“I’ll put it on hold,” Jaquan responded evasively, “I didn’t know she knew Nelson.”
It made sense; someone of her social standing knowing Nelson wasn’t surprising.
“And what about Marilyn?”
He was indifferent, “It doesn’t matter anymore.”
Callie didn’t believe him, “So why did you call me here today?”
“You might not see Nelson at Oconnor Group, but you can here.”
So that was his plan.
Callie hadn’t figured out how to negotiate with Nelson. He had removed her from her position, which was within his rights as a leader. His aggressive actions against Scott Group left her with no room to argue.
She felt a lump in her chest that hadn’t dissipated since their earlier confrontation.
Feeling nauseous again, Callie stood up, “I need to go to the restroom.”
The restroom was past the private dining rooms. Callie instinctively looked around but didn’t see Karlie or Nelson.
She splashed water on her face, feeling much more awake. Looking in the mirror, she realized how disheveled she had been. Standing next to Karlie, the contrast would be stark.
As she walked out of the restroom with her head down, she considered whether she should go back and rest.
“Ah…” She seemed to bump into someone, her forehead hitting a hard chest. Dizzy for a moment, she started to fall but was caught by a large hand.
Startled, Callie regained her vision and looked up to see a familiar clean-shaven chin. Moving her gaze upward…
She abruptly pushed away and stepped back cautiously, “What are you doing here?”
The tall man sneered and moved closer, “Still unrepentant? Is he that attractive to you? Even he’ll become a live-in son-in-law, you won’t let him go.”
He emphasized “live-in son-in-law” with a harsh tone.
Callie’s chest heaved. Any intention of having a civil conversation vanished. She wanted to throw her bag at his face, “Nelson, show some respect.”
But he grabbed her wrist and pulled her close, his breath hot against her ear like a snake’s hiss, “Does Jaquan want Faithview Group to invest in Scott Group? How much power do you think he has now? Without shares, he can’t do anything. He can’t get married immediately; he’s just barely hanging on.”
Callie raised her hand to slap him, “Nelson!”
He caught her hand easily, overpowering her with his strength.
Tears welled up in Callie’s eyes, a thin layer of moisture.
She suddenly understood. Nelson was forcing Jaquan down this path.
Either Scott Group would fall apart, or Jaquan would have to marry. Either way, Nelson won.
What a calculation.
Nelson tightened his grip on her wrist.
She must hate him now. Did she know how much it hurt him to see Jaquan serving her soup so intimately?
Callie tried to break free. Suddenly, a wave of nausea hit her. She covered her mouth and bent over. The man paused, allowing her to break free and run back to the restroom, where she dry-heaved over the sink.
Nelson followed, his heart tightening at the sight. An uncontrollable wave of pain washed over him.
He stood there stunned, watching Callie vomit. He instinctively raised his hand to pat her back but stopped mid-air, realizing he had no right to do so now.
Feeling slightly better, Callie turned on the faucet and washed her hands. She looked up coldly and saw the man staring at her with a complex expression, “You…”
Callie mimicked his cold smirk, “What do you think it is?”
She saw his lips move slightly. Her heartbeat stopped for a moment as darkness suddenly overwhelmed her vision. She closed her eyes and lost all consciousness.
“Callie!”