The sky was neither fully dark nor bright, and fireworks were already being set off in the distance, creating a strong festive atmosphere.
Shamar had been waiting respectfully at the door for some time. When he saw them, he smiled and said, “Brother and Callie only come back a few times a year. It’s a shame you can’t stay for the New Year’s Eve dinner. Father is really looking forward to it.”
Callie and Nelson exchanged a glance. Nelson smiled faintly, “With you here at the ancestral hall, Grandpa and I are at ease. I have to report back over there, so we can’t stay today.”
Shamar said no more.
They walked out of the O’Connor family home together. Callie glanced at her phone; nothing unusual. The car waiting at the door was parked steadily. She didn’t understand why Jaquan had called earlier, urging them to leave immediately after the ceremony.
She wanted to tell Nelson, but he didn’t like her interacting with that man, so she kept quiet.
For now, everything seemed fine.
Dale and others stood at the door to see them off. He said politely to Callie, “Next time we meet will be during Qingming. Take care of yourself.”
Callie nodded properly and took Nelson’s arm, ready to get into the car.
Just as the driver opened the car door, a gray Lincoln suddenly drove up the road in the opposite direction with its high beams on, heading straight for them. Everyone paused and looked over.
The ceremony was over; no one else should be coming.
This was…
Nelson squinted his eyes, his grip on Callie’s wrist tightening instinctively.
The Lincoln stopped right behind his G-Wagon. The driver got out first and opened the back door. Before anyone appeared, a clear woman’s voice rang out, “Still late.”
It was a crisp voice, not young but very commanding.
Callie’s heart skipped a beat. She instinctively looked at Nelson, whose face had turned dark, his eyes stormy as he stared at the woman.
A middle-aged woman stepped out. She looked somewhat aged but was dressed elegantly in a traditional long dress with a light yellow mink coat draped over her shoulders, exuding luxury.
She slowly took off her sunglasses and looked around, satisfied with the surprised expressions on everyone’s faces.
Someone gasped. Shamar even stepped forward and called out, “Nelson…”
Nelson showed no expression and pulled Callie slightly behind him, a protective gesture.
“Lucia? Why are you back?” Dale exclaimed first, his hand trembling on his cane.
Lucia? So this was Lucia?
Callie’s eyes widened slightly. As she had imagined, this woman had a strong presence. Up close, her eyes bore a striking resemblance to Nelson’s.
So… his mother wasn’t dead; she was alive.
Callie had always thought Nelson never mentioned her because she had passed away.
Not only was she alive, but she was also doing well.
“Dale, you don’t seem very happy to see me,” Lucia said gracefully as she walked up to Nelson, scrutinizing him while speaking to others.
“When did you get back?”
“Just got off the plane. Thought I’d come to offer incense on New Year’s Eve.”
Nelson said nothing and even looked away. He was tall, and Lucia had to look up at him, putting her at a disadvantage.
“Who is this?” Finally, Lucia’s gaze fell on the timid and delicate girl behind him.