When the time comes, she would just say, “Let’s see how sincere Mr. Oconnor really is.”
In the first two rounds, Nelson was clearly teaching her the ropes, and he lost spectacularly without any suspense.
Callie laughed openly, always eager to take advantage of Nelson, forgetting any previous grudges.
Nelson didn’t mind, his expression relaxed, signaling her to continue.
“If I win one more round, you lose.”
Unexpectedly, Nelson won the next round. Just as Callie was starting to get the hang of it, he won another round.
Callie began to panic, staring into Nelson’s eyes. “Are you cheating?”
Nelson spread his hands for her to inspect: “You think too little of me.”
Well, that made sense.
Half-believing, Callie dealt the last hand, almost holding her breath as she watched Nelson’s moves.
Nelson gathered his cards, a faint smile playing on his lips. “Afraid I’ll win?”
“I’m afraid you’ll use this against me,” she said, as if she wouldn’t do the same.
Nelson didn’t reply, leisurely handling his last card, lifting a corner to peek at it, tapping his fingers on the card’s surface.
Callie was anxious. She hated Nelson’s calm and composed demeanor the most. No one could tell the outcome from his face, but he looked like he had it in the bag.
Nelson glanced at the anxious girl and nonchalantly threw down the decisive card.
A three of spades.
Nelson lost!
“You lost!” Callie beamed, slapping the table in excitement, almost jumping out of her seat.
She loved the thrill of beating Nelson.
“I lost,” Nelson admitted willingly. “What do you want me to do?”
Getting the head of Oconnor Group to say “I lost” was a dream come true for many.
Callie thought for a moment and said, “I can ask you to do anything?”
“At your service.”
Before Callie could respond, Todd woke up from the noise, yawning: “It’s late, you should head home.”
Of course, they couldn’t let Todd pay. The old man had had too much to drink, so Nelson went to settle the bill himself.
As he left, Todd suddenly grabbed Callie’s hand, speaking a bit incoherently, “Nelson hasn’t visited me in years, and he’s never brought a woman before. You’re the first; it must mean something special. You two take care of each other.”
Callie’s earlier excitement faded away. Hearing Todd’s almost fatherly advice made her feel heavy-hearted.
Todd held onto her hand tightly. “I know he’s a big shot now in many places, and I can’t control him anymore. Callie, you have to keep an eye on him for me…”
“This kid has been rebellious since he was young, daring to do anything. You must make sure he stays away from illegal stuff.”
Todd’s face was flushed from drinking, but his eyes were resolute.
Callie wanted to say she couldn’t control Nelson; he wasn’t someone who could be controlled by anyone.
But seeing Todd’s earnest eyes, she couldn’t bring herself to say it.
The old man adored the child he watched grow up. He wanted to see him succeed but not go astray.
Todd looked up at the sky and sighed, remembering something. “Of course, if he’s ever bad to you, come find me. I’ll set him straight!”
Callie couldn’t help but laugh.