to have truly become part of the Oconnor family, inseparable from it.