Callie was a bit confused; she didn’t understand why Ahmad agreed so quickly.
“Mr. Ellison, if I may ask, what exactly convinced you?”
Ahmad propped his head up with one hand, studying her under the light. “Are you unhappy that I invested in you?”
“I just don’t know where to start being happy.”
He smirked, not hiding anything. “You look a lot like someone I used to know.”
So that was the reason.
Callie understood the situation and decided to accept it fully. As long as she could get the money, everything was negotiable. It wasn’t just about looking like someone; she would even play the role of that person if needed.
“Looking like someone Mr. Ellison used to know is my honor,” she said with a smile.
Callie wanted to ask who this person was but felt it would be too offensive. She sensed that Ahmad was different from Marilyn.
She bent slightly, while Ahmad remained composed. Their eye contact created a warm yet ambiguous atmosphere. Despite his age, Ahmad exuded an air of nobility that made one overlook his years.
Nelson pushed open the door to the private room and saw this scene.
“I’m late,” his magnetic voice drew attention.
The moment Callie saw Nelson, she froze and couldn’t smile anymore.
Ahmad continued to play with his wine glass, a hint of amusement in his eyes.
Nelson greeted a few people before walking up to Ahmad. He took off his suit jacket and handed it to a waiter as he sat down. “Mr. Ellison, you’re here too.”
Ahmad nodded, “Shamar came to see me today.”
His directness left Callie unsure of her role or how to react.
Nelson glanced at Callie, not sure who he was speaking for. “I’m sorry for the trouble. Shamar made a mistake in the competition between Jaquan and me. I’ll handle it. I didn’t expect him to come to you.”
Hypocrite, Callie thought.
“It doesn’t matter. Technically, you’re both juniors. It’s my duty to guide you,” Ahmad said, adjusting his posture.
Nelson then turned the conversation to Callie. “Did you come with Shamar?”
Callie looked at Ahmad. “Yes, Mr. Oconnor.”
“Mr. Ellison rarely sees guests. He’s kind to you today; don’t be so reckless next time,” Nelson warned, tapping his wine glass lightly. “It’s not good to take yourself too seriously.”
Callie silently endured his admonishment. “I understand.”
“Why be so harsh on your subordinates, Nelson? Too rigid,” Ahmad said, scrutinizing Callie again. “I think she is quite good.”
Even if she was slow to react, Callie felt the ambiguity in the air and instinctively avoided it.
“She’s still young, Mr. Ellison. Please don’t mind her,” Nelson quickly added and then said to her, “Come here.”
Callie hesitated but moved behind him, feeling an unexpected sense of security.
“As long as you handle relationships properly, I won’t mind,” Ahmad said with a subtle smile.
In an instant, Callie understood most of it. Although he felt some pity for her today, it could never compare to Marilyn, his own daughter.
It turned out he knew her identity but chose not to mention it publicly. It seemed everyone was like this; as long as her marriage with Nelson hadn’t gone public, she wouldn’t count as Mrs. Oconnor.
Realizing this made Callie much more clear-headed.