Callie attended another auction dinner today, but this time she had Nelson’s invitation.
The reception staff saw her card and immediately understood she was representing the Oconnor Group, granting her entry without delay.
She wore the same smoky gray long dress, standing out under the spotlight with an extraordinary aura. Callie found a seat and waited for the auction to begin.
As soon as she sat down, she overheard whispers behind her, “I heard Mr. Ellison is here today too. His intentions are too obvious.”
“Strange, isn’t it? Such matters can be handled by subordinates. Why do these big shots need to come personally?”
“For something this important, it’s best to oversee it personally.”
Callie tightened her grip on her bag, realizing that today’s auction required asset screening; only those with significant assets were eligible to participate.
She scanned the room, understanding that Ahmad was also present. She wondered if he was after the same item as Nelson.
An elderly but imposing man sat in the center of the crowd. Perhaps sensing her gaze, he looked in Callie’s direction and paused.
Callie stiffened and belatedly nodded at him. Ahmad then withdrew his gaze, seemingly displeased with her presence.
“Lucia.”
“Lucia is here too, take your seats.”
The small commotion drew Callie’s attention again. She turned her head and was surprised to see Lucia. Dressed in a women’s suit with heavy makeup, Lucia looked much better than the last time they met; it seemed her life had improved significantly.
Callie took a deep breath, feeling a sense of foreboding.
Surrounded by such prominent figures, she felt out of place.
The auction began with a few ordinary items, which failed to pique much interest. Callie felt a sharp pain in her lower abdomen; the first day of her period was always tough.
She endured the pain and played with her phone, messaging Nelson to ask if her medicine was ready.
He replied quickly: The secretary has taken it to be prepared.
Callie continued: I saw Lucia.
After a while, he responded with a simple: Yes.
“Miss Marsh, may I sit next to you?” A clear female voice suddenly sounded beside her. Callie instinctively turned off her phone and looked up to see Karlie, a well-groomed socialite who smiled warmly.
“Of course.”
Karlie sat next to her, still smiling, “I didn’t expect to see you here.”
“I’m here on behalf of someone.”
“Is it Jaquan?” Karlie adjusted her earring, her expression calm. “Or is it Nelson?”
Callie realized that this seemingly gentle woman was not to be underestimated. She answered honestly, “Not Jaquan.”
“Oh, every time I see you with Jaquan, you seem quite close. I thought there was something special between you two.” Karlie’s smile didn’t reach her eyes.
Callie remembered that the marriage alliance between Scott Group and Faithview Group had fallen through. Karlie must have harbored some resentment towards Jaquan since she seemed to like him a lot.
“My interactions with Jaquan were all under your watchful eye. You’re overthinking it.”
“That doesn’t deny your capabilities, does it?” Karlie dropped her smile. “Scott Group transferred a billion dollars to you, Faithview Group suffered greatly, yet you walked away unscathed with Nelson’s protection. The war between you few left me as the only victim. Is that fair?”