Callie felt the pain but quickly adjusted her expression, a skill she had mastered. When she looked up, her eyes were bright with unshed tears from the collision, but she managed a casual smile. “Mr. Oconnor.”
Nelson held a cup of coffee that had gone cold by the time he entered. His fingers, defined and slightly red, hinted he had been outside.
His tall frame was clad in a black trench coat, a sight that would undoubtedly capture many hearts if he walked outside.
Nelson didn’t look directly at her. He pushed the door open and left a cold remark, “If you have something to say, come in.”
Callie stood there, hesitant, clutching the proposal in her hand.
The man stopped and glanced back at her with a scrutinizing gaze of a superior. “I’ll give you ten minutes.”
Callie had no choice but to follow.
Nelson flipped through the freshly printed pages, still smelling of ink.
Callie had rushed back from the construction site, visibly upset and slightly sweaty. She had hurriedly grabbed the proposal and headed straight to his office, even pulling off her scarf on the way.
Her exposed neck was fairer than the snow outside, complementing her lively features. However, a faint bruise from a confrontation with a stubborn resident was visible near her collarbone.
Nelson put down the proposal. “The government won’t requisition this land for at least two months. Winter isn’t over yet; you can try negotiating with the residents again.”
He effectively dismissed Callie’s suggestion.
Standing in the spotless office, Callie faced the immaculate man before her, her face alternating between red and white in anger.
She raised an eyebrow, and just as Nelson thought she might lose her temper, she said, “Fine, I’ll go a few more times if needed.”
She knew that forced eviction wasn’t feasible. If someone got hurt, Oconnor Group would be in serious trouble.
She left the proposal behind, her tone noticeably colder as she turned to leave.
Nelson’s deep voice followed her. “They’ll do anything for money. If direct negotiation doesn’t work, try influencing those around them.”
Callie stopped and looked back to see Nelson leisurely sipping his coffee, completely unhurried.
She responded sarcastically, “My mistake. I should have learned such tactics from Mr. Oconnor.”
Nelson caught the full meaning of her bitter words.
He didn’t look at her; the rapidly scrolling data on his computer screen was more captivating.
Callie regretted not snatching his coffee and throwing it in his face, capturing his disgrace for the world to see.
Their interaction suddenly became strictly professional, both showing signs of stubbornness.
Callie harbored resentment towards him because of Jett.
Nelson noticed but didn’t address it.
He found a resume on his desk and lightly tossed it in front of Callie. “Shamar will start next month. You’ll be responsible for welcoming him.”
She was surprised and frowned. “So soon?”
For a moment, they seemed like a married couple. Nelson raised an eyebrow at her. “Is it too much for you?”
Callie glared at him. “Of course not. I’ll make sure to give Mr. Oconnor’s family a warm welcome.”
With that, she turned and left without hesitation, missing Nelson’s amused smile-a mix of helplessness and affection.