She felt like a walking corpse.
Even as the sky began to lighten, her mind remained clear, filled only with exhaustion, devoid of any sleepiness.
Kieran was also very tired, but for once, he didn’t show any dissatisfaction towards her. “How about we go down and get something to eat?”
Callie wasn’t in the mood. “You go ahead.”
She fiddled with her phone for a long time before finally turning off airplane mode and calling Jaquan.
He seemed to have just woken up, his voice hoarse. “Callie?”
She was silent for a moment. At this point, she could no longer face him with her usual attitude.
“I need you to do me a favor.”
Jaquan had one good trait; he never asked unnecessary questions and agreed quickly.
“I need you to investigate Regan. I want not only her identity, background, and personal life but also all the evidence of her stealing my designs. I will not let her get away with this.” This was her second sentence.
Callie stood in the early morning mist of Ylosea, her face obscured by the fog. Her voice was soft but carried an unshakeable determination.
Jaquan was quiet for a moment on the other end.
Her final words were: “I know you’re somewhat associated with them. You can choose to protect her, but if you help me, I will repay you in kind. It’s your choice. Oh, and make sure to check on Nelson.”
Jaquan listened and then asked, “What happened with Nelson?”
Callie closed her eyes and hung up the phone.
Kieran returned with a bag of breakfast. She asked him to drive to the hospital. Just before getting out of the car at the hospital, Callie noticed something out of the corner of her eye.
It was wedged in the corner of the seat.
White.
Lace-trimmed.
Her hands trembled slightly in disbelief as she asked, “Kieran, where did you pick up Nelson yesterday?”
Kieran looked troubled. He pressed his lips together, slightly apologetic. “I really can’t say.”
He watched as Callie pulled out a white bra from the corner of the seat. It was very sexy and not small in size.
She was sitting in the spot Nelson usually occupied.
Just as Kieran was about to speak, Callie pushed open the car door and ran to a nearby trash can to retch.
“…”
The hospital in the early morning was filled with the smell of disinfectant.
She sat by Reuben’s bedside, looking pale. She stared at him and slowly began to speak. “Dad, I don’t feel happy…”
The only response was the sound of the medical equipment.
It was too early; Tobias hadn’t arrived for work yet.
A nurse came in for rounds and was surprised to see Callie. “So early?”
Callie nodded absentmindedly. After another half hour, Tobias came in for his usual rounds and frowned when he saw Callie. “Callie? What’s wrong?”
He immediately noticed something was off about her.
Tobias quickly stepped forward and placed his palm on her forehead. No fever.
“I’m fine. I worked overnight and just came by to check on him this morning.”
Tobias’s eyes were filled with infinite concern. “Isn’t he there? Why do you have to work so hard? Your health is most important.”
Isn’t he there…
Callie said wearily, “Tobias, do you also think I’m just an accessory to him?”
Tobias was taken aback. “That’s not what I meant.”
Callie shook her head with a bitter smile. “Didn’t you say my father’s condition had improved? Why hasn’t there been any change?”
“He has improved, Callie. I believe he will wake up soon.” Tobias glanced at the man on the bed and tried to encourage her. “Trust me, it will be soon.”
“Really? How soon is ‘soon’?”