Nelson poured Ahmad a drink and said, “I heard from Marilyn that your lumbar spine has been troubling you lately. I’ve scheduled an appointment with the best doctor in Ylosea for you. You should go for some therapy when you have time.”
“It’s an old problem, no need to trouble yourself,” Ahmad replied. “You’ve been spending a lot of time with Marilyn recently.”
“The research project she’s working on for Vanco involves the Oconnor Group. So we have business contacts,” Nelson answered calmly, showing no signs of anything inappropriate.
Ahmad understood, “I’ll keep an eye on her.”
As the social gathering ended, Nelson left Kenker Hotel with his entourage and saw Ahmad into his car, reminding the driver to drive carefully.
Ahmad sat in the back seat and looked past Nelson to Callie, “Come here.”
Nelson stepped back, his eyes darkening. Callie stepped forward with a smile, “Mr. Ellison.”
“To be honest, I was quite shocked when I first saw the news,” Ahmad said bluntly.
Callie’s smile stiffened, “I think you misunderstood.”
“I won’t let Marilyn ruin your family, as long as you don’t harm her. But if she insists, as her father, I will support her. Miss Marsh, I advise you to correct your position.”
It was a warning.
Callie responded without changing her expression, “Mr. Ellison, what exists between Mr. Oconnor and Miss Ellison is actually Miss Ellison’s intention.”
For the first time all evening, Ahmad’s composed face showed a hint of surprise, “Marilyn?”
Callie nodded, straightened up, and stepped back. The driver started the car and drove Ahmad away.
With no other choice, she had to leave with Nelson.
It was rush hour, and the road was packed with cars, forming a long traffic jam. No matter how good Nelson’s car was, it couldn’t fly and was stuck in the middle.
The atmosphere in the car was tense.
Callie sat in the corner, clutching a bottle of mineral water, messaging Shamar to go straight home as things were settled.
He was surprised and asked how she managed it. Callie didn’t reply.
Today Kieran was driving. Noticing the tense atmosphere, he tried to lighten the mood.
“Ylosea’s traffic is almost as bad as the capital’s. With roads like these, how do they plan to keep a million college students? It’s ridiculous.”
Callie’s grip loosened, and the water bottle rolled to Kieran’s feet. He didn’t dare bend down to pick it up.
She remained silent while Nelson’s face grew darker. He didn’t say a word but exuded an intimidating aura that made the temperature drop. Callie didn’t understand why he was angry; wasn’t this situation exactly what he wanted?
“I didn’t know you’d be at Kenker Hotel today. It wasn’t intentional,” she finally said.
Nelson finally looked at her, his eyes cold as stars.
“My schedule didn’t include Kenker Hotel today,” he clarified, indicating he went there because of her.
Callie pressed her lips together, “So you saw it. Are you satisfied now?” Did her embarrassment please him?
“Is this the life you insisted on having?” Nelson suppressed his anger. “You’re tough at home but act like this outside. Do you know who Ahmad is? With a flick of his finger, he could throw you into the sea to feed the fish.”
She felt his anger but didn’t move.
Callie’s mind echoed Ahmad’s words.
After she endured such humiliation, Nelson’s anger was nothing in comparison.
She didn’t argue or make a sound. After a long while, she finally spoke, “Are you done?”
Nelson raised an eyebrow.
Callie nodded, “Yes, this is my life now. I have no right to resist.”