“But I’m not just anyone,” she replied quickly.
“So now you know.”
After a brief silence, Grandpa put down his teacup. “She’s reliable in work, ruthless and goal-oriented, but in personal matters, don’t trust her too much.”
Callie pondered. She couldn’t understand how, despite everything, Nelson was Lucia’s flesh and blood. How could she not love him?
“Callie, you’re the only person Nelson can trust now. Don’t let him down.”
Callie nodded repeatedly. “I understand.”
After returning, she immediately contacted Mrs. Gamble and arranged for afternoon tea.
“I only found out after returning that yesterday’s meeting with Chief Gamble was about the Oconnor Group’s work. Nelson insisted I treat Mrs. Gamble well. It was my oversight,” Callie spoke gracefully.
“Oconnor Group’s work?” Mrs. Gamble was puzzled.
“Yes, didn’t you know? Lucia is collaborating with the Oconnor Group. We’re preparing for the spring e-commerce season.” Callie handed over a document from her recent research with Shamar.
Mrs. Gamble couldn’t understand it but caught the key terms and believed it. “Really? What a coincidence.”
“Indeed,” Callie smiled warmly. “But… I asked you out today to discuss something.”
She feigned difficulty, piquing Mrs. Gamble’s curiosity. “What is it?”
“I don’t like gossiping about others, but Lucia’s private conduct is quite improper. I felt I should warn you,” Callie said.
Mrs. Gamble was shocked. “Improper conduct? She seemed quite refined and commanding to me.”
“Mrs. Gamble, as women, we know what kind of women men like the most. Didn’t Chief Gamble praise her endlessly yesterday?” Callie guided gently.
Mrs. Gamble thought for a moment and slapped her thigh. “He did.”
“Lucia is well-connected overseas.” Callie handed over an envelope containing photos Kieran had collected of Lucia with various men.
Though nothing inappropriate was happening, the photos could easily be misinterpreted.
As expected, Mrs. Gamble was shocked. “Oh dear, she’s meeting my husband at Kenker Hotel tomorrow.”
Callie understood. “Kenker Hotel? It should be fine in a public place.”
But Mrs. Gamble wasn’t convinced. “No, I must go with them. I can’t trust it!”
Callie remained calm, sipping her tea without further comment.
Mrs. Gamble grabbed her hand. “Mrs. Oconnor, Kenker Hotel is Nelson’s territory. Why don’t you come with me?”
Within three seconds, Callie’s expression changed from confusion to agreement. She nodded gladly. “Sure, I’d be happy to accompany you.”
That night, Nelson called via video. “The Kenker Hotel manager said you have a reservation tomorrow.”
Callie felt a headache coming on. “How did the news travel so fast? Shouldn’t they confirm reservations with me first? Why call you?”
The video was shaky and blurry, but Nelson’s stern face was still visible. “What are you going there for?”
Callie propped her head with one hand, looking indifferent. “Mrs. Gamble is enthusiastic and invited me and some wealthy ladies to play cards.”
“You? That’s not your style.”
Callie laughed. “They invite me thanks to you. They chose Kenker Hotel, your territory. How could I refuse as Mrs. Oconnor?”